London becomes a magical winter wonderland at Christmas, with sparkling lights, festive markets, and iconic decorations. But visiting during the holidays also means closures, no public transport on Christmas Day, and the need to book key experiences well in advance.

In this episode, Tracy shares practical tips on:

• What’s open and closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day
• How to get around when public transport stops (and the National Express option)
• Where to book a Christmas Day meal — and why reservations are essential
• Stocking up on groceries before supermarkets close
• The best lights, markets & festive highlights to add to your itinerary
• How to plan for New Year’s Eve fireworks and the New Year’s Day Parade

Later, Tracy is joined by Ollie from Discover Real London to chat about their private Black Cab Christmas Lights Tours - a cosy, personalised way to experience the city’s festive sparkle.

Whether you’re exploring markets, strolling quiet streets on Christmas Day, or celebrating New Year’s in London, this episode has everything you need to plan your perfect holiday trip.

Visit London Travel Planning for articles on London's Christmas lights and festive activities.

Consider supporting the podcast from just $3 per month to help us continue providing valuable UK travel planning information.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 170

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #71 – Unveiling the Magic: London at Christmas [Top Things to Do and See]
• Episode #23 – Visiting London in December
• Episode #154 Winter Travel in London and the UK From Coastal Walks to Christmas Magic

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!

Scotland promises unforgettable adventures, but even the best-planned trips can be derailed by a few common mistakes. In this episode, we reveal fifteen pitfalls travellers often make and share practical advice to help your Scottish journey run smoothly.

Here are just some of the mistakes we discuss:

• Visiting Edinburgh in August during the Fringe Festival or Military Tattoo without booking accommodation and restaurants well in advance
• Underestimating the impact of midges in the Highlands and islands during summer
• Forgetting how unpredictable Scottish weather can be — even in the middle of July
• Limiting your trip to just Edinburgh or Skye when Scotland offers so much more
• Attempting to squeeze too much into a short itinerary, especially on long drives like the NC500
• Failing to secure accommodation, ferries, or restaurants months ahead in popular destinations
• Assuming driving is the only way to explore Scotland, instead of considering scenic train journeys
• Not packing layers and waterproofs for every season
• Calling Scots “English” or mispronouncing place names like Edinburgh (“Edin-bra”) and Glasgow
• Skipping traditional Scottish food and drink, such as haggis, neeps and tatties, a full Scottish breakfast, whisky tastings, or even Irn-Bru
• Rushing instead of allowing time to slow down, soak up the atmosphere, and connect with locals

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, don’t let these simple mistakes spoil your adventure. Take the time to explore beyond the tourist hotspots, prepare for every kind of weather, and immerse yourself in the culture, history, and warm hospitality that make Scotland such a special destination.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 169

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #145 – Exploring Scotland by Rail: Edinburgh to Inverness Train Travel Tips
• Episode #140 Navigating the North Coast 500: Essential Tips for Your Scottish Adventure
• Episode #58 Edinburgh Travel 101: Essential T

For more information and to book a consult or video review, visit our website UK Travel Planning.

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!

This week on the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Amy Carpenter from Texas, who shares her unforgettable two-week adventure exploring England with her husband, Mark.

Amy takes us through the highlights of their carefully planned itinerary, from the bustling streets of London to the charm of the Cotswolds, iconic castles, and literary landmarks. Highlights included Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, and quiet moments at St Dunstan in the East.

In the Cotswolds, they based themselves in Bourton-on-the-Water, explored honey-coloured villages, and visited Sudeley Castle at dusk. A lifelong Jane Austen fan, Amy fulfilled a dream by visiting Bath, Winchester, and Chawton. Staying overnight at Hever Castle was a standout, giving them the rare chance to explore the grounds after closing time.

Along the way, Amy discovered a love of steak and ale pie, picked up 21 tea towels as keepsakes, and gathered plenty of tips for fellow travellers — from using trusted transfer services to the importance of planning ahead.

Whether you are a history buff, a Jane Austen devotee, or simply dreaming of your own UK escape, Amy’s trip report is filled with practical advice and plenty of inspiration for your next journey across the pond.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 168

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #127 - Trip Report with Melissa Jones
• Episode #123 - Trip Report with Cathy Stephens
• Episode #114 - Trip Report with Krista Beck

For more information and to book a consult or video review, visit our website UK Travel Planning.

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!

In this episode, guest host Karen interviews Tracy about her favourite London experiences, from afternoon teas and hidden gems to festive traditions and foodie highlights.

