What happens when the person who has edited nearly 100 episodes of this podcast finally puts all those travel tips to the test on his own UK trip? In this episode, our editor Ryan Fairweather from New Zealand shares highlights from his two-month visit to the UK with his partner Tilly, and reveals ho…What happens when the person who has edited nearly 100 episodes of this podcast finally puts all those travel tips to the test on his own UK trip? In this episode, our editor Ryan Fairweather from New Zealand shares highlights from his two-month visit to the UK with his partner Tilly, and reveals how almost every experience on his list came directly from editing the show. Ryan covers his favourite moments in York and London: the wonderful Old York Tea House, the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre...more
Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered…Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered in this episode: 🥾 Walking & Hiking Tours (Small Group, Max 16) Perfect for the active explorer, CIE's small-group hiking tours cover wild coastlines, hidden gems, and iconic landscapes. Ryan ...more
Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic…Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic. We talk through the real decisions that make accessible UK travel work: starting early, turning a wish list into an energy-friendly plan, and researching each attraction for seating, step-free ro...more
We map a mother–daughter journey through London and Edinburgh, showing how a smart South Kensington base, well-timed museum visits, and scenic rail travel turned a packed plan into a calm, joy-filled trip. Highlights include the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Boro…We map a mother–daughter journey through London and Edinburgh, showing how a smart South Kensington base, well-timed museum visits, and scenic rail travel turned a packed plan into a calm, joy-filled trip. Highlights include the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Borough Market food finds, and a Cotswolds day trip plus first-class train travel to Edinburgh and unforgettable meals along the way. In this episode we cover: • choosing South Kensington as a quiet, w...more
Many visitors see a lot in London but still leave feeling like they do not quite understand it. In this episode, Tracy Collins is joined by Robin Launder, founder of Fantastic Walks, to explore how walking tours and storytelling bring London’s history to life. Robin shares how his background as a hi…Many visitors see a lot in London but still leave feeling like they do not quite understand it. In this episode, Tracy Collins is joined by Robin Launder, founder of Fantastic Walks, to explore how walking tours and storytelling bring London’s history to life. Robin shares how his background as a history and English teacher, plus years in education training, shapes the way he guides. You will hear why stories stick, what surprises first timers most about walking tours, and how guides balance ...more
Hear about visiting the hidden gems of London, England, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about this city he once called home.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Tr…Hear about visiting the hidden gems of London, England, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about this city he once called home.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.
Why visit London?
London is one of the world's great cities, and it can easily fill a week, if not two, exploring the city. Everyone has heard of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, Tate Modern, Changing of the Guard, British Museum, and the London Eye, but there are so many more sights that are arguably as interesting and less busy.
Jonty lived in the UK for the first 29 years of his life, worked in London for 5 years, and visited London almost every year for 15 years after moving to New Zealand.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/hidden-gems-of-london/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesmore
London has some of the best museums in the world — but with so many options, how do you decide which ones are right for you? In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug guide you through London’s most popular museums to help you choose the ones that match your interests and pla…London has some of the best museums in the world — but with so many options, how do you decide which ones are right for you? In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug guide you through London’s most popular museums to help you choose the ones that match your interests and plan your visit confidently. From iconic institutions like the British Museum and the V&A to the London Transport Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich, we cover: Who each museum is best suited f...more
If you’re wondering whether a London black cab tour is worth adding to your itinerary, this episode will help you decide. Tracy is joined by Ollie from Discover Real London to talk through what actually happens on a black cab tour, how it differs from bus or walking tours, and why many first-time vi…If you’re wondering whether a London black cab tour is worth adding to your itinerary, this episode will help you decide. Tracy is joined by Ollie from Discover Real London to talk through what actually happens on a black cab tour, how it differs from bus or walking tours, and why many first-time visitors choose to start their trip this way. You’ll learn how licensed cab drivers complete “The Knowledge”, what special road privileges black cabs have, and how those factors can change your exper...more
Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer tri…Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer trip. We kick off in London with Becki from Walks and Devour: cherry blossom in parks, Kew’s treetop walkway, canal strolls from Hackney Wick to King’s Cross, and midweek Borough Market eats. We also...more
