In this very first episode of the Stamped series on the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins welcomes Amanda Kendle, creator of the Thoughtful Travel Podcast. Together, they dive into Amanda’s personal travel stories, exploring the sparks that set her on a lifelong journey of exploration, her most memorable destinations, and the transformative impact of travel.

Amanda reminisces about early adventures, from a childhood road trip around Europe to epic journeys like crossing Russia on the Trans-Siberian railway. She shares practical insights on navigating off-the-beaten-path destinations, the joy of long-distance train travel, and her deep connections with places like Japan and Iceland. 

Listeners get a candid look at travel from the perspective of someone passionate yet relatable, with highlights on family trips, cultural immersion, and the magic that happens when plans are left flexible.

⭐️ Guest - Amanda Kendle of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast
📝  Show Notes - Episode  63

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #1: The Thoughtful Traveller’s Guide with Amanda Kendle
• Episode #11: Connecting Travellers with Local Experiences: A Conversation with LikeLocal Founder Gevorg Babayan
• Episode #12: Cultural Immersion Explored: Adventures in Vietnam and Cambodia with LikeLocal

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Tracy and Doug reflect on their incredible nine-month journey across 22 countries and four continents, sharing candid insights about their favourite destinations, practical tips, and lessons learned from long-term travel.

• Morocco and Sri Lanka emerged as top destinations with their rich cultures and warm hospitality
• Food tours provide the perfect introduction to new destinations, offering local knowledge and culinary insights
• Strategic packing with thermal layers proved essential for navigating between European winters and Asian heat
• Leaving luggage at a "base location" solves the challenge of packing for multiple seasons and climates
• Balancing work and travel requires designated work days and dividing responsibilities based on strengths
• Christmas markets in Germany create magical winter experiences worth braving the cold temperatures
• Train strikes and unexpected weather can derail plans, highlighting the importance of flexibility
• Comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable – "if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel"
• Checking for local festivals and holidays before booking helps avoid unexpected disruptions
• Slower travel with longer stays in fewer destinations provides a more rewarding experience

If you're dreaming of your own extended adventure, visit globaltravelplanning.com for detailed itineraries and practical planning advice from our journey around the world.

Show notes - Episode 62

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #5: Navigating Long-Term Travel: Insider Tips from Travel Content Creator Tess Moone
• Episode #8: Planning the Ultimate Travel Adventure to Asia and Beyond
• Episode 48– Moroccan Adventure: Highlights, Culture, and Travel Tips fro

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Lucerne captivates the imagination with its perfect blend of natural splendour and medieval charm. Nestled beside the crystalline waters of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by majestic Alpine peaks, this Swiss gem offers travellers an unforgettable experience that combines outdoor adventure with rich cultural heritage.

Join us as Carolyn from Holidays to Switzerland shares her passionate expertise about this enchanting destination. Having first fallen in love with Switzerland in 1988, Carolyn reveals her top five favourite experiences in Lucerne, starting with the iconic Chapel Bridge adorned with colourful flowers in summer and the surrounding Old Town with its beautifully frescoed buildings. She guides us through the essential lake cruise options, from short excursions to full-day journeys aboard everything from modern vessels to Belle Epoque paddle steamers.

We explore beyond the tourist centres to discover charming lakeside villages like Brunnen, where you can craft your own Swiss Army knife at the Victorinox factory, and uncover mountain adventures including the spectacular "Golden Round Trip" to Mount Pilatus via Europe's steepest cogwheel railway. For chocolate enthusiasts, Carolyn highlights boutique chocolatiers that offer artisanal tastings, showcasing Switzerland's expertise in chocolate beyond mass-market brands.

The conversation reveals hidden gems, such as the medieval Musegg Wall with its nine towers offering panoramic views. It offers practical advice about the best seasons to visit – from flower-filled summer days to the magical winter Light Festival, when historic buildings transform through artistic illuminations. Perhaps most valuable is Carolyn's insight about the most common traveller mistake: underestimating how much time Lucerne deserves within a Swiss itinerary.

