As the holiday season unfolds, we're taking a moment to share heartfelt gratitude with our cherished listeners! Doug and I want to extend our warm wishes for a joyous Christmas and a bright New Year as we announce a festive pause before returning with a special year-end episode on December 31st. This episode 129 is a special thank you to all who have supported our podcast journey—whether you're a regular listener, a website reader, or a social media follower. Our community has grown and ...
In episode 128 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy again welcomes John Hadwin from Boutique Tours of North Wales. Known for his exceptional private tours around North Wales, John shares his insights and expertise in catering to cruise passengers looking to explore beyond the ship's offerings. In this engaging episode, John discusses his background in tourism, including his time with Cunard and how he developed a niche in providing tailored tour experiences for cruise passengers. Learn ab...
In episode 127 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Melissa Jones, a first-time international traveller from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who shares her exciting London trip report. Melissa recounts her solo adventures in London, from iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London, to cultural gems such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. Discover her tips for planning an itinerary, navigating public transport, and the importance o...
Unlock the secrets of London with our latest adventure, where we promise you'll discover how to explore the best of the city without emptying your wallet. Join us as we navigate through a three-day itinerary masterfully designed by Daryl Bennett from GoCity, revealing not just the famous landmarks like the London Eye and St. Paul's Cathedral but also hidden treasures such as the immersive art of Frameless and the historical gems of the Florence Nightingale Museum. In our previous conversation...
In this week's episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, join host Tracy Collins as she recounts her recent journey to the enchanting Isle of Skye. Following a thrilling itinerary that took her and Doug from Birmingham to Cardiff, Chester, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, they finally arrived at Skye, one of the UK's most sought-after destinations.Tracy and Doug delve into the details of their Skye adventure, sharing insights on their ferry ride from Mallaig to Armadale and their sta...
Join Tracy and Doug in episode 124 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast as they recount their exciting three-day itinerary in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Building on their extensive UK journey, this episode delves into the highlights of their Belfast adventure, offering insights and tips for those planning a visit to this vibrant city.The episode begins with Tracy and Doug's journey from Dublin to Belfast, navigating train and bus transfers due to ongoing engineering works. They share their exper...
In this week's episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Cathy Stevens, who shares her unforgettable London trip report. Cathy and her husband recently took their eleven-year-old granddaughters on the trip of a lifetime to London.Planned with the input of her granddaughters, this eight-day adventure was packed with memorable experiences. From witnessing the changing of the guard and touring the historic Tower of London to enjoying a show at the theatre and having a VIP day a...
What if you could uncover County Durham's hidden gems and rich heritage through the eyes of a local expert? In this week's episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by Anna Unger, a Blue Badge guide who lives and works in the northeast of England, to delve deeper into the wonders of County Durham. This episode perfectly complements episode 117, where Michelle Gorman, the managing director of Visit County Durham, provided an insightful overview of this northern county. To...
In this week's UK Travel Planning Podcast episode, Tracy is joined by Ashley Dowling, who shares her remarkable journey through the UK. From iconic London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London to a unique day trip to Edinburgh (returning on the Caledonian Sleeper Lowlander train, Ashley's trip is packed with highlights and insider tips. Whether you're curious about making the most of a day trip from London to Edinburgh or want to hear about ...
In episode 120 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Alex Graeme, founder of Unique Devon Tours. Alex takes listeners on a journey through the beautiful county of Devon, sharing his passion for the region and the story behind his bespoke tour company. Discover what inspired Alex to set up Unique Devon Tours, his deep love for Devon, and the incredible variety of tours he offers, from single-day adventures to immersive multi-day experiences.Alex provides a beh...
In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug take you through their whirlwind 17-day trip around the UK, exploring every country within it. From the bustling streets of Birmingham to the scenic landscapes of the Isle of Skye, they share their experiences, tips, and insights on how to navigate this extensive itinerary.Starting in Birmingham, they travelled to Cardiff, Chester, and even made a brief stop in the Republic of Ireland before heading to Northern Ireland and Belf...
In episode 118 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins chats with her first New Zealand guest, Victoria Greig. Victoria and her husband, Murray, embarked on an epic 7.5-week journey across the UK earlier this year. In this episode, Victoria shares the highlights of their adventure, including an unforgettable tour with North Coast Explorer Tours, time spent exploring the picturesque Cotswolds, and the historic city of York. From breathtaking scenery and unique activitie...
In episode 117 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast we shine a spotlight on County Durham in the northeast of England. Joining us is Michelle Gorman, managing director of Visit County Durham, who guides us through this stunning region, renowned for its rich history and diverse landscapes. From the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, the Auckland Project, and the historic Beamish Museum, to the bicentenary celebrations of the modern railway next year, Michelle offers a...
In episode 116 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy welcomes back Heather Welday, who previously appeared in our 100th celebratory episode. Heather shares an in-depth report of her family’s June 2024 trip to England, packed with valuable insights and travel inspiration.Heather, hailing from Southern California, travelled with her husband and two children, staying in an apartment just four doors from Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover Heather's favourite souvenir, wh...
In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins welcomes back Lisa Benjamin from Go Cotswolds to delve into everything you need to know before planning a trip to the Cotswolds. Lisa shares her expert advice on navigating this stunning region, from understanding its vastness to tips on driving and using public transport. Whether you're dreaming of picturesque villages or scenic countryside, this episode is packed with essential information to help you make the most of your vis...
In episode 114 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins chats with Krista Beck about her family's unforgettable 12-night journey through the UK. Krista dives into their experiences in Bath, the Cotswolds, and London, sharing the joys of visiting the UK with her husband and children. Highlights include a stay in the picturesque Broadway Village, historical visits to Highclere Castle and the Tower of London, and engaging activities like air rifle lessons and miniature golf at Putt Shack...
In episode 113 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by Hannah Blalock for an exciting trip report. Hannah, who recently travelled to the UK with her family, shares her experiences and insights from their 15-day adventure. From the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of North Wales, and from the historic sites of Edinburgh to the charming city of York, Hannah recounts their journey with enthusiasm and detail. Discover their itinerary, highlights, and ...
In episode 112 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by John Cortese, founder of Tripiamo, to discuss the ins and outs of self-driving in the UK. Tripiamo offers a comprehensive online guide designed to help travellers navigate the challenges of driving in a foreign country, including unfamiliar rules, customs, and driving on the opposite side of the road. John shares his background and the mission behind Tripiamo, emphasizing the importance of preparation for a...
In episode 111 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins welcomes friend and fellow podcaster Amanda Kendle from the Thoughtful Travel Podcast. Amanda shares her recent UK trip and reflects on how being a thoughtful traveller enhanced her experiences before, during, and after her journey. From attending a wedding in the picturesque Lake District to exploring the football culture in Manchester and Liverpool, Amanda provides insightful tips on planning a mindful trip. Tune in t...
In episode 110 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Leanne McHarg, from New South Wales, Australia, to share an in-depth trip report of her family’s recent adventure to the UK. Leanne provides a detailed account of their three-week journey, which included stops in Zurich, Paris, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. She discusses their travel logistics, including the decision to use trains for most of their European travel, and the advantages of booking tickets early to secu...
Tina Lou Lang
This is the best UK trip planning pod casts I have found! I really enjoyed the information on the trains as it makes it seem less overwhelming to use them as we tour. It is awesome that they are actually interviewing people who live in the location such as York. You really get a locals perspective so its not just based on "touristy" stuff. I am definitely going to use the restaurant suggestions! All I can say is I want MORE! Please?!