What do you get when you mix an empty nest, unstoppable curiosity, and a cheeky life motto to “spend the kids’ inheritance”? In this episode of Stamped, Mandy Watson joins Tracy to share the bold, breathtaking, and often hilarious stories behind her lifelong love of travel.

From being stranded in Hawaii with just $1 at 18, to summiting Kilimanjaro at 40, trekking the Inca Trail at 50, and planning Everest Base Camp at 60, Mandy proves that travel is not something you grow out of. It is something you grow into.

She recounts a heart-racing “Attenborough moment” in the Maasai Mara, reflects on places she is glad she has seen but does not need to return to, shares her dream of finally spotting the Northern Lights, and offers up a simple travel tip you will actually want to use.

With nearly 70 countries already ticked off and 26 more on the horizon, Mandy’s story will inspire you to revisit your own bucket list and maybe even expand it.

Guest - Mandy Watson from SpendingKidsInheritance
Show notes - Episode 68

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #19 – Explore the World with Mandy: Travel Tales and Adventures from Across the Globe
• Episode #63 - Stamped: Amanda Kendle – How Thoughtful Travel Shapes a Life of Meaningful Adventures
• Episode #60 - Lost in Translation: Hilarious English Mix-Ups on Your Adventures Abroad

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We take you on a journey through our 13-day adventure in Malaysia, exploring Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Ipoh by train, ferry and grab taxis while sharing our experiences, favourite foods, and practical tips.

• Flying business class on Malaysian Airways and enjoying their famous satay chicken skewers
• Staying at the Crowne Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, perfectly positioned five minutes from the Petronas Towers
• Taking the first-class train to Penang with access to the Ruby Lounge and meal service
• Exploring Penang's UNESCO sites, including the Peranakan Mansion and the Chew Jetties
• Witnessing monkeys crossing electrical wires at precisely 6:30 pm to reach their dinner spot
• Discovering Ipoh's incredible cave temples: Sam Po Tong, Nam Thaum Tong, and Ling Seng Tong
• Trying countless Malaysian dishes at hawker centres, including bean sprout chicken and Ais Kacang dessert
• Using the Grab app for easy and affordable taxi service throughout Malaysia
• Catching the comfortable Aeroline coach from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore instead of flying

Whether you're planning your first trip to Malaysia or returning for more exploration, be sure to carry some cash for food courts, stay hydrated in the tropical heat, and most importantly, come hungry for the incredible Malaysian cuisine.

Show notes - Episode 67

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #15 – Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors to Singapore
• Episode #62 – Making Long-Term Travel Work: Practical Advice for Your Own Adventure
• Episode #47– Pack Like a Pro: Essential Tips, Tricks + Travel Hacks

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Hawaii expert Marcie Cheung shares essential insights for planning your first trip to the islands, from choosing which island to visit to navigating transportation and experiencing authentic local culture. We unpack common misconceptions about Hawaii's geography, budget considerations, and practical tips for making the most of your Hawaiian vacation.

• Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island are the four main Hawaiian islands tourists visit
• Hawaii is expensive year-round – budget early for accommodation, flights, car rentals and activities
• Best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons: May-mid June and September-early November
• Plan one main activity per day rather than overscheduling your itinerary
• No ferries connect the major islands – island hopping requires flights and half a day of travel time
• Most islands require rental cars – book well in advance
• Hawaii is casual – pack light with swimwear, one nice outfit, and reef-safe sunscreen
• Take advantage of happy hour "pupus" (Hawaiian appetisers) to save on food costs
• Must-try foods include Spam Musubi and authentic shave ice (not snow cones)
• Experience Hawaiian culture through hula performances and traditional luaus

Guest - Marcie Cheung from Hawaii Travel with Kids and host of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy Podcast.
Show notes - Episode 66

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #3: Exploring New Zealand’s South Island
• Episode #33: 3 Days in Los Angeles: Itinerary & Travel Tips
• Episode #30: Secrets of Maine: Local Experiences and Natural Wonders

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

The Ladies Who Travel dish on food adventures around the globe, sharing their triumphs, disasters and discoveries while exploring how we eat abroad.

• Food tours offer cultural context, local knowledge and social connections for solo travellers
• Different dietary approaches require varying levels of preparation when travelling overseas
• Cultural misunderstandings can lead to surprising meals, like vegetarians being served chicken
• Exotic food experiences from jellyfish salad to fresh snake add adventure to travel tales
• Health considerations while travelling include carrying medications, protein supplements and activated charcoal
• Local markets provide authentic food experiences and direct economic support to communities
• Home dining experiences with locals create meaningful connections beyond typical tourism
• Strategies for healthy eating abroad include meal-sharing, cooking occasionally, and adjusting meal times

Take some comforts from home on your travels – your favourite tea bags, breakfast bars or snacks to help you find your feet in a new place before discovering local food options.

⭐️ Guests - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au) and Shelly Marie (SoloHerWay.com)
📝 Show Notes - Episode 60

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #47– Pack Like a Pro: Essential Tips, Tricks + Travel Hacks
• Episode #52 – Travel Safe Travel Smart: Real Tips for Every Type of Traveller
• Episode #60 - Lost in Translation: Hilarious English Mix Ups on Your Adventures Abroad

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Mariellen Ward, an award-winning Canadian travel writer and co-founder of the tour company India for Beginners, shares her transformative 20-year journey through India and how she now helps first-time visitors experience this vibrant country with confidence.

