UK Travel Planning

Welcome to episode 83 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast ! This week our special guest is Riz from XFA Cars.  Tracy chats with Riz about the stress-free service his company XFA Cars provides for travellers getting from London airports to their destinations. Riz shares insights into the importance of a smooth airport transfer, the benefits of a personalised service, and the attention to detail when...

Welcome to Episode 82 of the UK Travel Planning podcast ! Today, we have a special treat for you as we're joined by guest Tanya Munro, who recently embarked on an exciting 35-day trip to the UK and the Republic of Ireland.  In this episode, Tanya shares her in-depth trip report, from her favourite accommodations to the highlights of each destination, and provides valuable insights and tips ba...

Ever dreamt of exploring London, but the hefty cost of sightseeing has stopped you? This week, we're embarking on a budget-friendly journey, uncovering London's hidden treasures that won't cost you a penny. Picture this - you're sipping your cuppa, overlooking the city from Sky Garden, the stunning sky-high atrium in the Walkie Talkie building, and later watching the iconic Cha...

Ever dreamt of a UK train trip but don't know where to start? We've got you covered. In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, we share twelve practical tips for planning a UK train trip.  Tips include the importance of utilizing resources such as the Guide to UK Train Travel eBook and UK Travel Planning website which provide practical tips, itineraries, and information on navig...

Ready to kickstart the New Year with a bang and embark on a memorable UK adventure? In this week's episode Tracy and Doug Collins discuss 12 tips for planning a UK road trip. They recommend using Tripiamo - a resource for North American drivers planning to drive in the UK. They stress the importance of booking car hire in advance, choosing the right size of car, and considering hidden costs l...

In episode 78 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy and Doug Collins discuss 10 steps to help you plan your trip to the UK. They cover topics such as deciding when to go based on seasons and budget, researching destinations and itineraries, checking passport and visa requirements, booking flights and insurance, and planning accommodations and transportation. Tracy and Doug also offer resources,...

Are you ready to embark on a festive journey across the UK with us this holiday season? With the joyful chimes of Christmas bells ringing in the air, join your host Tracy Collins and a variety of guests as they light up your holiday vacation plans with unique experiences around the UK. From the glittering Christmas markets in Bath to winter walks in the far North of Scotland, from the fairy-lit co...

In episode 76 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy chats with Matt Archer-Beck about his 2-week family road trip adventure around England.  Matt takes us through their itinerary, sharing the highlights of their journey including the Lake District, Cotswolds and Northumberland.  Along the way, they explore their family history, catch a performance of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's D...

In episode 75 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy and Doug Collins chat with guest Wes Wetherell about his UK rail trips around the UK in 2022 and 2023.  Wes shares his experience planning and navigating multiple train lines, as well as visiting charming villages and exploring the beautiful countryside. Wes also chats about his experience of two itinerary consultations with Tracy and Doug whic...

Dive into the fascinating world of London's iconic landmarks. Drawing inspiration from their popular article on the UK Travel Planning website, Tracy and Doug share their personal favourites among the 22 landmarks featured. From the historic Tower of London to the bustling Trafalgar Square, they cover a wide range of famous attractions that often find a place in every visitor's itinerary...

In episode 73 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy and Doug Collins provide travel inspiration by train from Edinburgh.  They offer six exciting day trips that can be enjoyed from the city, allowing you to explore more of Scotland's stunning landscapes and historic sites. From the majestic Kelpies sculptures to the charming town of St. Andrews, they delve into the highlights of each destin...

In episode 72 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy shares her trip report from an organised day tour she took from London to Paris in June 2023.  She discusses the pros and cons of taking a guided day tour and talks about the various activities included in the tour, such as the Eurostar journey, a bus tour of Paris, a boat trip down the Seine with lunch, and a coach tour of the city's high...

Get ready to be swept away into a magical festive season in London. We're going to cover all the enchanting Christmas activities you can enjoy in the capital city - from the dazzling Christmas lights on Oxford and Regent Street, to the delightful Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland and the South Bank Winter Festival. Ever wondered what Hogwarts looks like covered in snow? Well, let's make...