Whether you're planning your first Swiss adventure or returning to explore more deeply, this episode provides the perfect blend of practical tips and inspirational insights to help you experience the very best of Lucerne. Listen now to discover why this lakeside city deserves a prominent place on your tr

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The Ladies Who Travel dive into hilarious and confusing ways English varies worldwide, demonstrating how even English speakers can struggle to understand each other when travelling between countries.

• Words like "thongs," "chips," and "restroom" have completely different meanings in the UK, Australia, and America
• Cultural communication beyond words includes queuing etiquette and personal space expectations
• Google Translate is essential for navigation, ordering food, and even handling emergencies abroad
• Download language packs before travelling to ensure translation access without internet
• Learning just three words—hello, please, and thank you—in the local language makes a significant difference
• Speaking slower and enunciating clearly helps when communicating across language barriers
• Reading the room and adjusting behaviour to match local customs shows respect when travelling
• Non-verbal communication varies significantly between cultures, including hand gestures and personal space

Join the Ladies Who Travel next in episode 65, where we'll discuss food experiences while travelling, including how to navigate dietary restrictions and picky eating habits abroad.

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

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #47– Pack Like a Pro: Essential Tips, Tricks + Travel Hacks
• Episode #52 – Travel Safe Travel Smart: Real Tips for Every Type of Traveller

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In this week's episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug are joined by guest host Karen to share a detailed trip report from their first journey through Sri Lanka.

Over the course of three weeks, they explored ancient temples, rode scenic trains through lush tea plantations, spotted wildlife on safari, and experienced the vibrant culture and cuisine of this unforgettable island nation. In this candid and practical conversation, they reflect on why Sri Lanka captured their imagination, how they built a flexible yet thorough itinerary, and what it’s really like to travel independently across the country.

You’ll hear honest insights into transport options (including trains, drivers, and tuk-tuks), accommodation highlights—from luxury resorts to family-run homestays—and cultural etiquette around festivals and sacred sites. From the misty hills of Ella to the beaches of the south coast, this episode is full of travel inspiration, logistical tips, and real-world advice to help you plan your own Sri Lankan adventure.

Whether you're actively planning a trip or just dreaming of distant destinations, tune in for a journey through one of Asia’s most rewarding countries.

Guest Host - Karen Bleakley of the New Life in Australia podcast
Show notes - Episode 59

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #4: Vietnam Travel Guide – Expert Tips and Info for First-Time Visitors
• Episode #14: Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers
• Episode #15: Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors to Singapore

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Tasmania captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and unique charm that sets it apart from mainland Australia. Travel writer Jennifer Johnston shares her deep knowledge and passion for this island state, explaining why it should be on everyone's Australian itinerary.

• Tasmania offers cooler temperatures than mainland Australia, with fresh air that feels rejuvenating
• The island is compact and easy to navigate, with most destinations accessible within a few hours' drive
• Cradle Mountain provides opportunities to see wombats and wildlife in their natural habitat
• The Bay of Fires and Tasman Peninsula offer spectacular coastal scenery
• Tasmania's food scene features exceptional local produce, wines, whisky, and "the creamiest ice cream from the happiest cows"
• Honesty boxes along country roads sell fresh local produce on the honour system
• With only 500,000 residents (40% around Hobart), visitors often find themselves alone on spectacular beaches and scenic roads
• Lesser-known gems include Cockle Creek (Australia's southernmost accessible point), Mount Roland, and the Corinna wilderness area
• Indigenous culture and Palawa history are increasingly acknowledged, with experiences like the Wukalina Walk
• Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury stays like The Keep and Saffire Freycinet

Remember to allow plenty of time and avoid overpacking your itinerary when visiting Tasmania. The island rewards slow travel and spontaneous discoveries.

Guest - Jennifer Johnston of Travel Bug Within Tasmania
Show notes - Episode 58

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #18: Queensland Travel Tips: Beaches, Outback Adventures, and Hidden Gems
• Episode #20: An Introduction to Margaret River WA with Kerry Heaney

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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

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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 hour

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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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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 P

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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!