Global Travel Planning

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by her husband and regular co-host Doug Collins to share the story of their epic 10-day coast-to-coast road trip across Australia, from Brisbane to Perth. Together they talk through the logistics, highlights, surprises and practicalities of covering 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) through outback towns, iconic route...

“The perfect trip rarely exists.” No matter how carefully you plan, travel throws curveballs. In this candid chat, the Ladies Who Travel unpack what happens when plans fall apart: a protest that blocks all roads, weather-cancelling bucket list moments, and train strikes that derail rail itineraries.  You will hear different coping styles in action - Shelly’s calm in a crisis, Melissa’s quick “melt...

What sparks a lifelong love of travel? For some, it starts in childhood. For Melissa, co-host of Ladies Who Travel, it was different. She did not travel overseas until she was an adult, and her journey from novice to explorer shows how travel can shape a life.  In this month’s Stamped episode, Melissa shares the moments that defined her: wandering Sydney at 19 with a paper map, the pull of “The Be...

Tanya returns to share part two of her incredible African adventure, taking us through Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe with thrilling stories of desert landscapes, wildlife encounters, and natural wonders. • Flying from Cape Town to Walvis Bay to begin the Namibian adventure • Exploring German-influenced Swakopmund and taking a Sandwich Harbour tour where sand dunes meet the ocean • Joining an ove...

Tanya Munro shares her incredible multi-country African adventure, focusing on South Africa in this first episode of a two-part series. After 35 years on her bucket list, she finally travelled through Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town and the Garden Route, experiencing wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries and stunning landscapes. • Best time to visit South Africa for wildlife view...

In episode 69 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast , Tracy is joined by Shelly and Melissa for a Ladies Who Travel episode all about staying healthy on the road. Together, they dive into the realities of travel wellness, sharing practical tips, personal stories, and lessons learned from decades of global adventures. From long-haul flights and disrupted routines to managing mental health and bounc...

What do you get when you mix an empty nest, unstoppable curiosity, and a cheeky life motto to “spend the kids’ inheritance”? In this episode of Stamped , Mandy Watson joins Tracy to share the bold, breathtaking, and often hilarious stories behind her lifelong love of travel. From being stranded in Hawaii with just $1 at 18, to summiting Kilimanjaro at 40, trekking the Inca Trail at 50, and plannin...

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 To...

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 ar...

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, li...

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 &...

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 abou...

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 loca...

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 abou...

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...

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...

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 •...

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 multipl...

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 co...

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, of...

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 fle...

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 recommen...

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...

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 Se...

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 t...