Planning a London itinerary sounds simple… until you actually try to do it. With so many iconic landmarks, historic sites, museums, neighbourhoods and experiences to choose from, it is easy to overpack your days, waste time travelling across the city, or miss the moments that truly make London speci…Planning a London itinerary sounds simple… until you actually try to do it. With so many iconic landmarks, historic sites, museums, neighbourhoods and experiences to choose from, it is easy to overpack your days, waste time travelling across the city, or miss the moments that truly make London special. In this week's episode Tracy is joined by Becki from Walks and Devour Tours to share expert advice on building a realistic, well-paced, and memorable London itinerary. Together they discuss: • ...more
In this week's episode we walk through exactly what you need to know before visiting Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for Downton Abbey. We share practical planning tips from our own recent visits, covering ticket options, how to get there from London, what to expect on the day, and the…In this week's episode we walk through exactly what you need to know before visiting Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for Downton Abbey. We share practical planning tips from our own recent visits, covering ticket options, how to get there from London, what to expect on the day, and the small details that make the difference between a rushed visit and a memorable one. Guest Melissa Jones also joins to share her first-hand experience of a guided tour to Highclere Castle which inc...more
This week Tracy Collins sits down with Becki from Devour Tours to explore the vibrant food scene of London. The episode tackles the myth of "beige and boring" British cuisine, offering a mouthwatering guide to the best dishes, afternoon teas, food tours, markets, and hidden gems across the city. Tra…This week Tracy Collins sits down with Becki from Devour Tours to explore the vibrant food scene of London. The episode tackles the myth of "beige and boring" British cuisine, offering a mouthwatering guide to the best dishes, afternoon teas, food tours, markets, and hidden gems across the city. Tracy Collins and Becki delve into the expectations and surprises first-time visitors encounter with London food, covering everything from fresh market fare to classic Sunday roasts and opulent aftern...more
In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Afternoon Tea, from its royal British origins to how the experience works today, tea selections, tiered bites, etiquette tips, and the little luxury extras that make it special. Plus we share the unforgettable afterno…In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Afternoon Tea, from its royal British origins to how the experience works today, tea selections, tiered bites, etiquette tips, and the little luxury extras that make it special. Plus we share the unforgettable afternoon teas we’ve done around the world and the iconic ones still on our bucket list.
A few places we’ve done afternoon tea and loved!
• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, Canada
• Claridges in London, UK
• Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada
• Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong
• The Driskill in Austin, TX USA
• LondonHouse in Chicago, IL USA
—---------------------------------------
Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront
Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!more
London should not feel like a sprint across Zones 1 to 3. In this episode, we share practical, real-world strategies to help you plan London in a way that saves time, protects your energy, and makes the city easier to enjoy. Rather than rushing between scattered attractions, we explain how to plan b…London should not feel like a sprint across Zones 1 to 3. In this episode, we share practical, real-world strategies to help you plan London in a way that saves time, protects your energy, and makes the city easier to enjoy. Rather than rushing between scattered attractions, we explain how to plan by areas, make smarter transport choices, and design days that feel calmer and more enjoyable. In this episode, you will learn: Why planning London by neighbourhood works better than chasing a long ...more
Two Dutch tour guides help us get the picture on what's new on Amsterdam's eclectic exhibit scene. Then a Blue Badge guide lets us in on where to go in London to see the exciting ways the venerable city is reinventing itself. And a journalist delves into the inexact science of borders and ponders th…Two Dutch tour guides help us get the picture on what's new on Amsterdam's eclectic exhibit scene. Then a Blue Badge guide lets us in on where to go in London to see the exciting ways the venerable city is reinventing itself. And a journalist delves into the inexact science of borders and ponders the complicated relationship between physical geography and national identity.more
We look back on our biggest year yet, highlight the most-loved London and regional episodes, and share what’s coming next. Expect more rail know-how, trusted partner recommendations, deeper dives into London neighbourhoods, and practical tools to help you plan an unrushed UK trip. In this episode: D…We look back on our biggest year yet, highlight the most-loved London and regional episodes, and share what’s coming next. Expect more rail know-how, trusted partner recommendations, deeper dives into London neighbourhoods, and practical tools to help you plan an unrushed UK trip. In this episode: Download milestones and global audience growthMost popular London episodes, including deep dives on the Tower of LondonTrusted partners for airport transfers, black cab tours, and small-group Cotswo...more
Planning a trip to London and wondering what's actually worth your time versus what's just tourist theater? Karen Cordaway from the Everyday Bucket List podcast and her husband Rich are guest hosting this episode to share what they've learned from their own London adventures. This originally aired a…Planning a trip to London and wondering what's actually worth your time versus what's just tourist theater? Karen Cordaway from the Everyday Bucket List podcast and her husband Rich are guest hosting this episode to share what they've learned from their own London adventures. This originally aired as an episode of their podcast, in fact, Everyday Bucket List!
