Episode 87 – Travel Planning in 2026: Trends, Inspiration, and Travel Plans
In episode 87 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats around key themes in travel including the rise of slow and intentional travel before outlining highlights of upcoming destination episodes.
Guest Michelle Chang dives into the details of the DIY Trip Summit, a free online event connecting travellers to over thirty European experts, and reveals her best advice for navigating Europe with modern tools – no tech expertise required.
The episode is packed with practical suggestions, cultural anecdotes, and upcoming trends like road trips, food tours, and train journeys, ensuring travellers of all backgrounds feel empowered and inspired for their next adventure.
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Episode 87 – What you’ll learn in this episode
📍 How to manage travel overload – strategies for confident trip planning and avoiding overwhelm
📅 Tools, tips, and itineraries for slow travel, meaningful experiences, and flexible adventures
🚄 Insights into overland travel: scenic train journeys and road trips
🛏️ Thoughts on accommodations, from eco-lodges to group tours and connecting with destination experts
🥢 Suggestions for food tours, culinary highlights, and immersing in local culture
😲 The importance of adaptability, avoiding “tick-box” travel, and embracing unexpected experiences
Places mentioned in this episode
- Antarctica >> Discussed as a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime destination and the impact of over-tourism.
- Switzerland >> Upcoming episode on scenic train journeys and mountain excursions; destination for both new and repeat travellers.
- Peruvian Amazon >> Highlighted as an exciting, off-the-beaten path destination.
- Morocco >> Spotlighted through first-hand experiences and hosting a group tour.
- The Philippines >> The location for a relaxing eco-lodge stay and volunteering at a dog sanctuary.
- England, Scotland (Lewis and Harris Isles), and Bunbury (Australia) >> Featured in road trip and travel anecdotes, emphasising diverse landscapes.
- Japan, New Zealand, Cambodia, India >> Personal favourites for deeper, repeat visits and meaningful travel.
Links
Podcasts
- Episode 85 – Top 10 Most Incredible Train Journeys Around the World for Travel Lovers
- Episode 57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Episode 74 – Brisbane to Perth Road Trip [Itinerary, Tips and Costs]
Articles
Guest Bio – Michelle Chang
Michelle is a digital nomad who loves planning trips and equips others to pursue life-changing experiences around the world through her resources on IntentionalTravelers.com.
After starting traditional careers, Michelle and her husband joined the U.S. Peace Corps and did their volunteer service in rural Jamaica for 27 months, which eventually led them to work online in order to continue living abroad and learning about new cultures. Now they live abroad roughly half the year and base themselves in Oregon during the summers.
Michelle’s online tutorials and courses help travelers leverage their smartphones and online tools to make the most of their time and budget on trips, with less stress and overwhelm.
![Episode 74 – Brisbane to Perth Road Trip [Itinerary, Tips and Costs]](https://globaltravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Episode-74-Brisbane-to-Perth.jpg)
