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

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

What makes Switzerland one of the most breathtaking countries in the world to explore by train?

This week Tracy is joined by Switzerland travel expert Carolyn, founder of Holidays to Switzerland, to talk about the scenic rail journeys and mountain excursions that draw visitors back again and again.

From iconic panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express to shorter but equally spectacular routes such as the Lucerne–Interlaken Express, this episode dives into how Switzerland’s rail network turns travel days into unforgettable experiences. Carolyn shares her favourite train journeys, tips for planning around start and end points, and why flexibility is key when dealing with Alpine weather.

They also discuss common mistakes travellers make, including overpacking and forgetting to book seat reservations on panoramic trains, plus practical advice on using the Swiss Travel Pass and regional rail passes to help manage costs in one of Europe’s most expensive destinations.

You’ll also hear how to choose the right mountain excursions, whether you prefer cogwheel railways, funiculars or cable cars, and why allowing time in each base makes all the difference to your experience.

If Switzerland is on your list, this episode will help you plan smarter, travel lighter, and be prepared to be amazed at every turn.

Guest - Carolyn of Holidays to Switzerland
Show notes - Episode 90

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #6 - An introduction to Switzerland
• Episode #61 - Lucerne Deep Dive
• Episode #85 – Top 10 Most Incredible Train Journeys Around the World

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

This week Tracy is joined by seasoned travel podcaster and traveller Chris Christensen, host of the Amateur Traveler podcast, to share his recent experience travelling through the Peruvian Amazon.

Together, they explore why this vast and remote region is far more accessible than many travellers expect. Drawing on Chris’s small-group river expedition, the conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it’s really like to travel the Amazon, from river life and wildlife encounters to village visits and the realities of logistics, comfort, and daily routines.

Chris explains how the Peruvian Amazon differs from the coastal and Andean parts of Peru many travellers are familiar with, what surprised him most about the trip, and why the experience felt adventurous without being as difficult or intimidating as expected.

•  Why much of Peru lies in the Amazon basin
 • How to reach the Peruvian Amazon via Lima, Iquitos, and the river port
 • What it’s like spending a week on a small Amazon river boat
 • How seasonal water levels shape routes, fishing, and daily life
 • Blackwater lakes, piranha fishing, and safe swimming
 • Wildlife encounters including birds, sloths, monkeys, and pink dolphins
 • What village visits and local life along the river are really like
 • Food on board and sharing a traditional village meal
 • Mobility needs, skiffs, stairs, and uneven terrain
 • What to pack for heat, insects, and wildlife viewing
 • Why the Amazon is more accessible than many travellers 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

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Ever wondered what it actually takes to reach Antarctica and what it feels like when your boots hit the ice? We open up the journey, from long-haul hops to Ushuaia and life aboard a small HX Expeditions hybrid ship to the reality of the Drake Passage, then unpack how strict biosecurity and expert-led briefings make this fragile place accessible without losing what makes it special.

From the first glide through the Lemaire Channel to five unforgettable landings, we share practical detail on zodiacs, group rotations, and why “penguin highways” must be respected. Expect honest gear talk, thermals, waterproof trousers and sunblock over bulky ski wear, plus notes on seasickness, balcony cabins, and how the science centre turns downtime into discovery. We also get real about cost, value, and choosing a responsible operator that prioritises smaller groups and environmental impact.

Guest travellers Karen and David add vivid moments, whales surfacing beside a silent ship, the shock of a polar plunge, and stepping onto the mainland at an Argentine base. We compare Antarctica with the Falkland Islands, weigh when to go, and highlight wildlife spotted from deck. If you’re planning your first polar cruise or simply curious about the White Continent, this is a grounded guide to going prepared and coming home with more than photos.

📝  Show Notes - Episode 88

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #86 - Around the World in 2025: Global Travel Planning’s Year in 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

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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 Lovers
• Episode 57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
• Episode 74 – Brisbane to Perth Road Trip [Itinerary, Tips and Costs]

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📍London Travel Planning
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Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

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]

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Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

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

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

This week, the mic is flipped. Tracy invites her friend and fellow podcaster Amanda Kendle (The Thoughtful Travel Podcast) to quiz her about the moments that shaped a lifetime of travel. From a grandmother’s pack of postcards that sparked obsession to the Gerald Durrell books that made strangers feel familiar, and a teenage long haul to London that dissolved fear at the airport gate.

What unfolds is an honest map of how curiosity becomes confidence, and why the best lessons hide in everyday routines.

Tracy gets personal and practical: her most vivid early memory isn’t a landmark, but a gîte in rural France, scooters with local kids and river swims that turned language doubt into determination. That thread leads to a year in the French Alps, fluent French, markets by Lake Geneva, and home cooking that treats a meal like a celebration.

They explore the difference between postcard cities and lived-in places. Paris doesn’t top her list, while Malta keeps calling back with blue coves, local buses, and child-friendly evenings on the promenade. And then there is Northumberland, with castles, Lindisfarne’s shifting tides, Hadrian’s Wall, and Barter Books, an overlooked stretch that trades queues for calm.

There is a wow moment too: a self-confessed non-hiker finding awe and peace on New Zealand’s Hooker Valley Track, with swing bridges, winter light, and a glacier-fed lake at the end of a boardwalk. Iceland still tempts, though cost and crowds keep it on the wish list.

And because great travel often depends on the smallest details, Tracy shares one unglamorous but essential tip: wear comfortable shoes you have already broken in. Simple, sensible, and the difference between wonder and blisters.

If you enjoy thoughtful travel stories, candid destination advice, and reflections that make your next trip smoother and richer, hit follow, share this episode, and leave a quick review on your favourite app. Your support helps more curious travellers find the show.

Guest host - Amanda Kendle (The Thoughtful Travel Podcast)

Show notes - Episode 84

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #63 Stamped: Amanda Kendle - How Thoughtful Travel Shapes a Life of Meaningful

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

This week host Tracy Collins is joined by Queensland expert Melissa, who shares her insider knowledge of where and when to experience Australia’s most iconic wildlife.

Together they uncover the magic of seeing animals in their natural habitats - from kangaroos hopping along the beach at Cape Hillsborough to whales breaching off Hervey Bay, turtles nesting on the Great Barrier Reef islands, and cassowaries striding through the Daintree.

You’ll learn:
 • How to match your Queensland itinerary with the wildlife you most want to see
 • The best seasons and times of day for spotting whales, turtles, kangaroos and more
 • Where to find koalas, cassowaries, platypuses and other rare species in the wild
 • How to plan safe and ethical wildlife experiences that support conservation
 • Tips for getting around Queensland, from self-drive routes to guided 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

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

From Christmas markets and snowy city breaks to planning for icy adventures like Antarctica, this Ladies Who Travel episode is all about embracing the magic of cold-weather travel.

Join Tracy and guest co-host Melissa as they share personal stories from winter trips across Europe, the UK, and Australia, including cosy fireside escapes, a daughter’s first experience of snow, and the surprising joys of travelling when the crowds have gone.

You’ll learn how to pack and layer for cold destinations, why mindset matters when temperatures drop, and how to plan realistic itineraries when daylight hours are short. The hosts also reveal their favourite winter getaways and bucket-list dreams, from New York at Christmas to Lapland’s snowy wonderland.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to travel in winter or are preparing for your own frosty adventure, this episode will inspire you to see the beauty in the chill, make the most of seasonal experiences, and enjoy the comfort and connection that only cold-weather travel can bring.

⭐️ Guest Co-host - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au)
📝  Show Notes - Episode 82

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #76 – Europe in December: Route, Highlights and Winter Travel 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]

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Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!