UK Travel Planning

Tracy Collins
  • 4.9 (175)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The UK Travel Planning Podcast is full of practical tips and advice to help you plan your dream trip to the UK whether you are visiting England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Travel expert Tracy Collins shares years of knowledge and experience of travelling to, and around, the UK to help you plan your UK itinerary. Listen to special guest interviews full of travel inspiration and practical tips for popular and off the beaten path destinations. Learn more about the best ways to travel around the UK (including by train), about British culture and history and much more! Tune in and let us help you plan your perfect UK itinerary with all the places and experiences you have been dreaming of. UK Travel Planning - helping YOU plan YOUR perfect UK vacation.

  1. 4D AGO

    Planning a Trip to London in 2026: What You Really Need to Know

    London should not feel like a sprint across Zones 1 to 3. In this episode, we share practical, real-world strategies to help you plan London in a way that saves time, protects your energy, and makes the city easier to enjoy. Rather than rushing between scattered attractions, we explain how to plan by areas, make smarter transport choices, and design days that feel calmer and more enjoyable. In this episode, you will learn: Why planning London by neighbourhood works better than chasing a long attraction listHow to structure days with two nearby highlights and one flexible optionHow contactless payments and Oyster fare caps workWhen to use the Tube, buses, Thames Clippers, or simply walkHow station walking distances, queues, and crowds affect timingWhy accommodation location matters more than many visitors expectPractical budget tips including free museums, pre-theatre menus, markets, and meal dealsWhen experiences like Sky Garden, Buckingham Palace openings and special exhibitions need booking aheadHow major 2026 events such as the London Marathon, Wimbledon, and Notting Hill Carnival affect crowds and transportIf you want a London trip that trades rushing for rhythm and overwhelm for clarity, this episode will help you plan with confidence. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 183 🎧 Listen to next: Episode #68 – Choosing the Best Place to Stay in LondonEpisode #161 – Top 12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in London and How to Avoid ThemEpisode #106 – Guide to the London Pass with Daryl BennettSupport the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    1h 5m

  2. JAN 6

    Planning a Trip to the UK in 2026: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

    We share a clear, practical plan for designing a realistic UK trip in 2026. From choosing dates and budget to matching transport with routes, this episode focuses on what actually matters so your itinerary feels calm and doable. We also cover key 2026 dates, booking timelines, UK ETA requirements, and the most common planning mistakes to avoid. In this episode we cover: Dates & expectations: picking dates before places to avoid disappointmentBudgeting: setting a realistic budget that shapes your itineraryRoute planning: clustering destinations that flow by rail or roadTransport choices: choosing trains, cars, or a combination based on your itineraryAdvance bookings: when to book accommodation, tours, and automatic carsEntry requirements: understanding UK ETA rules and using the official siteCommon mistakes: avoiding cramming too much in and unrealistic travel timesPeak periods: planning around school holidays, bank holidays, marathons, and festivalsMoney & packing: paying contactless and packing layers for changeable weatherPlanning tools: using our free challenge, itinerary planners, itinerary planning guides, & maps to help provide clarity.Support the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    31 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    UK Travel Planning Podcast Year in Review

    We look back on our biggest year yet, highlight the most-loved London and regional episodes, and share what’s coming next. Expect more rail know-how, trusted partner recommendations, deeper dives into London neighbourhoods, and practical tools to help you plan an unrushed UK trip. In this episode: Download milestones and global audience growthMost popular London episodes, including deep dives on the Tower of LondonTrusted partners for airport transfers, black cab tours, and small-group Cotswolds experiencesBath highlights and the easiest ways to reach the city by trainListener questions on pacing, itineraries, and where to stayClear guidance on UK rail travel, including passes and seat reservationseBook and YouTube guides for key train routes and major stationsPlanning support options, including video critiques and one-to-one consultationsTravel highlights from 2025 across Scotland, London, and Northern IrelandWhat’s coming in 2026, including London neighbourhood deep dives and planning workshopsHow to suggest topics via SpeakPipe, email, and Facebook groupsWays to support the podcast through sharing, sponsorship, and five-star reviews📝 Show Notes - Episode 181 🎧 Listen to next: Episode #132 – London 2025: 12 Essential Tips for Planning Your Perfect TripEpisode #133 – Discovering London: 5 Unmissable Experiences for Your 2025 AdventureEpisode #142 – Exploring the Tower of London: History, Highlights, and Helpful Tips🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour Support the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    27 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    A Festive Thank You and Holiday Wishes from UK Travel Planning

