Global Travel Planning

Big Five Safari Near Johannesburg: Our Pilanesberg Week

Two and a half hours from Johannesburg, no malaria tablets, no light aircraft, and we still saw all of the Big Five in a day. After three weeks in Cape Town, we headed no

How to Add Soft Adventure to Your European Itinerary

Adventure gets sold to us as faster, harder, higher. In this week's Tracy chats with Lynne Nieman, founder of Wander Your Way and Wander Your Way Adventures, about s

Cape Town in Winter: What to Know Before You Go

Winter might not be the obvious time to visit Cape Town, but after three weeks there we would happily do it all again. Cape Town in winter turns out to be quieter, cheape

South Africa Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Cape Town in Winter

We share the Cape Town highlights from our three week winter stay, from Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront to day trips for penguins, history and wine. We also talk ho

A Wine Lover's Guide to Planning a Trip to France

We talk with Paris-based wine expert Elisa about how to plan a French wine trip that fits your taste, your budget, and your travel style, whether you are wine-curious or

Slow Travel With a Baby and a Dog [with Riana Ang-Canning]

Nine months on the road with a five-month-old baby and a twelve-year-old chihuahua is ambitious. Doing it after your carefully planned French long-stay visa is rejected t

10 Essential Travel Tips for Every International Trip

After more than 20 years and close to 50 countries together, Doug and I share the actual routine we follow before every international trip. Not a generic list, just the 1

Why Travel Is About So Much More Than an Itinerary

AI can generate an itinerary in seconds. What it cannot do is sit with your story, hear what a place means to you, or notice the detail that changes everything. That is w

Train Travel in Türkiye: A 12-Day Family Trip on a Budget

£25 for a 14-hour sleeper train with beds, a sink, and power points. £6.50 for a seven-hour scenic ride across central Türkiye. If you've ever assumed Türkiye is a f

How to plan an Outer Hebrides road trip to Lewis and Harris

Scotland's Outer Hebrides don't forgive poor planning. Ferries sell out, accommodation is limited, and the roads demand your full attention. But get it right an

My Favourite Destinations, Top Travel Tips and the Story Behind Global Travel Planning

Travel has shaped everything about who I am, and I wanted to get personal and answer the questions you’ve been sending in: why I travel so much, how it all began, what de

Europe by Train: Real Tips and Highlights from a Three-Week Multi-Country Rail Trip

Narelle Mather joins Tracy to share how she planned and took a three-and-a-half-week multi-country train trip through Europe with her husband, sister, and a close friend.

How to Plan an Independent Trip to China: Tips for First-Time Visitors

How to Plan an Independent Trip to China: Trains, Apps, Payments & Real Tips When you think of China, you probably think of Beijing, Shanghai, or the Great Wall. But pla

Philippines Trip Report: Moalboal Eco Lodge Experience

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins and co-host Doug Collins swap roles with special guest interviewer Amanda Kendle as they share t

Japan Travel Planning: Ultimate Guide to Japanese Theme Parks

This week Tracy is joined by Japan travel specialist Helen Foster to share expert advice on visiting Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan in Osa

Exploring Switzerland by Train: Scenic Rail Journeys and Mountain Experiences

What makes Switzerland one of the most breathtaking countries in the world to explore by train? This week Tracy is joined by Switzerland travel expert Carolyn, founder o

Exploring the Peruvian Amazon: Wildlife, Culture and Adventure

This week Tracy is joined by seasoned travel podcaster and traveller Chris Christensen, host of the Amateur Traveler podcast, to share his recent experience travelling th

Exploring Antarctica: What It’s Really Like on an HX Expeditions Cruise

Ever wondered what it actually takes to reach Antarctica and what it feels like when your boots hit the ice? We open up the journey, from long-haul hops to Ushuaia and li

Travel Planning in 2026: Trends, Inspiration, and Travel Plans

Planning a great trip in 2026 shouldn’t feel like a second job. We’re kicking off the year with a clear roadmap for slower, more intentional travel—fewer destinations, de

Around the World in 2025: Global Travel Planning’s Year in Review

This week Tracy and Doug reflect on a year filled with global adventures, practical travel advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road and behind the micr