How to Plan an Independent Trip to China: Trains, Apps, Payments & Real Tips

When you think of China, you probably think of Beijing, Shanghai, or the Great Wall. But planning an independent trip across such a vast and culturally different country can feel overwhelming.

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by traveller Lucy, who shares insights from her recent independent adventure across China with her long-time travel partner Joe.

Together, Tracy and Lucy unpack what it is really like on the ground, from high-speed rail journeys and cashless payments to language barriers, food discoveries, and cultural surprises. Lucy also reflects on how travelling as a pair shaped their experience, from planning logistics to navigating busy stations and unfamiliar technology.

Moving beyond the “big three” cities, Lucy and Joe explored destinations such as Pingyao and Yangzhou, offering honest insight into what first-time visitors truly need to know before they go.

If China feels exciting but intimidating, this episode will give you practical tools and the confidence to plan your own independent adventure.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to realistically plan long-distance travel across China
• What booking high-speed trains is really like (and why Trip.com helps)
• How China’s passport-linked, paperless ticketing works
• Why nearly everything is cashless - and how to set up Alipay or WeChat before arrival
• Essential apps including Amap, Didi, translation tools, and VPN-enabled eSIMs
• How to navigate menus without English
• Why booking flexible hotels matters
• What to expect from public toilets and cultural etiquette
• How to structure an itinerary beyond Beijing and Shanghai

Guest - Lucy England
Show notes - Episode 93

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #22 – A Journey to Central China: Unique Gastronomy, Stunning Landscapes, and Cultural Delights
• Episode #15 – Insider’s Guide for First-Time Visitors to Singapore
• Episode #14 – Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins and co-host Doug Collins swap roles with special guest interviewer Amanda Kendle as they share their firsthand trip report from the Philippines.

The conversation centres on their ten-night stay at Moalboal Eco Lodge, located a few hours southwest of Cebu. Tracy and Doug share what it was like staying in an eco-conscious accommodation and why this peaceful corner of the Philippines made such a strong impression on them during their first visit to the country.

Along the way they discuss the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people, local culture and cuisine, and what daily life was like during their stay in Moalboal. From snorkelling experiences to relaxed eco lodge living, the episode offers an honest look at travelling in this part of the Philippines.

They also talk about the practical side of visiting the country, including arriving in Cebu, getting around, money and connectivity, and some of the cultural surprises they encountered, including the local love of karaoke and the visible commitment to animal welfare in many communities.

If you are curious about the Philippines or interested in sustainable travel experiences, this trip report offers an authentic glimpse into what it is really like to stay in an eco lodge and explore this beautiful part of the world.

Show notes - Episode 92

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #29– From England to the Philippines: The Journey Behind Moalboal Ecolodge with Angie Briggs

Moalboal Eco Lodge

• 🌴 Book a stay at Moalboal Ecolodge
• 🌴 Instagram – MoalBaol Ecolodge

Dog Sanctuary

• 🐕 Instagram – Moalboal Animal Welfare

Spay & Neuter Charity

• 🐶 Support the charity

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

This week Tracy is joined by Japan travel specialist Helen Foster to share expert advice on visiting Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

If you are planning your first Japan trip and considering adding a theme park, this episode covers what you really need to know before you go.

Helen draws on nine trips to Japan to explain how each park differs, how ticketing systems work, what catches first-time visitors out, and whether Japan’s theme parks are worth it if you are not a huge “theme park person”.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The differences between Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan
• How far in advance you need to book tickets and hotels
• How Disney Premier Access and Universal Express Pass work
• Common planning mistakes to avoid
• Whether you need a full day for a theme park
• What to expect during busy seasons like Golden Week
• Cultural differences inside Japanese theme parks

If you want to avoid long queues, understand the booking systems, and plan a stress-free visit, this episode will help you do exactly that.

⭐️ Guest - Helen Foster (Japlanease)
📝 Show Notes - Episode 91

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #38 – Top Tips and Insights for First-Time Travellers to Tokyo Japan
• Episode #13 – Discovering Japan: A 21 Day Itinerary
• Episode #14 – Visiting Japan: Top Tips for First-Time Travellers

Support the show

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Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

What makes Switzerland one of the most breathtaking countries in the world to explore by train?

This week Tracy is joined by Switzerland travel expert Carolyn, founder of Holidays to Switzerland, to talk about the scenic rail journeys and mountain excursions that draw visitors back again and again.

From iconic panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express to shorter but equally spectacular routes such as the Lucerne–Interlaken Express, this episode dives into how Switzerland’s rail network turns travel days into unforgettable experiences. Carolyn shares her favourite train journeys, tips for planning around start and end points, and why flexibility is key when dealing with Alpine weather.

They also discuss common mistakes travellers make, including overpacking and forgetting to book seat reservations on panoramic trains, plus practical advice on using the Swiss Travel Pass and regional rail passes to help manage costs in one of Europe’s most expensive destinations.

You’ll also hear how to choose the right mountain excursions, whether you prefer cogwheel railways, funiculars or cable cars, and why allowing time in each base makes all the difference to your experience.

If Switzerland is on your list, this episode will help you plan smarter, travel lighter, and be prepared to be amazed at every turn.

