Episode 84 Stamped: Tracy Collins – From Curious Traveller to Global Travel Planner
In episode 84 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, the tables are turned as host Tracy Collins steps into the spotlight. Travel podcaster Amanda Kendle from The Thoughtful Travel Podcast takes over the interviewer’s seat to guide Tracy through the ten signature Stamped questions. Together they trace the journey from Tracy’s very first passport stamp to the destinations still on her list (and a few she’s happy to skip).
Listeners are treated to heartfelt stories of early inspiration from family and favourite authors, adventures that built confidence, and unforgettable “wow” moments that shaped a lifelong love of travel. The conversation mixes honesty and humour with practical travel advice, reflections on cultural immersion, and a celebration of under-the-radar destinations that continue to inspire.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, actionable tips, or simply love great travel storytelling, this episode is filled with warmth, wisdom, and wanderlust.
Click the blue button below to listen:
Episode 84 – What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 How inspiration from family or favourite authors can ignite a passion for travel
- 📅 Why embracing spontaneity and overcoming fear of the unknown leads to richer adventures
- 🚄 Realities and tips about long-haul journeys, from solo teenage flights to smooth European rail travel
- 🛏️ Strategies for choosing, enjoying, or even avoiding certain destinations and stays
- 🥢 Insights into authentic cultural experiences, from rural French dinners to family evenings in Malta
- 😲 The joy of unexpected discoveries, the value of adaptability, and how open-mindedness transforms every trip
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Mallorca, Spain: Tracy’s first family holiday and the spark for a lifetime of wanderlust.
- France (rural village, French Alps, Lake Geneva): A defining period of cultural immersion and language learning during her year as an au pair.
- Jersey Zoo: A lifelong dream realised, inspired by naturalist Gerald Durrell’s stories of people, animals, and adventure.
- South Africa and Botswana: Formative destinations that built independence and long-haul travel confidence.
- New Zealand – Hooker Valley Track: The hike that changed a self-confessed non-hiker’s perspective, offering calm, beauty, and awe.
- Paris, France: A classic capital Tracy appreciates but doesn’t feel compelled to revisit, preferring rural France instead.
- Malta & Gozo: Her European “home away from home,” full of family memories, easy exploration, and welcoming culture.
- Northumberland, UK: Tracy’s under-the-radar UK gem, home to castles, coastline, Hadrian’s Wall, and friendly locals.
Foods
- French family cooking: Multi-course meals and market-fresh produce that taught respect for food and the joy of preparation.
- Maltese cuisine: Simple, local meals shared during relaxed family evenings on the island’s promenades.
- Farm-to-table living: Lessons from rural France about knowing where food comes from, from fresh milk to local meats.
Words/Concepts
- Au Pair: Tracy’s life-changing cultural exchange that led to fluency in French and a deeper cultural understanding.
- Gerald Durrell: The writer whose books inspired curiosity, conservation values, and a love for the wider world.
Links
Podcasts
- Episode #63 Stamped: Amanda Kendle – How Thoughtful Travel Shapes a Life of Meaningful Adventures
- Episode #68 Stamped: Mandy Watson – One woman, one motto, and a world of adventure
- Episode #72 Stamped: Melissa Delaware – From Australian Beginnings to Global Adventures
Articles and links
![Episode 67 – 13 Day Malaysia Itinerary: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh [+ Travel Tips]](https://globaltravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Malaysia-Travel.jpg)
