Episode 78 Ladies Who Travel Bucket List Dreams

In episode 78 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by new permanent co-host Melissa for the latest instalment of the Ladies Who Travel series. Together, they explore the idea of travel bucket lists, sharing dream destinations, recent adventures, and how their travel priorities have evolved over time.

From African safaris to the icy Arctic, Tracy and Melissa reflect on the appeal of iconic world wonders, the power of community travel, and how bucket lists evolve as we connect with new people and experiences. They also highlight upcoming opportunities and tours for women, while celebrating the growth of the Ladies Who Travel Facebook group, which now has 5,000+ members.

Packed with practical advice, candid stories and inspiring ideas, this episode is all about building and ticking off your own travel dreams with confidence and camaraderie.

Click the blue button below to listen:

Listen on Apple >

Listen on Spotify >

Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 78

Episode 78 – What you’ll learn in this episode

📍 How to create and adapt your travel bucket list – tips for deciding what truly inspires you, and why flexibility matters
📅 Strategies for prioritising “must see” destinations, and how group inspiration can reshape your travel planning
🚄 Insights into travel logistics for women exploring alone or in groups, plus upcoming Ladies Who Travel tours to Morocco
🛏️ Guest experiences with a range of accommodations – from game reserves in Africa to dreams of staying in an igloo beneath the Northern Lights
🥢 The delights of local immersion: cultural connections, wildlife safaris, Christmas markets, and culinary adventures (including a longing for Greek island hopping and South American wonders)
😲 Stories of travels that lived up to (or fell a bit short of) expectations, and how surprising discoveries often make for the most cherished memories

Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Table Mountain (South Africa): Tracy’s childhood bucket list goal—an iconic natural landmark with sweeping Cape Town views.
Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, USA): A legendary sight Tracy finally reached after decades of dreaming.
Anchorage, Alaska (USA): Tracy’s dream touchdown to Michelle Shocked’s “Anchorage”—and a springboard for Dalton Highway road trips and Alaskan cruises.
African Safari Destinations (Botswana, Namibia, Masai Mara, Southern Africa): Longtime favourites for their wildlife and adventure experiences.
Greece (and its islands): Both a personal and community bucket list staple—especially for island-hopping. Corfu, famed for literary references, is Tracy’s dream.
India: Both Tracy and Melissa recently travelled across North and South India, highlighting transformative women-only group travel and immersive local experiences.
Churchill (Canada): High on Tracy’s list for polar bear encounters—a rare, climate-challenged wildlife adventure.
Antarctica: Upcoming for both hosts; the allure of remote, icy wilderness.
Iceland: Endlessly popular in the community, noted for nature, culture, and Northern Lights.
Galápagos Islands (Ecuador): A dream for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Machu Picchu (Peru): A legendary trek and must-see, celebrated in group stories.
Rwanda: Desired for its gorilla trekking adventures, a unique wildlife spectacle.
Europe’s Christmas Markets (esp. Germany): Favourite cultural experiences, with talk of river cruises.
New Zealand’s South Island: Tracy’s exception to her “no hiking” rule, a favourite for outdoor adventure.

Foods

Local cuisine (India, Greece, Germany): Highlighted for authentic cultural immersion.
Christmas market treats: Referenced as a must-try during European winter travels.

Words/Concepts

Bucket List: Both an evolving inspiration board and practical planning tool—shaped by community, literature, and serendipity.
Ladies Who Travel Facebook Group: Central communal hub for connecting, trip planning, and sharing inspiration.
Women-Only Tours/Group Travel: A theme empowering solo travellers to connect, explore, and feel supported.
“Slow Travel”: A growing preference among the hosts for spending quality time in fewer destinations for deeper local immersion.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Recognised as keys to more rewarding and stress-free travel – embracing unexpected opportunities.