Welcome to episode 39 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast! Planning your dream trip in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, host Tracy Collins is joined by seasoned travellers Melissa Kiely and Shelly Marie, who bring insights from the UK, Australia, and the US. Together, they share key steps to transform your travel dreams into reality. From selecting the perfect destination to booking smarter, this episode is packed with tips to make your journey unforgettable.
Grab a cuppa and get ready to plan your best trip yet! Discover why planning is crucial for a successful trip, explore different planning styles, and learn how to choose your destinations wisely. Whether you’re a structured planner or prefer a more flexible approach, there’s something here for everyone.
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Episode 39 – Summary
In Episode 39 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by travel enthusiasts Melissa Kiely and Shelly Marie to delve into the intricacies of planning a dream trip for 2025. The episode begins with Tracy describing a snowy day in Edinburgh, contrasting with Melissa and Shelly’s sunny Australian weather. The trio shares their diverse approaches to travel planning, offering listeners a treasure trove of invaluable tips and practical advice.
Melissa Kiely advocates for a structured travel plan, especially for short trips, factoring in family preferences, solo opportunities, airfares, timing, and budget. She also emphasizes the importance of flexible accommodation bookings. Meanwhile, Shelly Marie prioritizes key activities and exchange rates, allowing flexibility for the rest and adapting to spontaneous opportunities, such as her unplanned stay in Australia.
Tracy Collins and her partner Doug embody a blend of structure and adaptability, contemplating a rail trip from Portugal to Istanbul before their return to Australia by May 2025. Tracy further underscores the critical aspects of cost management, the significance of vaccination, and light packing for travel convenience.
Throughout the discussion, the trio sheds light on common travel mistakes, the relevance of understanding visa requirements, and the balance between planned logistics and the thrill of exploring new destinations independently.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- How to plan and prioritize activities for different lengths of trips
- The importance of flexible accommodation bookings
- Budget management techniques, including considerations for airfares and exchange rates
- Travel safety tips for the initial days in a new destination
- Insights into Melissa, Shelly, and Tracy’s unique packing tips and hacks
- Strategies for long-term travel, especially around accommodating different weather conditions and local events
- Common travel mistakes to avoid, such as overpacking and not understanding visa requirements
- Key elements and benefits of light packing
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places:
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Home base of the host, Tracy Collins.
- Australia: Where guests Melissa and Shelly are currently located.
- Central America, Europe, Sri Lanka: Potential travel destinations mentioned by Tracy.
- Portugal to Istanbul: Proposed rail route by Tracy and Doug.
- Bali: Recently visited by Melissa.
- Isle of Skye, Paris, Florence: Examples of destinations requiring advanced bookings or careful planning.
Words/Concepts:
- Wise card: Multi-currency card used by Tracy for managing finances during travel.
- Packing cubes: Shelly’s method for organizing and compressing clothing in luggage.
Links
Podcasts
- Episode #36 – Top tips for travel in 2025
- Episode #17 – Google Maps Travel Hacks with Michelle Chang
- Episode #23 – Solo Travel Adventures in Puglia & Beyond with Shelly Marie
- UKTP Podcast Episode #62 – What to pack for UK travel
Articles
Guest Bios – Melissa & Shelly
Born and bred in Queensland, Melissa is the editor of both The Brisbane Travel Guide and The Queensland Travel Guide, where she shares her tips on travelling around the Sunshine State.
Melissa regularly travels all over the state, so she can create helpful and up-to-date content for anyone planning a trip to Queensland.
Shelly is a passionate solo traveller and food enthusiast with a multicultural background. She is the creator and editor of Solo Her Way.
Growing up in the United States, she developed a love for exploring diverse food traditions. Shelly has been travelling full-time solo for over three years, seeking authentic experiences through food and local interactions.
Shelly’s travels have taken her to stunning locales like Puglia, Italy, and she’s always open to new adventures.
