UK Travel Planning – Details, episodes & analysis

In episode 174 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by resident train travel expert Doug Collins to share highlights from his six-week rail adventure across the UK. Travelling from London to Scotland and back again, Doug explored major cities, rural stations and some of Britain’s most scenic routes while gathering video content for upcoming YouTube guides.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Which UK train routes offer the most spectacular views
✅ How to use passes like the BritRail Flexipass to save money and travel easily
✅ Tips for planning, booking and adapting a multi-week rail itinerary
✅ What to expect when travelling by train across England, Scotland and Wales
✅ How to make the most of UK Travel Planning resources, from our Guide to UK Train Travel ebook and itinerary consults to upcoming train workshops

Whether you’re dreaming of a rail-focused itinerary or just want insider insight into how the UK rail network really works, this episode is packed with practical advice, first-hand stories and expert recommendations to help you travel with confidence.

📹 Follow UK Travel Planning on YouTube

📝 Show Notes - Episode 174

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode 171 – Guide to the Night Riviera Sleeper Train (London to Penzance)
• Episode 157: 15 UK Train Travel Mistakes First-Time Travellers Make and How to Avoid Them
• Episode 141 – Caledonian Sleeper Update [+ Route Choices and Travel Tips]

Still planning your UK or Ireland trip?

Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. 

Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

Planning a trip to the UK and want to make the most of every moment? In this episode, Laura shares how she celebrated her 60th birthday with a 15-day journey across England and Scotland, combining solo adventure, accessible travel planning, and plenty of unforgettable experiences.

You’ll learn how to:
 ✅ Plan a realistic itinerary that balances sightseeing and rest
 ✅ Navigate London during busy times like Tube strikes
 ✅ Make the most of flex tickets, early entry tours and coach trips
 ✅ Travel confidently with mobility considerations
 ✅ Turn detours into highlights with the right mindset

From London’s iconic attractions and afternoon tea favourites to the dramatic Highlands and windswept beauty of Orkney, Laura’s story is packed with practical tips, inspiration, and confidence-boosting advice for travellers of all ages and abilities.

Perfect for: solo travellers, over-50s adventurers, and anyone planning a UK or Scotland itinerary.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 173

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode 123 – Family Fun in London: Cathy Stephens’ Trip Report
• Episode 161 – Top 12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in London and How to Avoid Them
• Episode 142 – Exploring the Tower of London: History, Highlights, and Helpful Tips

Still planning your UK or Ireland trip?

Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. 

Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

Michael Goldsmith shares his deeply personal journey across the UK, inspired by his family's connection to the Titanic, and fulfilled through a carefully planned itinerary that combines ship, rail, and coach travel. He explains how research and personalised travel advice helped him create a meaningful trip that connected him with family history and distant relatives.

• Taking the Queen Mary II across the Atlantic in honour of ancestors who boarded the Titanic
• Visiting Southampton, Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Rochester to explore historical sites and family connections
• Meeting previously unknown relatives from his great-grandfather's family in Rochester
• Experiencing London through a specialised "Discover Real London" cab tour
• Navigating unexpected train cancellations with flexibility and assistance from pre-trip planning
• Exploring Inverness and Loch Ness despite travel disruptions
• Receiving VIP treatment in Belfast, including finding his great-grandfather's name on the Titanic memorial
• Staying at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast and touring the dry dock where the ship was built
• Planning a return visit to spend more time in favourite locations like Rochester and Belfast

Looking to plan your own UK adventure? Check out the show notes (link below), plus our Guide to UK train travel ebook, and details about our itinerary consultations.

⭐️ Guest - Michael Goldsmith
📝 Show Notes - Episode 164 

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #124 - 3-day itinerary for Belfast
• Episode #138 – Exploring London’s Iconic Sights with Discover Real London’s Black Cab Tours
• Episode #86 – London Like a Local: Unmissable Black Cab Tours with Discover Real London

Still planning your UK or Ireland trip?

Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. 

Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

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.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, get ready for an engaging discussion as our hosts take you on a journey through London's most iconic places.

So come along and let's explore the timeless wonders of London together.

Show notes - Episode 74

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

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 destination and share their personal experiences.

With recommendations for tours, attractions, and transportation options, Tracy and Doug's insightful tips make it easy to plan your own unforgettable day trips.

Whether you're a whisky lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking breathtaking scenery, this episode is packed with valuable insights for exploring Scotland by train.

Show notes - Episode 73

Still planning your UK or Ireland trip?

Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. 

Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

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 highlights.

This episode offers valuable insights for those considering a day trip to Paris from London and offers tips for making the most of the experience.

Show notes - Episode 72

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

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 the trip to Harry Potter Studios together to find out. We’ll also explore the festive charm of Christmas at Kew and the iconic Norwegian Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square. To top it off, we'll indulge in the quirky British tradition of a pantomime - oh yes we will!

As a special treat, we're joined by Domi from Scalens Studio, a holiday photographer in London. She’ll be sharing her top tips on how to book a festive photo shoot that captures the essence of this magical season.

You’ll discover the best locations for that perfect holiday snap, with Domi’s top three spots - Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden. Plus, hear about the spectacular Christmas lights that transform the city in November, creating the ideal background for your Christmas card.

Join us, and let's create some unforgettable holiday memories in London!

Click here to book your festive photoshoot with Domi (don't forget to use code UKTP10 at checkout for a 10% discount off your booking)

Show notes - Episode 71

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

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 expert advice, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any weather and enjoy your UK adventure to the fullest.

So join us as we explore the ins and outs of packing for UK travel on this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast!

For further information and the full show notes for this episode visit UKTravelPlanning.com/episode-70

>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

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 Planning website and podcast. We share our favourite places to visit in the UK plus our top tip for first-time visitors.

Show notes - Episode 69

Still planning your UK or Ireland trip?

Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. 

Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

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 Kensington, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, and Chelsea. This is not just about finding a place to lay your head, it's about immersing yourself in the heart of London life.
 
We'll tackle the task of budgeting for your accommodation without compromising on comfort and location, especially if you're visiting during peak periods.

Then, we dive deeper into London's diverse neighbourhoods. From the bustling streets of Covent Garden to the grandeur of Belgravia, each area is brought to life with vivid descriptions and insider tips.

Whether you're searching for a luxury hotel, a chic boutique, or a budget-friendly option, this episode promises to be your personal pocket guide to choosing the perfect place to stay in London. Tune in and let the adventure begin!

Show notes - Episode #68

Still planning your UK or Ireland trip?

Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. 

Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com

Support the show

⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you:

• Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.
• 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 

🎤 Leave us a voice message

➡️ Sponsor our show
➡️ Leave us a tip

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️