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Episode 80 – Planning Your Perfect UK Rail Itinerary: Twelve Tips for Stress-Free Travel

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Ever dreamt of a UK train trip but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. In episode 80 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy and Doug provide 12 practical tips to help you plan your UK rail adventure.

Tips include the importance of utilizing resources such as the Guide to UK Train Travel eBook and UK Travel Planning website which provide practical tips, itineraries, and information on navigating the rail network. 

We also address the issue of cost, providing insights on how to save money on UK rail travel by utilizing rail passes and National Railcards. Discover tips for planning your itinerary including why methodical planning at the outset will avoid wasting time and doubling back during the trip. 

We share essential tips to make train travel more enjoyable including travelling light, booking seats on long-distance journeys, and allowing ample time to catch trains at busy train stations and much much more!

Let this podcast be your ticket to an unforgettable UK train journey!

Click the blue button below to listen:

UK-Train-Travel-ebook-for-website

Episode 80 – Show Notes

How to plan a UK rail trip itinerary

Topics covered in this episode include:

  • Check out the UK Train Travel ebook for practical tips and rail itineraries.
  • Utilize the resources on this website including the dedicated section for train travel.
  • Explore ways to save money on UK rail travel, such as rail passes and National Railcards.
  • Plan your itinerary in a methodical, sequential way to avoid wasting time and money.
  • Consider basing yourself in one or two locations, like London and Edinburgh, and take day trips by train.
  • Travel light to make navigating trains and stations easier.
  • Book seats for long distances or busy times, and avoid Sunday travel if possible.
  • Arrive at the train station in plenty of time to catch your train and consider transportation to the station.
  • Familiarize yourself with the train network, stations, and ticket purchasing process.
  • Pay attention to train schedules and be prepared for delays or disruptions.
  • Research and book accommodations near train stations for convenience.
  • Stay informed about any changes or updates through National Rail Enquiries and relevant news channels.

Click here to download an AI-generated PDF Transcript of Episode 80

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We are here to help you plan your trip to the UK – wherever you are heading in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Our step by step guide to planning your trip and our itinerary planning challenge are great places to start. Join our free UK and London Travel Planning group on Facebook and chat with other travellers planning (or recently returned) from the UK.

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🎉We did it! We passed 350,000 downloads of the UK TRAVEL PLANNING PODCAST! 🎧Thank you to each and every one of you who has listened to the podcast. ❤️ And a HUGE thank you in particular to our monthly sponsors - we appreciate you so much. 

Thank you to all of our guests 💕 - we love chatting with you about your trips. Plus of course all our wonderful partners (who all agree to come onto the podcast - some on multiple occasions!) 

My next aim - 1 million! Come on team we can do it! 💪

#podcast #travelpodcast #travelpodcaster #uktravel #uktravelpodcast #uktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast
In episode 127 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Melissa Jones, a first-time international traveller from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who shares her exciting London trip report. Melissa recounts her solo adventures in London, from iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Kensington Palace, and the Tower of London, to cultural gems such as the Victoria and Albert Museum. Discover her tips for planning an itinerary, navigating public transport, and the importance of pre-booking attractions to avoid long queues.

Melissa also shares her experiences of indulging in traditional British cuisine, including sticky toffee pudding, fish and chips, and a memorable afternoon tea at Claridge’s.

She offers insights into her shopping adventures, highlighting unique finds from Covent Garden’s antique market and London’s renowned department stores. Whether you’re curious about solo travel in London or eager to hear about Melissa’s favourite spots and tips, this episode is packed with inspiration for your own UK adventure.

#outandaboutwithuktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast #uktravelplanning #uktravel #visitbritain #travelpodcast #solotravel #tripreport #visitlondon #highclerecastle #london🇬🇧
December is one of the most magical times of the year to visit London. ✨

The city comes alive with festive spirit, offering visitors an unforgettable experience filled with twinkling lights, seasonal events, and that quintessential holiday charm. 🎅

The streets are adorned with sparkling decorations, from the iconic Oxford Street lights to the enchanting displays in Covent Garden. 🎊

London’s historic landmarks, like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, look especially beautiful when framed by festive illuminations or, if you’re lucky, a light dusting of frost. ❄️

For those looking for unique experiences, there’s plenty beyond the usual lists of activities.

👉 Head to Hampton Court Palace to experience an outdoor ice rink set against the stunning backdrop of Tudor architecture, or take a candlelit tour of the historic palace for a more atmospheric evening.

👉 For a quirky seasonal twist, visit the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, where special winter storytelling sessions bring maritime history to life for all ages.

👉 If you’re after something more serene, the Geffrye Museum offers a fascinating look at Christmas traditions through time, set in beautifully preserved period rooms.

👉 For foodies, indulge in a winter feast at the Pergola Paddington, an open-air rooftop dining experience made cozy with heaters, blankets, and festive menus.

December in London offers endless opportunities to soak up the festive atmosphere, making it a truly magical time to visit. With so much to do, you’re sure to leave the city with a heart full of holiday spirit and memories to last a lifetime. 🎄
In episode 126 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast unlock the secrets of London with our latest adventure, where we promise you’ll discover how to explore the best of the city without emptying your wallet.

Join us as we navigate through a London three-day itinerary masterfully designed by Daryl Bennett from GoCity, revealing not just the famous landmarks like the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral but also hidden treasures such as the immersive art of Frameless and the historical gems of the Florence Nightingale Museum.

In our previous conversation with Daryl (UK Travel Planning Podcast Episode #106), we uncovered strategies for maximizing the London Pass to make your journey enjoyable and cost-effective. In this episode, we test it out! 

Experience the ease and flexibility of the London Pass app, from the modern art delights of the Moco Museum to the historical depths of Apsley House and the majestic views from the Greenwich Meridian – Daryl’s itinerary offers something for every traveller. 

Whether a scenic Thames ride to Greenwich or an insightful Yeoman Warder tour at the Tower of London, our episode guarantees a comprehensive guide to making the most of your time in London with the London Pass. 

#outandaboutwithuktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast #uktravelplanning #uktravel #visitbritain #travelpodcast #londonpass #londonitinerary #visitgreenwich #londoneye #stpaulscathedral #toweroflondon #cuttysark #mocomuseum
✨ London’s Christmas Lights ✨

Get into the festive spirit with some of London’s most magical Christmas light displays:

1️⃣ Covent Garden 🎄✨
2️⃣ Burlington Arcade 🎁💎
3️⃣ Cartier, New Bond Street 💎🎀
4️⃣ Royal Arcade 🌟🎄
5️⃣ Regent Street 🎅✨

And there’s more to come! Follow for more festive London spots over the next few days 🎄🎥 

#londonchristmaslights #festivelondon #christmasinlondon #outandaboutwithuktravelplanning #uktravelplanningpodcast #uktravelplanning #london