Guest - Carolyn of Holidays to Switzerland
Show notes - Episode 90

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #6 - An introduction to Switzerland
• Episode #61 - Lucerne Deep Dive
• Episode #85 – Top 10 Most Incredible Train Journeys Around the World

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Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

This week Tracy is joined by seasoned travel podcaster and traveller Chris Christensen, host of the Amateur Traveler podcast, to share his recent experience travelling through the Peruvian Amazon.

Together, they explore why this vast and remote region is far more accessible than many travellers expect. Drawing on Chris’s small-group river expedition, the conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it’s really like to travel the Amazon, from river life and wildlife encounters to village visits and the realities of logistics, comfort, and daily routines.

Chris explains how the Peruvian Amazon differs from the coastal and Andean parts of Peru many travellers are familiar with, what surprised him most about the trip, and why the experience felt adventurous without being as difficult or intimidating as expected.

• Why much of Peru lies in the Amazon basin
• How to reach the Peruvian Amazon via Lima, Iquitos, and the river port
• What it’s like spending a week on a small Amazon river boat
• How seasonal water levels shape routes, fishing, and daily life
• Blackwater lakes, piranha fishing, and safe swimming
• Wildlife encounters including birds, sloths, monkeys, and pink dolphins
• What village visits and local life along the river are really like
• Food on board and sharing a traditional village meal
• Mobility needs, skiffs, stairs, and uneven terrain
• What to pack for heat, insects, and wildlife viewing
• Why the Amazon is more accessible than many travellers expect

You’ll find links to Chris’s detailed article about the Peruvian Amazon and his Amateur Traveler podcast in the show notes globaltravelplanning.com/episode-89

⭐️ Guest - Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler

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Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Ever wondered what it actually takes to reach Antarctica and what it feels like when your boots hit the ice? We open up the journey, from long-haul hops to Ushuaia and life aboard a small HX Expeditions hybrid ship to the reality of the Drake Passage, then unpack how strict biosecurity and expert-led briefings make this fragile place accessible without losing what makes it special.

From the first glide through the Lemaire Channel to five unforgettable landings, we share practical detail on zodiacs, group rotations, and why “penguin highways” must be respected. Expect honest gear talk, thermals, waterproof trousers and sunblock over bulky ski wear, plus notes on seasickness, balcony cabins, and how the science centre turns downtime into discovery. We also get real about cost, value, and choosing a responsible operator that prioritises smaller groups and environmental impact.

Guest travellers Karen and David add vivid moments, whales surfacing beside a silent ship, the shock of a polar plunge, and stepping onto the mainland at an Argentine base. We compare Antarctica with the Falkland Islands, weigh when to go, and highlight wildlife spotted from deck. If you’re planning your first polar cruise or simply curious about the White Continent, this is a grounded guide to going prepared and coming home with more than photos.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 88

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #86 - Around the World in 2025: Global Travel Planning’s Year in Review
• Episode #81 - Stamped: Sinead: Trains, Travels, and Family Adventures Across 80 Countries
• Episode #41 – Tips for first time visitors to Peru with Ariana Svenson

Support the show

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Instagram - UK Travel Planning
YouTube - UK Travel Planning

📍London Travel Planning
Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

Planning a great trip in 2026 shouldn’t feel like a second job. We’re kicking off the year with a clear roadmap for slower, more intentional travel—fewer destinations, deeper experiences, and practical steps that make every day on the road feel easier and more rewarding.

Tracy shares what’s ahead on Podcast, from Antarctica reflections and the Peruvian Amazon to Morocco, the Philippines, and a deep dive into Switzerland’s most scenic train routes. We talk about shifting from country‑counting to meaningful time in places you love, using food tours as a doorway into local culture, and designing itineraries that match your pace.

We also spotlight the journey itself. Trains across Europe, road trips to Scotland’s islands, and the allure of motorhomes all feature as ways to turn transit into part of the experience. Tracy opens up about last year’s travel intensity, why she’s prioritising rest and longer stays in 2026.

And to supercharge your Europe goals, Michelle Chang from Intentional Travelers joins us to announce the free DIY Trip Summit - three focused days of expert sessions on slow travel, budgeting with miles and points, multigenerational planning, and on‑the‑ground tactics across Europe and the UK.

Ready to swap overwhelm for clarity and joy? Press play, grab your free ticket to the DIY Trip Summit using the link in our show notes, and tell us where you’re headed in 2026.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 87

🎧 Listen to next

• 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]

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🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
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Instagram - UK Travel Planning
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📍London Travel Planning
Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

This week 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 reaching her seventh continent to shared reflections on travelling at pace, 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 moments from the year.

Listeners will enjoy a candid conversation about 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 when things do not go to plan.

The episode also includes cultural observations, practical transport insights, particularly for train travel lovers, and honest reflections on both the rewards and challenges of constant travel.

Whether you are actively planning your next trip or simply dreaming of future adventures, this episode offers inspiration, thoughtful insights, and practical tips to help you travel smarter and with confidence.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 86

🎧 Listen to next

• 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]

Support the show

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🗺 Global Travel Planning
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🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
Website - UKTravelPlanning.com
Instagram - UK Travel Planning
YouTube - UK Travel Planning

📍London Travel Planning
Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!