    The lights are up, the markets are humming, and we’re taking a quiet moment to say thank you. This festive check-in is our love letter to the UK travel community that carried us through a milestone year—every listen, share, question, and review made the journey brighter and bolder. We share the simple joys that make a British Christmas feel special: mince pies in a cosy pub, the pop of a cracker and those wobbly paper crowns, twinkling streets in market towns, and the King’s Speech as a gentle pause in the day. Think of it as a pocket guide to seasonal atmosphere—small rituals that turn a winter trip into a memory you’ll reach for again and again. You’ll also hear from friends who bring the UK to life on the ground. Sally Ann from North Coast Explorer Tours beams in from Scotland’s far north with stories of puffins, dolphins, red deer, rainbows, sunsets, and sometimes the northern lights, plus winter’s quieter pleasures of coastal walks and fireside evenings. Lisa at Go Cotswolds sends warm wishes and an open door for 2026, reminding us why stone villages and rolling paths never lose their magic. And from the capital, Discover Real London shares a cheerful London welcome for the year ahead. XFA Cars rounds things out with practical holiday travel cheer - stay safe, keep plans flexible, and let the festive spirit lead the way. We’re taking a short break to enjoy the holidays, then we’re back with our final show of 2025: a lively roundup of standout moments, UK travel highlights, and a peek behind the scenes at the numbers you helped us hit. If you’re planning a winter trip, this update is a warm nudge toward the best of the season - lights, markets, and the joy of slowing down in places that reward unhurried wandering. If this little festive postcard made you smile, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves the UK, and leave a quick review. What’s the one British holiday tradition you can’t wait to try? 📝 Show Notes - Episode 180 🎧 Listen to next: Episode 170 – Essential Tips for Visiting London at Christmas and New YearEpisode 154 Winter Travel in London and the UK From Coastal Walks to ChristmSupport the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    5 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    Trip Report with Laura Norton: From Liverpool Legends To London Landmarks & Beyond

    Listener Laura Norton returns to share how she turned a dream anniversary trip into reality. From Beatles must-dos in Liverpool and a week based at St Katharine Docks in London to a quick hop to Paris, a powerful D-Day tour in Normandy, and a relaxing voyage home on the Queen Mary 2, Laura breaks down what worked, what she’d tweak, and the tips that saved time and stress. If you are planning a similar UK itinerary with a France add-on, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use straight away. What you’ll learn • Beatles highlights in Liverpool and how to stay at George Harrison’s childhood home  • Why reserving seats on busy train days matters and how to use the Tube with contactless  • London base tips near Tower Bridge plus day trips to the Harry Potter Studio Tour and Thorpe Abbotts  • How to structure a Paris stopover and reach Normandy for a full-day D-Day tour  • Caen to Portsmouth by ferry logistics before sailing on the Queen Mary 2  • Packing lessons for rail and cruise combos and managing without guaranteed air conditioning  • A real-world medication hiccup solved in the UK and why travel insurance matters  • The value of an early consult with Tracy and Doug to refine routes and timings ⭐️ Guest - Laura Norton 📝 Show Notes - Episode 179 🎧 Listen to next: Episode #100 – Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Special Edition of UK Travel Planning PodcastEpisode #29: Chat with Ken Lambert – Beatles fan + owner of George Harrison’s childhood homeEpisode #152 – Trip Report: London and Cotswolds Highlights with Kristen Gonzalez🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour Support the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    43 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    Liverpool Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Beatles, Football and Top Things To Do

