In episode 32 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by guest Melissa Kiely to discuss the best day trips from Brisbane. Melissa, from the Queensland Travel Guide and Brisbane Travel Guide, shares her top picks for day trips, ranging from island adventures to animal encounters and everything in between. If you're looking to explore the Brisbane area, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration.⭐️ Guest - Melissa Kiely (Queensland Travel Guide)📝 S...

In episode 31 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins welcomes Annette Jones from the travel blog "All Around Oz". As a full-time traveller who has explored Australia and other destinations extensively, Annette shares her journey to becoming a seasoned traveller across Australia, with a lifestyle many dream of. Annette discusses the nuances of planning a lap around Australia, offering insights into the challenges and joys of life on the road. Learn about the practical a...

In episode 30 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy dives into the beautiful state of Maine in the United States with special guest Naomi Figueroa. Naomi takes us on a journey through Maine's stunning landscapes, charming towns, and must-see attractions. They cover a myriad of topics, including what to eat, Naomi's favourite experiences, and a detailed description of the different regions of Maine, highlighting top attractions and hidden gems in each.Naomi shares her deep connecti...

Join host Tracy Collins as she chats with Angie Briggs, co-owner of the Moalboal Ecolodge in the Philippines. Angie shares the incredible journey that brought her and her husband Simon from England to the Philippines and the inspiration behind founding their eco-friendly lodge. Dive into the challenges and rewards of creating and running an ecolodge, and gain insights into the importance of sustainable practices in ecotourism.Angie also discusses her involvement in the local community, includ...

In episode 28 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy welcomes travel enthusiast, writer, and blogger Josie Kelsh of Josie Wanders. If you've ever dreamed of taking an adult gap year or creating a bucket list that turns dreams into reality, this conversation is for you.Josie shares the inspiring story of how she and her husband turned their gap year idea into a 13-month adventure. From initial planning stages to unforgettable experiences, Josie dives into the ups and downs of their journ...

In today’s episode, Tracy Collins sits down with John Cortese, founder of Tripiamo, to discuss how their innovative online guides can transform your self-driving travel experiences. John shares his background and the mission behind Tripiamo, which aims to provide comprehensive professional guidance for driving in foreign countries. With guides for six countries and more on the way, Tripiamo offers invaluable resources to help you navigate unfamiliar roads, understand local rules, and drive co...

In episode 26 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy continues her fascinating conversation with Monique Ceccato, who shares her experiences moving from Australia to Norway. In this episode, we delve deeper into why Norway should be at the top of your travel list. From the magic of Christmas to the beauty of summer, Monique offers a fresh perspective on exploring this stunning Scandinavian country.Episode highlights includeSummer in the Arctic: Discover the turquoise beaches, priva...

What happens when an Australian travel journalist swaps the sunny shores of Perth for the rainy landscapes of Norway? Join us on this Global Travel Planning Podcast episode as we sit down with Monique Ceccato to find out!Discover how Monique navigated the complexities of moving abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emotional challenges of adapting to a new life in Stavanger with her Norwegian partner.In this episode, Monique opens up about the cultural adjustments she faced, from learni...

Welcome to episode 24 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast! In this week's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of full-time travel with our special guest, Michelle Chang. Michelle, a digital nomad and travel expert, joins us to share her journey from a traditional career to a life of travel and adventure with her husband. We'll explore her experiences in the Peace Corps in Jamaica, crafty travel hacks like house sitting, and her love for destinations like Vietnam, Ecuador, and Tuscan...

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with Shelly from The Food Scholar about her solo travel adventures and culinary experiences around the world. Join us as we dive into Shelly's journeys, from exploring local markets in Italy to cycling through Southeast Asia, and discover practical tips for solo travellers and the enriching experiences of connecting with cultures through food.Episode Highlights:Journey Through Pulia, Italy: Shelly shares her experiences in Ita...

In episode 22 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, join Tracy as she chats with Kerry Heaney, a travel writer from Brisbane, Australia.Discover Kerry's exciting experiences from her recent trip to Central China with Wendy Wu Tours. Learn about her adventures, including tasting raw giant salamander, exploring a 72-story building complex, and witnessing spectacular shows.Kerry also dives into the wonders of the Avatar Mountains, river cruises, and the world's longest cable car ride. Gain prac...

Welcome to episode 21 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast. In this episode, Tracy Collins chats with guest John Johnston, an avid traveller and founder of Bucketlistthings.com. Inspired by the movie "The Bucket List," John shares his insights into exploring the Niagara Falls region in southern Ontario.Niagara Falls, a popular tourist destination, has transformed from a hydro-generating area into a hub of attractions. John highlights various activities like walking behind the falls, riding a...

