Dreaming of meandering through the Cotswolds countryside or cruising along Scotland's North Coast 500? Before you grab those keys, there's crucial information you need to know about driving in the UK that could make or break your road trip experience. The romantic notion of spontaneously exploring Britain's charming villages and stunning landscapes can quickly turn stressful when faced with the reality of narrow country lanes, baffling roundabouts, and parking nightmares. Having driven thousands...
Jun 24, 2025•40 min•Ep. 155
In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , Tracy chats with New Zealander Abigail Hannah, who recently spent a month exploring the UK in winter. From sparkling Christmas lights in London to bracing coastal walks in Brighton and cosy family moments on the Isle of Wight, Abigail shares her honest reflections on what it’s like to travel the UK in the colder months. Expect practical tips for navigating winter travel—how to pack smart, budget effectively, and make the most of trains and publ...
Jun 17, 2025•32 min•Ep. 154
Stonehenge ranks among Britain's most iconic landmarks, drawing nearly a million visitors yearly to marvel at the mysterious stone formation that has stood for over 4,000 years. We share everything you need to know about visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from transportation options to insider tips that will enhance your experience. • Two types of stones make up Stonehenge - sarsen stones from 25 miles away and bluestones transported an incredible 150 miles from Wales • The stones align p...
Jun 10, 2025•30 min•Ep. 153
In episode 152 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , guest Kristen Gonzalez shares her eight-day family adventure through England with her husband and parents in their late 70s, highlighting their experiences in London and the Cotswolds during April. She details their thoughtful planning process, excellent transportation arrangements with XFA Cars , and memorable tours including Go Cotswolds excursions (enter code UKTAVPLAN for a 5% discount for our UKTP community) and a Seven Sisters coastal day ...
Jun 03, 2025•39 min•Ep. 152
Doug joins me to answer your most common questions about UK train travel, sharing expert advice drawn from years of experience navigating Britain's railways. • Getting to the correct platform: Arrive with plenty of time, check departure boards, use rail apps, and ask station staff • Finding first class carriages: Look for platform markings indicating coach positions and ask station staff for guidance • Managing platform changes: Keep checking information screens and listen for announcements • Id...
May 27, 2025•59 min•Ep. 151
Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK monarch, represents centuries of British heritage while offering visitors a glimpse into the royal lifestyle through its magnificent State Rooms and gardens. We share comprehensive insights for planning your visit, from ticket options and tour experiences to practical tips and fascinating palace facts. • Palace has 750 rooms, including 78 bathrooms, its own post office, and a cinema • Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, became a ro...
May 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 150
Nathan shares his experiences from a March 2025 trip to London with his wife Sara, where they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and rediscovered the city after nearly two decades since their last visit. • Dealing with unexpected travel disruptions when airport worker strikes in Germany shortened their London stay from five to three days • Using the Discover Real London Black Cab Tour to explore hidden corners of the city with knowledgeable driver Matt • Staying at the Conrad London St Ja...
May 13, 2025•45 min•Ep. 149
London is generally safe compared to other major global cities. Still, like any busy metropolis, it has its share of tourist scams and petty crime that visitors should be aware of. • Keep valuables secure in anti-theft bags and hotel safes • Plan routes before leaving your accommodation to avoid looking lost • Research neighbourhoods thoroughly before booking accommodation • Use contactless payments wherever possible instead of carrying cash • Always cross streets at designated crossings, watchi...
May 06, 2025•26 min•Ep. 148
Charlie Sullivan from Walks and Devour Tours returns to share exciting new small-group experiences in London and Edinburgh that offer exclusive access and immersive storytelling beyond typical tourist experiences. • New Brixton food tour exploring Caribbean, African and Latin American cuisine including visiting Maureen's home for authentic jerk chicken • Redeveloped Borough Market tour now includes Leadenhall Market and a private wine and cheese tasting • New royal tour featuring Kensington Pala...
Apr 29, 2025•37 min•Ep. 147
In episode 146 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , Tracy delves into one of London's most iconic landmarks: Westminster Abbey. With its rich royal history and stunning Gothic architecture, this working cathedral is a must-visit for anyone exploring the capital. Tracy provides a comprehensive guide to planning your visit, including essential tips on ticket purchasing, the best tours, and must-see sites within the Abbey. From the Coronation Chair to Poets' Corner, discover the treasures that make ...
Apr 22, 2025•15 min•Ep. 146
Train journeys through Scotland offer spectacular scenery and connect major cities, but they can present unexpected challenges when severe weather strikes. • Travelling from Edinburgh to Inverness via the scenic coastal route through Dundee and Aberdeen • Strategic stops at St Andrews (via Leuchars) and Aberdeen's Maritime Museum • Weather disruptions forcing schedule changes and an extended stay in Inverness • Navigating cancellations by using alternative routes and transportation methods • Com...
Apr 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 145
Ready to unlock the secrets of managing money during your travels in the UK? This episode is packed with essential insights for navigating cash, credit, and debit card payments efficiently. We start by diving into the intricate world of British currency, outlining the different denominations of the pound sterling and the importance of understanding its nuances - especially when it comes to recognising banknotes from different regions like Scotland and Northern Ireland. You'll hear about the prac...
Apr 08, 2025•11 min•Ep. 144
This week's episode immerses you in the beauty and experiences Wales has to offer. John Hadwin joins us to unveil hidden gems and top recommendations for exploring this remarkable country. You’ll learn about the rich history, stunning scenery, and mouth-watering cuisine that make Wales a must-visit destination. • Discover the top experiences to explore in Wales • Why Wrexham is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot • Insider tips for making the most of your Welsh adventure • Highlights of local cui...