    In Episode 178 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug take you to Liverpool, the vibrant northern city famous for music, football and maritime history.  Discover must-see Beatles landmarks, the Royal Albert Dock, St George’s Hall and more, with insider tips on where to stay, eat and explore. You will hear practical advice on getting there by train, getting around on foot and Merseyrail, and how to book unmissable Beatles experiences such as the Magical Mystery Tour. Football fans will love Doug’s Anfield stadium insights. Tune in for expert recommendations and inspiration to add Liverpool to your UK itinerary. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 178 🎧 Listen to next Episode #29: Chat with Ken Lambert – Beatles fan + owner of George Harrison’s childhood homeEpisode #98 From Liverpool to London & Beyond – UK Trip Report with Vernetta and TherronEpisode #128 – Explore North Wales & Beyond: Customised Cruise Shore Excursions with John Hadwin🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour Support the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    31 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    A Literary-Themed UK Adventure (Part 2) Pilgrimage, Reflection + A Romantic Cotswolds Escape

    Following on from last week’s episode, we follow Lauren’s UK sabbatical as it shifts from a teen-led literary road trip to a soulful pilgrimage in  Pembrokeshire and a belated honeymoon through the Brecon Beacons and Cotswolds. From ancient holy wells and monastic islands to bookshop hunts and crowd-beating tips, this episode celebrates slow, meaningful travel across Britain. • Why a pilgrimage and how to choose a route with the British Pilgrimage Trust • Highlights of the Way of St David from Fishguard to St Davids • Staying at St Non’s Retreat Centre as a peaceful home base • Caldey Island stillness, monastic history, and handmade chocolate • Brecon Beacons hikes with Tolkien links and sweeping views • Hay-on-Wye bookshop discoveries and literary nostalgia • Chipping Campden base and a 12-mile Cotswold Way walk • Managing August crowds, parking, and small-group Cotswolds tours • Off-the-beaten-path ideas like the Rollright Stones • Final advice: pack light, walk slow, stay open ⭐️ Guest - Lauren Eanes 📝 Show Notes - Episode 177 🎧 Listen to next: Episode #176 - A Literary-Themed UK Family Adventure (Part 1) – Planning a Trip with Teens with Lauren EanesEpisode #52 – Exploring North Wales: An Introduction with Doug CollinsEpisode #143 – Experience North Wales: Outdoor Adventures, Gastronomy, and Historical Wonders🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour Support the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    38 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    A Literary-Themed UK Family Adventure (Part 1) – Planning a Trip with Teens with Lauren Eanes

    This week  on the podcast Tracy chats with listener Lauren Eanes, who turned her family’s shared love of books into a literary-themed UK adventure. From Dickens’ Broadstairs and Winnie-the-Pooh’s Ashdown Forest to Tolkien and Lewis in Oxford and the landscapes of Watership Down, Lauren shares how stories shaped their itinerary - and how she kept her teens engaged along the way. You’ll hear practical tips for planning a smooth family trip: combining trains with short car hire, using Airbnbs and meal deals to budget for splurges, and building in rest days for happy travellers.  Packed with inspiration, logistics, and lessons learned, this episode shows how to bring Britain’s literary world to life for the whole family. ⭐️ Guest - Lauren Eanes 📝 Show Notes - Episode 176 🎧 Listen to next: Episode #46 – Discovering the Magic: A Guide to Visiting Harry Potter Studios in LondonEpisode #13 – Trip report: A fun-filled family adventure in LondonEpisode #123 – Family Fun in London: Cathy Stephens’ Trip Report🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour Support the show 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ⭐️ 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 ❤️ ...

    55 min
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4.9
out of 5
175 Ratings

About

The UK Travel Planning Podcast is full of practical tips and advice to help you plan your dream trip to the UK whether you are visiting England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Travel expert Tracy Collins shares years of knowledge and experience of travelling to, and around, the UK to help you plan your UK itinerary. Listen to special guest interviews full of travel inspiration and practical tips for popular and off the beaten path destinations. Learn more about the best ways to travel around the UK (including by train), about British culture and history and much more! Tune in and let us help you plan your perfect UK itinerary with all the places and experiences you have been dreaming of. UK Travel Planning - helping YOU plan YOUR perfect UK vacation.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Collins
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    183
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UK Travel Planning
  • Show Website
    UK Travel Planning

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