In episode 20 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins delves into the wonders of the Margaret River region in Western Australia with special guest Kerry Heaney, a seasoned travel writer and former president of the Australian Society of Travel Writers. Kerry shares her in-depth knowledge and recent experiences, offering a comprehensive guide to this stunning part of Australia.Join Tracy and Kerry as they explore the best things to see and do in Margaret River, from visiting t...

In episode 19 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins welcomes Mandy, an avid traveller and blogger from "Spending Kids Inheritance." Mandy shares her adventurous spirit and passion for travel, recounting her experiences across seven continents and 66 countries. From her early days of travelling solo at 18 to exploring the world with her husband, Mandy's stories are filled with inspiration and a zest for life.Listeners will hear about Mandy's love for Paris, her fascination with ...

In episode 18 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, join us on a journey to Queensland, Australia, with special guest Melissa Delaware, the editor, owner, and face of the Queensland travel guide website. Melissa shares her expert knowledge of Queensland and offers practical tips for anyone planning a trip to this iconic region. Together, Tracy and Melissa discuss the vastness of Queensland, ideal durations for visits, must-see destinations, and hidden gems. Melissa's insights on when to...

In episode 17 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins chats with guest Michelle Chang from the Intentional Travelers website.  Michelle shares her wealth of knowledge on how to make full use of Google Maps for trip planning and navigation. Michelle's expertise in utilising Google Maps will revolutionise how you plan and execute your travels, from finding lesser-known places to using search filters, street views, and reviews. Join Tracy and Michelle as they explore the...

In episode 16 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, I chat with Abigail Hannah, the knowledgeable and passionate podcaster from Aotearoa Adventures. Together, we unravel the secrets of exploring New Zealand by van, from practical considerations and must-visit destinations to expert tips for a memorable journey.  Abigail shares her top month-long itinerary that spans both the North and South Islands, offering a comprehensive guide for travellers seeking a diverse and awe-inspiring experience....

Welcome to this week's episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast! In this exciting episode, Tracy Collins takes us on a journey through the stunning city of Singapore with her expert guest, Paula Barnes. Together, they explore the top things to do in Singapore for first-time visitors, sharing insightful tips on must-visit locations, cultural experiences, wildlife adventures, and even the best spots for shopping and escaping the heat. Join us as Tracy and Paula delve into the...

In episode 14 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy brings you invaluable tips for first-time visitors to Japan. Based on her three-week trip to Japan and notes from her travels, Tracy shares practical advice on navigating airports, transportation, accommodations, food, etiquette, and more.  From the importance of learning some Japanese phrases to the convenience of using the SUICA card for transportation, Tracy covers a range of essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable...

In episode 13 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, hosts Tracy and Doug Collins take you on a captivating journey through their 21-day itinerary in Japan. From bustling Tokyo to serene Nagano, historic Hiroshima, and vibrant Osaka, they share their detailed experiences and valuable insights.  Tracy and Doug provide a comprehensive overview of their adventures, including visiting iconic landmarks, embarking on day trips, navigating transportation, and navigating cultural experiences.  Stay...

In episode 12 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug share their incredible experiences with LikeLocal in Vietnam and Cambodia.  They talk about their three unique opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture, including a visit to a local family in Ho Chi Minh City, a weaving experience in Siem Reap, and attending a wedding celebration in a Cambodian village.  Through their storytelling, Tracy and Doug highlight the enriching and privileged moments they had...

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning podcast, Tracy is joined by Gevorg Babayan, the founder of LikeLocal, a cultural immersion platform that connects travellers with authentic local experiences. Gevorg shares his background growing up in Armenia, his work in tourism, and the inspiration behind LikeLocal. Tracy also shares her own experiences of living and working in multiple countries. Together, they discuss the importance of cultural immersion and the value of authentic...

In this episode of UK Travel Planning, host Tracy Collins and guest Kylie Mitchell Smith discuss the age-old question "To cruise or not to cruise?"  Kylie shares her experiences from her recent Mediterranean cruises with Azamara, shedding light on the pros and cons of cruising. From exploring bespoke itineraries and enjoying sustainable dining experiences to encountering unexpected delights and challenges on shore, Kylie offers valuable insights for both seasoned cruisers and those...

In this special episode, Tracy and Doug Collins share an exciting trip report, detailing their recent 7-week adventure across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Join Tracy and Doug as they reminisce on their favourite experiences, unforgettable places, and delicious foods they encountered on their journey. Get ready to be inspired and get valuable insights for planning your own global adventure! Show notes - Episode 9 🗺 Global Travel Planning Website -...