Episode 62 – Making Long-Term Travel Work: Practical Advice for Your Own Adventure
In episode 62 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug chat with guest host Karen about their recent nine-month trip around the world.
They discuss the full itinerary across 22 countries and four continents, their favourite destinations, stand-out experiences, and lessons learned. The episode offers practical tips for planning long-term travel, including packing for multiple climates, strategies for managing insurance, visas, and finances, and the benefits of combining independent travel with day tours and multi-day excursions.
They share what they would do differently next time and offer advice for listeners considering a similar extended trip.
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Episode 62 – What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 How to choose destinations and craft a logical, flexible long-term travel itinerary
- 📅 The value of blending advance planning with spontaneous decisions and sales
- 🚄 Tips for managing transportation, from tackling train strikes to smart flying and making the most of tours
- 🛏️ Accommodation hacks, including the benefits of house sitting, apartments, and luggage storage
- 🥢 Why food tours, local markets, and regional specialities add depth to your travels
- 😲 Embracing unexpected changes, from weather mishaps to health hiccups, and learning to adapt on the go
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Morocco and Sri Lanka: Tracy and Doug’s trip highlights – loved for their rich culture, hospitable locals, incredible food, vibrant markets, and diverse wildlife.
- Puglia, Italy: A surprising favourite, discovered with the help of a local friend, perfect for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Finland & Sweden: Standouts for their magical Christmas markets and the unique experience of visiting friends during winter.
- Istanbul & Turkey: Touched upon as a place they wish they’d explored in greater depth.
- Spain & Portugal: Noted for both highlights (like Seville and Sitges) and challenges (severe weather and train strikes).
- Jersey (UK): Fulfilling a childhood dream to visit the famous zoo and the home of naturalist Gerald Durrell.
- Edinburgh & Belfast: For house-sitting experiences and explorations of the UK and Northern Ireland.
- Chefchaouen (Morocco): The “Blue City” that exceeded Tracy’s expectations and made a lasting impression.
Foods
- Moroccan Tagine: A standout culinary delight, so beloved that Tracy could eat it for breakfast.
- Moroccan Pastries & Sweets: Noted for their abundance and extreme sweetness—enjoy in moderation!
- Spanish Tapas: Discovered and enjoyed through food tours, especially in Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona.
- Flamenco Tapas Tour (Seville): Unforgettable blend of food, music, and culture.
- Italian and Mediterranean produce: Appreciated for its freshness and health benefits, especially in regions like Puglia.
Words/Concepts
- Long Service Leave: An Australian work benefit that enabled Doug to take extended travel time.
- Packing Cubes & Thermals: Essential packing tools for changing climates and space-saving.
- House Sitting: Used for affordable, extended stays—doubles as a chance to “live like a local” and catch up on work.
- Luggage Storage: Leaving bags at accommodations or with friends to ease multi-destination travel.
- Travel Insurance: Stressed as non-negotiable for any trip—always check your coverage.
- Visa Requirements: Check carefully, especially if travelling on multiple passports, to avoid unnecessary fees and restrictions.
- Intrepid & Devour/Walks Tours: Trusted companies that provide memorable multi-day and food experiences.
- Public Holiday & Festival Research: Recommended for planners to avoid surprises and missed opportunities.
- Spreadsheet Budgeting: Tracy and Doug’s go-to for tracking expenses, bookings, and trip logistics.
- Contactless Payments: Increasingly vital in Europe and Asia, though cash remains necessary in some countries (e.g., Morocco, Sri Lanka).
Links
Podcasts
- 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 from Our Intrepid Trip
Articles
Guest Bio – Karen Bleakley
Karen is the host of the New Life in Australia podcast and founder of SmartStepstoAustralia.com, a platform that supports families moving to Australia.
She also created the Move to Australia Directory to connect people with trusted services to help make the relocation process easier.