Karen and Rich have done the research, made the mistakes, and figured out what works. They can tell you what lives up to the hype, what you can skip entirely, and the hidden spots most visitors never discover because they're too busy following the same crowded itinerary everyone else has...
From whether the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is worth the crowd crush to why Greenwich deserves way more time than most itineraries give it, they break down how to experience London without wasting days on disappointments.
Rich shares a unique tip most guidebooks miss entirely. Walking under the Thames River via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. It's free, it's fascinating, and it's the kind of experience that makes a trip memorable beyond just checking boxes on a landmark list. Karen adds practical advice about timing, transportation, and how to balance the iconic must-sees with the neighborhoods and experiences that give you a feel for the actual city.
Whether you're planning your first London adventure or returning to dig deeper, this episode gives you the kind of insider knowledge that transforms a good trip into a great one. Crystal and Joe set the stage with holiday updates and future episode teasers, then hand the mic over to Karen and Rich for a guest-hosted deep dive into one of the world's most visited cities.
What You'll Take With You:
• Karen and Rich's honest take on London's biggest tourist attractions and which ones deliver
• Why Greenwich is the hidden gem most visitors skip but absolutely shouldn't
• The Greenwich Foot Tunnel experience and why walking under the Thames beats another museum
• Practical timing and transportation tips that save you hours of frustration
• How to balance iconic landmarks with authentic London neighborhoods and experiences
• What's worth the crowds and what's better left to the Instagram tourists
• The insider perspective that only comes from people who actually know the city This Episode Is For You If:
• You're planning a London trip and overwhelmed by conflicting advice online
• You want to experience London like someone who lives there, not just visit it
• You're tired of guidebook recommendations that waste your limited travel time
• You're wondering which famous London attractions actually live up to their reputation
• You believe the best travel advice comes from people who know a place deeply, not just visited once Before You Hit Play, Think About This:
If you've been to London before, what's one thing you wish you'd known before your trip? And if you're planning to go, what's the one experience you're most excited (or most nervous) about? Drop your thoughts in the comments because Karen and Rich's perspective might completely change your itinerary.
Christmas is a little different across the pond — where Santas dwell on farms or in the woods, festively decorated boats stand in for sleighs, and fermented trout is a must-try treat. Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-tow…Christmas is a little different across the pond — where Santas dwell on farms or in the woods, festively decorated boats stand in for sleighs, and fermented trout is a must-try treat. Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy, as a slate of Rick's guides share their customs and memories of this festive season.more
Merry Christmas from Destination Eat Drink! For the holiday we’re in Ireland to chase the wren, visiting South Carolina for a holiday Low Country boil, and enjoying holiday cheer in London. Plus, why Panettone is so popular in Peru at Christmas and much, much more! [Ep 368]
Show Notes:
Foodie Trav…Merry Christmas from Destination Eat Drink! For the holiday we’re in Ireland to chase the wren, visiting South Carolina for a holiday Low Country boil, and enjoying holiday cheer in London. Plus, why Panettone is so popular in Peru at Christmas and much, much more! [Ep 368]
Show Notes:
Foodie Travel Guide ebooks from Destination Eat Drink
Flavour Trails in Ireland with Gráinne Lawlor
Samantha’s Lima Gourmet Company
Liquid History Tours with John
Liquid History book by John Warland
Steppin’ Out TV show with Joseph Rosendo
Brent’s video from the Ghent, Belgium Christmas Marketmore
Listener Laura Norton returns to share how she turned a dream anniversary trip into reality. From Beatles must-dos in Liverpool and a week based at St Katharine Docks in London to a quick hop to Paris, a powerful D-Day tour in Normandy, and a relaxing voyage home on the Queen Mary 2, Laura breaks do…Listener Laura Norton returns to share how she turned a dream anniversary trip into reality. From Beatles must-dos in Liverpool and a week based at St Katharine Docks in London to a quick hop to Paris, a powerful D-Day tour in Normandy, and a relaxing voyage home on the Queen Mary 2, Laura breaks down what worked, what she’d tweak, and the tips that saved time and stress. If you are planning a similar UK itinerary with a France add-on, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use ...more
