In episode 101 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by special guest Alison Liscum to discuss essential packing tips for a trip to the UK.  They discuss the benefits of using carry-on luggage where possible to avoid lost items and weight issues and share practical advice, such as organising with packing cubes and choosing versatile clothing.  Alison recounts her own travel experiences, including navigating strict liquid checks and making room for souvenirs.  Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first trip, this episode offers valuable ins ..read more

Are you planning to go from London to Dublin? Not sure of the best options or routes? Our guide contains everything you need to know. Considering how to travel from London to Dublin? Our guide details all available transportation options between the two capitals. These include by car, train, ferry, or coach (or a combination) to help you choose the best option for you based on travel preference, budget, style, and needs. Also included is the ferry route to Belfast in Northern Ireland (from England and Scotland) plus a link to booking a rail connection between Belfast and Dublin. Read on and ..read more

Welcome to Episode 100 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast! In this celebratory episode, host Tracy Collins is joined by a lineup of special guests from around the world. Listeners share their favourite episodes and how the podcast has influenced their travel planning, showcasing the impact of the show. From inspiring trips to providing practical tips, the podcast has become a valuable resource for travellers. Join us as we reflect on the growth of the podcast and hear from dedicated listeners about their experiences and feedback. Click the blue button below to listen: This post may contain ..read more

Are you excited to be visiting the UK but a little nervous about some of the differences you may encounter? For American visitors heading to the United Kingdom, there are more than a few unique differences to keep in mind. From driving on the left side of the road to language variations and cultural discrepancies, we have compiled a list of 101 things to know before you arrive. I start the article with some of the most common things that are often mentioned in our UK travel planning Facebook group. You will then find the excellent notes US visitor Kathryn Johnson provided following her first ..read more

In episode 99 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, hosts Tracy and Doug delve into the fascinating world of Windsor. This highly requested episode covers everything from the rich history of Windsor Castle to the abundance of activities and attractions that the town has to offer. Join us as we explore the ease of getting to Windsor from London, discover the best times to visit the castle, and learn about additional experiences such as boat trips on the Thames and visits to the Crooked House of Windsor. Tracy shares her insightful tips and recommendations, ensuring that your visit to Windsor is n ..read more

In episode 98 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with special guests Vernetta and Therron to hear about their fascinating trip to England. From experiencing the highs and lows of transportation and lodging to sampling local cuisine and uncovering unique cultural experiences, Vernetta and Therron share their honest and insightful trip report. With candid tales of their adventures in Liverpool, London, and beyond, join us as we delve into their journey, learning about their delayed honeymoon, attending a Liverpool soccer game, and immersing themselves in the magic of the English C ..read more

In episode 97 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug discuss easy day trips from London by train, focusing on destinations like Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury (for Stonehenge), Bath, and Oxford. They cover the best train stations to depart from, estimated travel times, and what to look forward to at each destination. They emphasize the ease of these train journeys and how they are within a 2-hour (ish) range from London, making them perfect for a day trip. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of architecture, or just want to experience beautiful cities, this episode provides va ..read more

In episode 96 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, hosts Tracy and Doug Collins discuss easy day trips from London by train. They delve into the details of five convenient and captivating destinations, providing insights into which train station/s to depart from, travel durations, and must-see attractions in each destination. From the historic city of York to the vibrant seaside town of Brighton, the hosts share tips and recommendations for making the most of each day trip. Additionally, they touch upon factors to consider when planning these excursions, such as travel days and time of year. W ..read more

The Lake District is one of the United Kingdom’s most popular destinations attracting over 24 million annual day visitors. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 the Lake District National Park covers an area of 2362 square kilometres and is England’s largest national park. With stunning lakes, tarns, woodland and mountains the Lake District is one of the most beautiful areas to visit in England.   If you are planning a trip to the Lake District there are lots of things to consider so you may be wondering where to begin. You may be asking yourse ..read more

In episode 95 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, we have a memorable trip report from our guest, Deb Pecka, who shares her whirlwind experience of a few days in the UK, packed with adventures. Despite attending a conference in London, Deb managed to explore the city’s highlights and even embarked on a day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Avebury, all with the help of Riz from XFACars. Join us as we delve into Deb’s itinerary, from her arrival at Heathrow to her exploration of London, witnessing the changing of the guards, visiting iconic landmarks, indulging in delicious cuisine, and enjoyin ..read more