Highlights include:
• The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, a historic after-hours ritual
• Afternoon teas with a twist such as Peter Pan at The Shard or the classic Ritz indulgence
• Greenwich’s Painted Hall and the National Portrait Gallery’s world-class art
• Foodie experiences including Devour’s pub tour and the “sushi-bar for cheese” in Seven Dials
• Family favourites like Hamleys and the Natural History Museum
• Seasonal sparkle with Christmas lights, festive markets and decorated shopfronts
• Easy day trips from London, such as Portsmouth’s Mary Rose and historic dockyard

✨ Insider tip: Popular experiences book up quickly. Reserve ahead, especially for afternoon teas and special tours.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 167

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #161 – Top 12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in London and How to Avoid Them
• Episode #138 – Exploring London’s Iconic Sights with Discover Real London’s Black Cab Tours
• Episode #105 – Top 10 London Experiences

For more information and to book a consult or video review, visit our website UK Travel Planning.

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!

Lori-Ann and Nick Mancini transform their daughters' Irish dance opportunity into an unforgettable 20-day family adventure across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, blending cultural experiences with memorable exploration.

• Flying direct from Orlando to Dublin before driving through Ireland and Northern Ireland
• Discovering the surprising beauty of Northern Ireland, including Tollymore Forest, Giant's Causeway and Silent Valley
• Flying to Edinburgh and experiencing Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and a local black cab tour
• Exploring York's medieval streets, ancient walls and impressive Minster
• Visiting London highlights, including the Changing of the Guard, Tower of London and West End theatre
• Enjoying the Roman Baths in Bath and a special birthday tea in the Cotswolds
• Using BritRail passes for easy first-class train travel throughout Britain
• Staying in a mix of accommodations from quirky apartments to family-friendly hotels
• Finding unexpected food highlights, including the Georgian Tea Room in Edinburgh
• Balancing scheduled tours with free exploration time for teens and tweens
• Packing for variable weather conditions from cold rain to summer heat
• Learning to navigate train systems and making the most of long summer daylight hours

⭐️ Guest - Lori-Ann and Nick Mancini
📝 Show Notes - Episode 166

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #156 - Trip Report with Deb Harsen
• Episode #152 - Trip Report with Kristen Gonzalez
• Episode #149 - Trip Report with Nathan Pickle

For more information and to book a consult or video review, visit our website UK Travel Planning.

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!

In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by her friend Karen for a deep dive into her favourite places in London. Drawing on years of living, working, and exploring the capital, Tracy shares the landmarks, gardens, markets, and quiet corners that she loves most.

From must-see icons like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Hampton Court Palace to the vibrant streets of Notting Hill, the views (and pelicans) of St James’s Park, the beauty of Kew Gardens, and hidden gems like Postman’s Park, this episode showcases the places that make London truly special. Tracy and Karen also chat about museums, rooftop views, riverside walks, and a few quirky surprises along the way.

Whether you’re planning your very first trip to London or looking for fresh ideas, this episode is full of insider tips and inspiration to help you discover a few new favourite spots of your own.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 165

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #146 – Discover Westminster Abbey London [Essential Tips for planning your visit]
• Episode #142 – Exploring the Tower of London: History, Highlights, and Helpful Tips
• Episode #74 – Things to do in London: An Introduction to some of London’s famous landmarks

For more information and to book a consult or video review, visit our website UK Travel Planning.

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!

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

For more information and to book a consult or video review, visit our website UK Travel Planning.

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!

The beautiful and historic North East England offers visitors dramatic scenery, centuries of history, and friendly locals in a region filled with special places to explore.

• North East England includes the stunning Northumberland coast, Newcastle, Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Holy Island
• Alex Iles of Iles Tours brings the region's past to life through storytelling and archaeology
• Archaeological findings reveal that Hadrian's Wall wasn't just a barrier but facilitated trade and cultural exchange
• The ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria covered a vast territory from Liverpool to the Scottish borders
• Northumberland has more castles than any other English county due to 300 years of border warfare
• The North East was once a major coal-producing region, generating 19% of Britain's coal in Victorian times
• Alex offers various tour options including Roman history, Anglo-Saxon heritage, prehistoric sites and medieval castles
• Tours can be customized for different accessibility needs and interests
• The east coast of Britain is surprisingly dry but often windy – bring appropriate layers
• Summer visitors benefit from extended daylight hours with light from 5am until 10pm

Listeners of the UK Travel Planning Podcast can receive a 10% discount on Iles Tours by using the code UKTP10 when booking directly through the website www.ilestours.co.uk or via email (for tours in 2025).

⭐️ Guest - Alex Iles from Iles Tours
📝 Show Notes - Episode 163

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #156 - Trip Report: Train Journeys, Coastal Towns, + Hidden Gems with Deb Harsen
• Episode #117 - Discover Country Durham: Scenic Landscapes, Castles, and Cultural Sites with guest Michelle Gorman
• Episode #39 - Explore Northumberland with Marc of Northumberl

For more information and to book a consult or video review, visit our website UK Travel Planning.

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 (Jan–Feb 2026 slots NOW available) - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. Book before 1 Nov 2025 to secure today’s price

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

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

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!