• Mariellen's first six-month Indian adventure arose from an inexplicable calling while battling grief and depression
• The feeling of "coming home" in Delhi sparked two decades of travel, writing, and eventually founding a custom tour company
• Common misconceptions about India include exaggerated safety concerns and assumptions about poverty
• Scammers targeting tourists present a greater challenge than violent crime
• Preparation is crucial – research clothing norms, health precautions, and cultural expectations before arrival
• Consider homestays over hotels for a more authentic, grounded experience
• Explore beyond the Golden Triangle – regions like Kerala and Madhya Pradesh offer rich experiences with fewer tourists
• Cultural sensitivity is essential – dress modestly, respect religious customs, remove shoes in homes and temples
• Time your visit according to weather patterns – each region has optimal seasons
• Plan around major festivals like Diwali when travel can become challenging

To learn more about experiencing India through custom tours designed for first-time visitors, especially women travellers, visit breathedreamgo.com or indiaforbeginners.com.

Guest - Mariellen Ward from breathedreamgo.com and indiaforbeginners.com.
Show notes - Episode 63

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #11: Connecting Travellers with Local Experiences: A Conversation with LikeLocal Founder Gevorg Babayan

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In this very first episode of the Stamped series on the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins welcomes Amanda Kendle, creator of the Thoughtful Travel Podcast. Together, they dive into Amanda’s personal travel stories, exploring the sparks that set her on a lifelong journey of exploration, her most memorable destinations, and the transformative impact of travel.

Amanda reminisces about early adventures, from a childhood road trip around Europe to epic journeys like crossing Russia on the Trans-Siberian railway. She shares practical insights on navigating off-the-beaten-path destinations, the joy of long-distance train travel, and her deep connections with places like Japan and Iceland.

Listeners get a candid look at travel from the perspective of someone passionate yet relatable, with highlights on family trips, cultural immersion, and the magic that happens when plans are left flexible.

⭐️ Guest - Amanda Kendle of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast
📝 Show Notes - Episode 63

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #1: The Thoughtful Traveller’s Guide with Amanda Kendle
• Episode #11: Connecting Travellers with Local Experiences: A Conversation with LikeLocal Founder Gevorg Babayan
• Episode #12: Cultural Immersion Explored: Adventures in Vietnam and Cambodia with LikeLocal

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Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Tracy and Doug reflect on their incredible nine-month journey across 22 countries and four continents, sharing candid insights about their favourite destinations, practical tips, and lessons learned from long-term travel.

• Morocco and Sri Lanka emerged as top destinations with their rich cultures and warm hospitality
• Food tours provide the perfect introduction to new destinations, offering local knowledge and culinary insights
• Strategic packing with thermal layers proved essential for navigating between European winters and Asian heat
• Leaving luggage at a "base location" solves the challenge of packing for multiple seasons and climates
• Balancing work and travel requires designated work days and dividing responsibilities based on strengths
• Christmas markets in Germany create magical winter experiences worth braving the cold temperatures
• Train strikes and unexpected weather can derail plans, highlighting the importance of flexibility
• Comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable – "if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel"
• Checking for local festivals and holidays before booking helps avoid unexpected disruptions
• Slower travel with longer stays in fewer destinations provides a more rewarding experience

If you're dreaming of your own extended adventure, visit globaltravelplanning.com for detailed itineraries and practical planning advice from our journey around the world.

Show notes - Episode 62

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #5: Navigating Long-Term Travel: Insider Tips from Travel Content Creator Tess Moone
• Episode #8: Planning the Ultimate Travel Adventure to Asia and Beyond
• Episode 48– Moroccan Adventure: Highlights, Culture, and Travel Tips fro

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Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Lucerne captivates the imagination with its perfect blend of natural splendour and medieval charm. Nestled beside the crystalline waters of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by majestic Alpine peaks, this Swiss gem offers travellers an unforgettable experience that combines outdoor adventure with rich cultural heritage.

Join us as Carolyn from Holidays to Switzerland shares her passionate expertise about this enchanting destination. Having first fallen in love with Switzerland in 1988, Carolyn reveals her top five favourite experiences in Lucerne, starting with the iconic Chapel Bridge adorned with colourful flowers in summer and the surrounding Old Town with its beautifully frescoed buildings. She guides us through the essential lake cruise options, from short excursions to full-day journeys aboard everything from modern vessels to Belle Epoque paddle steamers.

We explore beyond the tourist centres to discover charming lakeside villages like Brunnen, where you can craft your own Swiss Army knife at the Victorinox factory, and uncover mountain adventures including the spectacular "Golden Round Trip" to Mount Pilatus via Europe's steepest cogwheel railway. For chocolate enthusiasts, Carolyn highlights boutique chocolatiers that offer artisanal tastings, showcasing Switzerland's expertise in chocolate beyond mass-market brands.

The conversation reveals hidden gems, such as the medieval Musegg Wall with its nine towers offering panoramic views. It offers practical advice about the best seasons to visit – from flower-filled summer days to the magical winter Light Festival, when historic buildings transform through artistic illuminations. Perhaps most valuable is Carolyn's insight about the most common traveller mistake: underestimating how much time Lucerne deserves within a Swiss itinerary.

Whether you're planning your first Swiss adventure or returning to explore more deeply, this episode provides the perfect blend of practical tips and inspirational insights to help you experience the very best of Lucerne. Listen now to discover why this lakeside city deserves a prominent place on your tr

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Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!