Welcome to Episode 70 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast! In this episode, Tracy Collins, the founder of the UK Travel Planning website, dives into one of the most popular topics that often leaves travellers puzzled: what to pack for a trip to the UK. Tracy will guide you through the factors to consider when packing, recommended items to include, and crucial clothing choices to make. With her exper...

In episode 69 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , the tables are turned on Tracy as she is not the interviewer but the interviewee! In this episode, we chat with UK Travel Planning Facebook group member and UK Travel Podcast fan Debra Blazer and share a little about our lives. Discover how our backgrounds, life experiences and a lifelong love of travel influenced the creation of the UK Travel Plan...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to the perfect UK vacation? Strap in as we embark on a journey to discover the best places to stay in London! As your guide, I'll be sharing my top tips to choose the right area that fits your needs and budget. We'll navigate the quaint charm of Covent Garden, historical richness of Tower of London, and the diverse delights of South Bank, South Kensing...

Welcome to a treasure trove of insights on how to amp up your London adventure. Get ready to navigate the bustling city's diverse offerings, from museums to food and drinks, and get practical advice on how to get around the city and plan flexible itineraries. You'll grasp the art of crafting a trip that caters to your interests without triggering the stress of planning. And guess what, y...

In today's episode, we continue our exploration of the differences between the United Kingdom and the United States. Our guest, Kathryn Johnson, recently travelled to the UK and makes some fascinating observations as an American visitor. In this episode, we delve into Kathryn's notes to discuss everything from tipping in restaurants, the ins and outs of navigating UK intersections and th...

Experience the UK like never before with our guest, Deborah Harson. Journey with us as Deborah recounts her and daughter Brittany's exploration of Cornwall's lush landscapes and stunning coastline - an adventure that will stir your wanderlust. The second part of our journey takes us to the bustling city of London. Here you'll get a taste of the exhilarating life in the city, as Debo...

In episode 64 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy is joined by guest Andy Ward, the founder of Expedition Yorkshire.  Andy shares his background in various tour formats and the effects of the pandemic on his career. He explains his motivation for starting Expedition Yorkshire and the high-quality private tours they offer.  Andy discusses their popular tours, including the Whitby Moor, Coast an...

Ever dreamt of exploring the historic beauty of Edinburgh but worried about a time crunch? Our guest, Cheryl Ridpath Conway, proves it's possible as she shares her whirlwind 36-hour adventure through the city.  Alongside her two eldest daughters, she adventured through Edinburgh Castle, Grey Friars Kirkyard, the Writers Museum, and even the University of Edinburgh. She divulges her secret tra...

Ready to explore a winter wonderland? This episode promises to transport you to the winter wonderland of the Cotswolds, guided by the charming Victoria of Cotswold Tea Cup Tours.  Experience the cosy atmosphere of quaint pubs, explore hidden gems, and revel in the joy of twinkling Christmas decorations, all while enjoying the quieter pace of this enchanting region during winter. Victoria shares he...

Have you ever dreamt of a vacation in the UK, steeped in literature, and history? Join us as we journey through the heart of England with Lisa Olney and her husband, Ken - an adventure that unravels the rich tapestry of Tudor history, iconic landmarks, and the hidden gems of British culture. In this enchanting narrative, Lisa shares her experiences from a two-week exploration of England, capturing...

Meet Oz, the man behind My Tailored Tours, a company that crafts bespoke UK vacation experiences. Despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic, Oz's innovative spirit has built a travel business that delivers unique and personalized tours. His story, full of resilience and ambition, is sure to inspire and entertain. Stepping into history, we follow Oz as he guides us through the iconic Stoneh...

Join the conversation as we journey with Debra Blazer, an American mum of three, on an exhilarating 12-day road trip through the UK. Ever wondered how to squeeze a family of five and their luggage into a rental car? Debra effortlessly navigates the complexities of travelling with kids, sharing her wisdom on packing light and pre-planning logistics. From navigating bustling cities to exploring pict...