Episode 86 Around the World in 2025: Global Travel Planning’s Year in Review
In episode 86 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug reflect on a year filled with global adventures, practical travel advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road and behind the microphone.
From Tracy’s joy at stepping onto seven continents together they look back on some of their favourite destinations of 2025, including Sri Lanka, Spain, Malaysia, Morocco and more, along with standout podcast episodes and memorable experiences from the year.
Listeners will enjoy a candid and lively conversation covering what it is really like to record a podcast from hotel rooms around the world, how the Global Travel Planning community has grown to listeners in 138 countries, and the realities of adapting travel plans on the fly. The episode also includes cultural observations, practical transport tips, especially for train travel lovers, and reflections on some of the challenges of travelling at a fast pace.
Whether you are actively planning your next trip or simply dreaming of future adventures, this episode offers inspiration, honest reflections, and practical insights to help you travel smarter and with confidence.
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Episode 86 – What you’ll learn in this episode
📍 How to track your travels with intention, balancing country counting with reflecting on meaningful experiences rather than simply ticking boxes.
📅 Practical strategies for managing busy itineraries, adapting plans due to weather or strikes, and why flexibility is essential for successful trips.
🚄 Insider train travel tips from around the world, including experiences in Sri Lanka, the UK, and Malaysia, plus future rail adventures planned across Europe and Asia.
🛏️ Accommodation insights, from memorable homestays in Sri Lanka to choosing resorts beyond major cities for a more immersive travel experience.
🥢 Cultural connections through food and sport, from food tours in Seville and Barcelona as guests of Devour food tours to bonding over cricket in Sri Lanka and discovering local history through dining.
😲 Why unexpected moments matter, including chance encounters with fellow travellers, wildlife sightings on Australian road trips, and creatively adapting to travel challenges along the way.
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Sri Lanka (Ella, Kandy, Colombo) – Featured for its lush train routes, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. Sri Lanka also stands out as the most popular podcast destination of the year.
- Japan (Tokyo) – Explored with expert guest Helen Foster, with a focus on Shinkansen train travel and practical tips for navigating Tokyo.
- Spain (Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Sitges) – Trip reports include food tours, historical walks, and reflections on staying in relaxed coastal towns like Sitges rather than major cities.
- Morocco (Marrakech) – A first-time destination for both hosts, filled with memorable encounters and standout moments from the podcast year.
- Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) – Travel experiences by bus, including navigating unexpected weather challenges along the way.
- Qatar (Doha) – A short stopover en route to Sri Lanka, featuring harbour cruises and private city tours.
- Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Butterworth) – Train journeys take centre stage, with practical advice on first-class travel and some of the best food experiences of the year.
- Singapore – A classic bus journey from Kuala Lumpur, with plans to test newer direct train routes in the future.
- Australia (Perth, Fremantle, Kalbarri, Albany, Esperance, Nullarbor, Adelaide, Victoria, Great Ocean Road, Canberra) – Epic cross-country road trips featuring dramatic landscape changes, wildlife sightings, and travel blogger meet-ups.
- South America (Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctica) – Tracy reaches her seventh continent, sharing insights into the Antarctic experience and the journey south.
Foods
- Tapas (Seville, Barcelona) – Enjoyed on walking and food tours, linking local cuisine with history and culture.
- Malaysian Food – First-class train journeys featuring onboard meal service and entertainment and wonderful food in Malaysia.
- Sri Lankan Cuisine – Stories of homestay hospitality, traditional meals, and shared connections through food and cricket.
Words and Concepts
- Flexible Itinerary Planning – Adapting to train strikes, weather disruptions, and last-minute changes while keeping travel enjoyable.
- Train Travel (Caledonian Sleeper, Night Riviera, Shinkansen) – Sleeper and high-speed train experiences across the UK, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, with tips for making the most of each journey.
Links
Podcasts
- Episode #59 – Sri Lanka Travel Planning 3 Week Itinerary + Essential Travel Tips
- Episode #38 – Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo Japan
- Episode #51 – Spain Travel Planning: 3 week itinerary [Trip Report]
Articles
- We have destination travel guides and tips for first time visitors for each of the destinations discussed in this episode.
- Check out the UK Travel Planning website for UK focussed guides and the London Travel Planning website for London tips and information.
