We take you on a journey through our 13-day adventure in Malaysia, exploring Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Ipoh by train, ferry and grab taxis while sharing our experiences, favourite foods, and practical tips.

• Flying business class on Malaysian Airways and enjoying their famous satay chicken skewers
• Staying at the Crowne Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, perfectly positioned five minutes from the Petronas Towers
• Taking the first-class train to Penang with access to the Ruby Lounge and meal service
• Exploring Penang's UNESCO sites, including the Peranakan Mansion and the Chew Jetties
• Witnessing monkeys crossing electrical wires at precisely 6:30 pm to reach their dinner spot
• Discovering Ipoh's incredible cave temples: Sam Po Tong, Nam Thaum Tong, and Ling Seng Tong
• Trying countless Malaysian dishes at hawker centres, including bean sprout chicken and Ais Kacang dessert
• Using the Grab app for easy and affordable taxi service throughout Malaysia
• Catching the comfortable Aeroline coach from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore instead of flying

Whether you're planning your first trip to Malaysia or returning for more exploration, be sure to carry some cash for food courts, stay hydrated in the tropical heat, and most importantly, come hungry for the incredible Malaysian cuisine.

Show notes - Episode 67

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #15 –  Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors to Singapore
• Episode #62 – Making Long-Term Travel Work: Practical Advice for Your Own Adventure
• Episode #47– Pack Like a Pro: Essential Tips, Tricks + Travel Hacks

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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!

Hawaii expert Marcie Cheung shares essential insights for planning your first trip to the islands, from choosing which island to visit to navigating transportation and experiencing authentic local culture. We unpack common misconceptions about Hawaii's geography, budget considerations, and practical tips for making the most of your Hawaiian vacation.

• Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island are the four main Hawaiian islands tourists visit
• Hawaii is expensive year-round – budget early for accommodation, flights, car rentals and activities
• Best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons: May-mid June and September-early November
• Plan one main activity per day rather than overscheduling your itinerary 
• No ferries connect the major islands – island hopping requires flights and half a day of travel time
• Most islands require rental cars – book well in advance
• Hawaii is casual – pack light with swimwear, one nice outfit, and reef-safe sunscreen
• Take advantage of happy hour "pupus" (Hawaiian appetisers) to save on food costs
• Must-try foods include Spam Musubi and authentic shave ice (not snow cones)
• Experience Hawaiian culture through hula performances and traditional luaus

Guest - Marcie Cheung from Hawaii Travel with Kids and host of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast.
Show notes - Episode 66

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #3: Exploring New Zealand’s South Island
• Episode #33: 3 Days in Los Angeles: Itinerary & Travel Tips
• Episode #30: Secrets of Maine: Local Experiences and Natural Wonders 

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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 Ladies Who Travel dish on food adventures around the globe, sharing their triumphs, disasters and discoveries while exploring how we eat abroad.

• Food tours offer cultural context, local knowledge and social connections for solo travellers
• Different dietary approaches require varying levels of preparation when travelling overseas
• Cultural misunderstandings can lead to surprising meals, like vegetarians being served chicken
• Exotic food experiences from jellyfish salad to fresh snake add adventure to travel tales
• Health considerations while travelling include carrying medications, protein supplements and activated charcoal
• Local markets provide authentic food experiences and direct economic support to communities
• Home dining experiences with locals create meaningful connections beyond typical tourism
• Strategies for healthy eating abroad include meal-sharing, cooking occasionally, and adjusting meal times

Take some comforts from home on your travels – your favourite tea bags, breakfast bars or snacks to help you find your feet in a new place before discovering local food options.

⭐️ Guests - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au) and Shelly Marie (SoloHerWay.com)
📝  Show Notes - Episode 60

🎧 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
• Episode #60 - Lost in Translation: Hilarious English Mix Ups on Your Adventures Abroad

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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!

Mariellen Ward, an award-winning Canadian travel writer and co-founder of the tour company India for Beginners, shares her transformative 20-year journey through India and how she now helps first-time visitors experience this vibrant country with confidence.

• Mariellen's first six-month Indian adventure arose from an inexplicable calling while battling grief and depression
• The feeling of "coming home" in Delhi sparked two decades of travel, writing, and eventually founding a custom tour company
• Common misconceptions about India include exaggerated safety concerns and assumptions about poverty
• Scammers targeting tourists present a greater challenge than violent crime
• Preparation is crucial – research clothing norms, health precautions, and cultural expectations before arrival
• Consider homestays over hotels for a more authentic, grounded experience
• Explore beyond the Golden Triangle – regions like Kerala and Madhya Pradesh offer rich experiences with fewer tourists
• Cultural sensitivity is essential – dress modestly, respect religious customs, remove shoes in homes and temples
• Time your visit according to weather patterns – each region has optimal seasons
• Plan around major festivals like Diwali when travel can become challenging

To learn more about experiencing India through custom tours designed for first-time visitors, especially women travellers, visit breathedreamgo.com or indiaforbeginners.com.

Guest - Mariellen Ward from breathedreamgo.com and indiaforbeginners.com.
Show notes - Episode 63

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #11: Connecting Travellers with Local Experiences: A Conversation with LikeLocal Founder Gevorg Babayan

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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 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

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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 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

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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!

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

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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 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

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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 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

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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!

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

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we love and recommend.
➡️  Click here to book your tour

🎤 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!