Global Travel Planning

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 bei...

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 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...

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 culina...

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 destinat...

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 persona...

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 pra...

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...

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...

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...

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 pra...

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 ...

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 fo...

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 s...

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 (...

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 mus...

Planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast? In this week’s episode, Italy travel expert and returning guest Dianne Bortoletto joins me to share everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit to one of Italy’s most breathtaking regions.

From iconic cliffside towns and sparkling sea views to delicious food and warm local hospitality, Dianne reveals what makes the Amalfi Coast so magical—and how to experience it like a pro.

We chat abo...

Steam through Morocco's northern treasures as Tracy and Doug recount their 10-day adventure with Intrepid Travel, showcasing the country's vibrant medinas, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality.

• Strategically arriving early in Marrakesh, then transferring to Casablanca maximised sightseeing opportunities
• Travelling with Intrepid provided authentic experiences with local guides and a small group of j...

In this month's episode from the travelling trio - Tracy, Melissa and Shelly (aka a Brit, an Aussie and a Yank) we share their best packing strategies, essential items, and embarrassing packing fails to help you prepare for your next adventure. We debate cabin baggage versus checked luggage, reveal our must-have travel items, and share hard-earned lessons about what works – and what doesn’t.

• Cabin vs checked luggage: the pros...