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...

In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Chris Horsey, founder of The English Bus. Chris explains the unique experiences that their highly rated small group tours offer, from London to popular destinations.What You'll Learn:English bus tours from London: Their popular Stonehenge and Bath in a Day tour, the Cotswolds, Oxford, and Stratford upon Avon tour, and the Canterbury Dover Castle, Cliffs, and Kent Villages tour.Comfortable Travel: Discover the b...

In episode 108 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins sits down with Lauren, who recently travelled from Australia to Europe with her family. Two weeks of their trip were spent exploring England. They delve into the intricacies of planning a multi-generational trip, the ease of using the UK's transport system, and the joys of exploring London, Bath, and Oxford. Lauren shares invaluable tips for booking popular attractions like Harry Potter Studios and Big Ben and highlights delightf...

In episode 107 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins sits down with Lisa Benjamin, co-founder of GoCotswold, to uncover the charm of the Cotswolds. Lisa shares her inspiring journey of meeting her husband, founding the company together, and curating unique tours like “Cotswolds in a Day” and “Secret Cotswolds.” Explore popular spots and hidden gems and learn travel tips for this picturesque region. Plus, enjoy a 5% discount on GoCotswold tours with code "UKTRAVPLAN." Don’...

In episode 106 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins chats with Daryl Bennett from GoCity, the expert on the London Pass. Discover how this multi-attraction pass can help you save money while exploring top London sites like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, The View from the Shard, plus many lesser-known treasures. Tracy and Daryl discuss the pass's cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and digital convenience, plus tips on planning your visit and using the pass to...

In episode 105 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug share their top 10 favourite experiences in London for 2024. From special ceremonies at the Tower of London to black cab tours, food tours, museum visits, and exploring beautiful Greenwich, they provide insider tips and recommendations for making the most out of a visit to the iconic city. Whether experiencing British food, having a photo shoot in London, or taking a ride down the Thames, Tracy and Doug's personal favourite...

In episode 104 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy is joined by Oz from Tailored Tours to discuss some of the exciting private day tour options available from central London. Oz shares insights into creating bespoke tours for an unforgettable UK travel experience, from historic Canterbury to the iconic Leeds Castle and picturesque Cotswolds. Learn about the personalised itinerary options, unique tour offerings, and how to make the most of your time exploring these enchanting locatio...

In episode 103 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins welcomes travel enthusiast and blogger Mandy, who shares her extensive seven-week adventure across the UK. Mandy, an experienced traveller from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, provides a detailed account of her journey, including her goal to travel from Land’s End to John O'Groats, visiting friends, and exploring historical sites along the way.From Cornwall's picturesque landscapes to the Scottish Highlands' rugge...

In episode 102 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins chats with guest Cate, who recently spent some time living in Brighton. Cate shares her insider tips, favourite places to visit in Brighton, and experiences exploring the surrounding areas. From walking along the rocky beach and exploring the pier to enjoying scones and clotted cream, Cate's adventures in Brighton during the off-season provided a unique and memorable experience. Join us as we delve into Cate's recommend...