Apr 01, 2025•44 min•Ep. 143
Get ready to uncover the wonders of one of London’s most significant landmarks, the Tower of London! Standing proud on the banks of the River Thames, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of history, filled with captivating tales that span nearly a millennium. In this episode, we delve into the Tower's fascinating origins, exploring its various incarnations as a royal palace, a fortress, and a notorious prison. Prepare to hear about the infamous figures tied to this iconic site, in...
Mar 25, 2025•15 min•Ep. 142
The Caledonian Sleeper offers a unique overnight train experience connecting London with Scotland, providing travelers both transportation and accommodation in one seamless journey. We share our recent experiences on both the Lowlander service (London to Edinburgh/Glasgow) and the Highlander service (London to Inverness/Fort William), comparing accommodations from standard seats to club rooms with en-suite facilities. • Detailed explanation of the two services: Highlander (London to Inverness/Fo...
Mar 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 141
Are you dreaming of a trip to the Scottish Highlands? Have you always wanted to drive the legendary North Coast 500? I In this episode, we embark on a journey through Scotland’s breathtaking North Highlands, uncovering what you need to know before setting out on this iconic route. With me is Robert James from North Coast Explorer Tours , sharing practical tips and local insights drawn from years of exploring this magnificent region. Whether you’re in the planning stages or simply dreaming of the...
Mar 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 140
In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , Tracy chats with Daniel Hancock from Bath Insider Tours about the enchanting city of Bath and its surrounding areas. Daniel shares his journey from a market research career to becoming a tour guide, driven by his passion for travel. The discussion covers a variety of tour options in and around Bath, including Bridgerton and Jane Austen themed tours, as well as day trips to iconic sites like Wells, Glastonbury, The Cotswolds, and Stonehenge. Dan...
Mar 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 139
In episode 138 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , join Tracy as she reconnects with Ollie from Discover Real London Black Cab Tours. This episode takes you on a journey through the unique experiences offered by Ollie's team, including the popular Touchdown and Layover tours, as well as the exciting new Ted Lasso tour. Discover why exploring London in a black cab is a memorable way to see the city, with Ollie sharing glowing reviews from satisfied travellers who have enjoyed their tours. Learn a...
Feb 25, 2025•20 min•Ep. 138
Discover the wonders of Yorkshire with our special guest, Andrew Ward from Expedition Yorkshire, as he shares his insider knowledge and personal experiences of England's largest county. Venture through Yorkshire's diverse landscapes, from the breathtaking beauty of its three national parks to the charming cities brimming with history and culture. Andrew's genuine passion for his home region shines through as he unveils his top five must-see experiences, ensuring you won't miss a beat on your mag...
Feb 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 137
Discover the enchanting world of the Cotswolds with us and special guest Lisa Benjamin from GoCotswolds. Lisa brings her expertise and love for this quintessential English region, sharing her top five must-do experiences. From picturesque villages to breathtaking hikes, you'll gain insider tips on how to truly immerse yourself in the Cotswolds' charm and beauty. Plus, we dive into listener questions to ensure your trip is nothing short of unforgettable. Explore the hidden gems and fascinating hi...
Feb 11, 2025•43 min•Ep. 136
In episode 135 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , join host Tracy and Doug as they delve into the fascinating world of World War II sites in London and its surroundings. With numerous inquiries from travellers, they share their insights into the most notable locations to include in your itinerary if you're a history enthusiast. The episode starts with a discussion on London's three major World War II sites: the Imperial War Museum, the Churchill War Rooms, and HMS Belfast. With his keen interes...
Feb 04, 2025•22 min•Ep. 135
Get ready to learn how to transform your UK travel experience with exceptional airport transfer services by tuning in to our latest episode featuring Riz from XFA Cars. As a beloved figure among our listeners and online community, Riz is known for his outstanding service and seamless communication, setting the bar for stress-free travel. Discover the ease of booking your ride, whether through online quotes or instant messaging on platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage. Riz shares insider tips on m...
Jan 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 134
In episode 133 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , join Tracy Collins as she unveils her top five must-experience adventures in London, perfect for both first-time visitors and those seeking to add something special to their next trip. From iconic landmarks to unique cultural traditions, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your London adventure. Discover the magic of London's historic sites, learn how to capture stunning views of the city from above and alo...
Jan 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 133
In episode 132 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , Tracy shares invaluable insights for planning an unforgettable trip to London in 2025. Drawing from her extensive experience living and travelling in the city, Tracy offers 12 essential tips that cover everything from crafting the perfect itinerary to exploring beyond London’s iconic landmarks. Discover how to maximise your visit by choosing the right time of year, booking key attractions in advance, and selecting the ideal neighbourhood for you...
Jan 14, 2025•37 min•Ep. 132
In episode 131 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast , join host Tracy Collins as she shares her top 12 travel tips for visiting the UK in 2025. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to explore more of this enchanting country, these essential tips will help you navigate the UK with ease and confidence. From understanding the new entry requirements to crafting a perfect itinerary, Tracy covers everything you need for a seamless and unforgettable adventure. Discover how to plan your itinera...
Jan 07, 2025•32 min•Ep. 131
What an incredible year it has been for the UK Travel Planning Podcast! With over 200,000 downloads this year and listeners across 177 countries, we are celebrating a global community that shares a passion for exploring the wonders of the UK. Join me, Tracy Collins, as we reminisce about our journey through 2024, highlighting unforgettable experiences and milestones. From our memorable 100th episode to heartfelt encounters with listeners like Susan, Wren, Milo, and Melissa, this episode is a tri...
Dec 31, 2024•11 min•Ep. 130
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 thrived,...
Dec 17, 2024•12 min•Ep. 129
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 about...
Dec 10, 2024•32 min•Ep. 128
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 of ...
Dec 03, 2024•29 min•Ep. 127
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 wi...
Nov 26, 2024•26 min•Ep. 126
