Doug and Tracy reveal the 15 most common mistakes travellers make when planning UK train journeys, drawing from their extensive experience helping thousands plan stress-free rail trips across Britain.

• Getting advice from non-experts who share outdated or incorrect information
• Travelling on Sundays when engineering works and staffing issues cause the most disruptions
• Bringing too much luggage that becomes difficult to manage on trains and in stations
• Not booking assistance services at least 24 hours in advance when needed
• Overlooking different ticket types and railcards that could provide significant savings
• Arriving at stations without enough time to navigate, find platforms, and board comfortably
• Failing to reserve seats on long-distance journeys, risking standing for hours
• Not using helpful apps like National Rail Enquiries to track real-time train information
• Forgetting to plan for food and drink when catering services may be limited
• Losing track of belongings in busy station environments
• Relying on onboard Wi-Fi which can be patchy, especially at high speeds
• Not planning the onward journey from arrival stations to final destinations
• Missing opportunities to explore scenic alternative routes between destinations
• Not allowing enough time for connections between trains
• Booking international flights on the same day as long-distance UK train journeys

For more help planning your UK train adventure, check out Doug's "Guide to UK Train Travel" ebook or book a personalised itinerary consultation.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 157

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #151 - Essential UK Train Travel Tips + Q&A
• Episode #145 - Exploring Scotland by Train: Edinburgh to Inverness by train
• Episode #43 - Unravelling the mysteries of train travel in the UK

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we personally love and recommend.
➡️ Click here to book your tour

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.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!

Returning guest Deborah Harsen shares the highlights from her sixth UK adventure, exploring the east coast from London to Edinburgh by train with her husband while sharing practical tips and magical moments from their journey.

• Deborah's lifelong love of the UK began with Twiggy and her grandmother reading Jane Austen to her
• Train travel shaped their itinerary along England's east coast with stops in London, York, Whitby, Newcastle, Alnwick, and Edinburgh
• Deborah splurged on special accommodations, including the Royal Horse Guards Hotel and The Cookie Jar in Alnwick
• Private tour with archaeologist Alex Iles through Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle was the trip highlight
• Billy Shiel's boat tour to the Farne Islands provided close encounters with puffins, arctic terns, and seals
• The Old York Tea Room in Goodramgate offers cream tea that Deborah rates as better than Betty's
• Magical unplanned moments included witnessing sunset and sunrise over Whitby Abbey from their hotel room
• For returning UK visitors, Deborah recommends exploring beyond London and trying different transportation modes

If you enjoy our podcast and want us to continue providing free UK travel information, please consider becoming a supporter. You can make a one-off donation or sponsor us monthly, like Deborah. Visit the link in our show notes to help us keep the podcast going.

⭐️ Guest - Deb Harsen
📝 Show Notes - Episode 156

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #65 - Trip Report with Deborah Harsen
• Episode #32 - 4 week Scotland and England trip report with Deborah Harsen
• Episode #123 - Family fun in London [Trip Report with Cathy Stephens]

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we personally love and recommend.
➡️ Click here to book your tour

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.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!

Dreaming of meandering through the Cotswolds countryside or cruising along Scotland's North Coast 500? Before you grab those keys, there's crucial information you need to know about driving in the UK that could make or break your road trip experience.

The romantic notion of spontaneously exploring Britain's charming villages and stunning landscapes can quickly turn stressful when faced with the reality of narrow country lanes, baffling roundabouts, and parking nightmares. Having driven thousands of miles across the UK and helped countless travellers plan their journeys, we've witnessed the same mistakes happening time and again.

In this practical guide, we reveal the 15 most common UK driving pitfalls and how to avoid them. From the shocking truth about journey times (that 50-mile drive could take twice as long as you think!) to the critical importance of booking an automatic car well in advance, we cover essential knowledge that guidebooks often miss. We'll explain why driving in London is a mistake most travellers regret, how to navigate the UK's unique parking systems, and why checking if your accommodation actually has parking facilities could save your holiday from disaster.

Whether you're used to driving on the left or not, the UK presents unique challenges that can catch even experienced international drivers off guard. We share insider advice on handling motorway driving, understanding road terminology, and preparing for the infamous British weather. Plus, we reveal the truth about rental car insurance and why paying extra for zero excess might be the best decision you make.

Our goal isn't to discourage you – a UK road trip can be truly magical when done right. With proper planning and realistic expectations, you'll be free to enjoy those winding coastal roads and picturesque villages without the stress. Listen now to transform your UK driving experience from potentially nerve-wracking to absolutely brilliant!

📝 Show Notes - Episode 155

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode 12 - Preparing to drive in the UK with Tripiamo
• Episode 112 - Driving in the UK like a local: Expert tips from Tripiamo's John Cortese
• Episode 79 - Planning your UK road trip (Expert Tips and Itinerary Ideas)

🎟️ Book a Walks or Devour Tour in London
Want to make your London trip unforgettable? From early access to the Tower of London to food tours through Borough Market, Walks and Devour offer small-group, expert-led tours we personally love and recommend.
➡️ Click here to book your tour

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.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!