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In this episode, Tyla takes you through an eight-day Dolomites itinerary, from the wildflower meadows of Val Gardena to the glamorous mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. It's Italy, but not as you've ever pictured it... imagine cowbells instead of Vespas, dumplings alongside pasta, and pale jagged peaks that glow pink at sunrise.

The Dolomites have exploded in popularity, and the famous spots now come with timed bookings, daily visitor caps and serious summer crowds. Tyla shares exactly how to plan around them, from the best time to visit the Dolomites to which hikes are genuinely worth it, where to base yourself, and why the earliest alarm of your trip will also deliver its most magical moment.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the glowing peaks and alpine lakes of the Italian Dolomites!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why June and September are unbeatable for hiking in the Dolomites
• The bookings you must make in advance or risk missing out!
• How to dodge the crowds at Lago di Braies
• Why the region feels more Austrian than Italian
• Where to stay in Val Gardena - Choosing between Ortisei, Selva and Santa Cristina
• The smarter and quieter way to experience Alpe di Siusi
• Whether the pricey Seceda cable car is worth the splurge
• How to hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
• WWI history hidden in the mountains at Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi
• Why you should never head up a mountain without cash in your pocket!

Places & Links Mentioned

• Car Rental Platforms - Discover Cars and Booking.com
• Arrival Airports - Venice, Verona and Innsbruck (Austria)
• Val Gardena villages - Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina
• Hiking - Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm, Seceda and Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Mountain passes - Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo and Passo Gardena
• Lakes - Lago di Carezza, Lago di Braies and Lago di Sorapis
• Eastern Dolomites villages - Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dobbiaco and Misurina
• Episode 22 - How to Plan a Ski Trip to Europe

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

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What do you actually need to pack for Europe? In this episode, Tyla shares her complete Europe packing list, built from years of full-time travel, living out of a carry-on and moving cities every two weeks.

From sweltering Greek islands in peak summer to snowy winters above the Arctic Circle, Tyla has packed for every season and made plenty of mistakes along the way. She explains why packing light is the golden rule for travelling Europe, how to travel carry-on only without running out of outfits, and how to avoid the budget airline baggage fees that can cost more than the flight itself.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to pack like a pro!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why cobblestone lanes, fifth-floor walk-ups and tiny lifts make packing light essential in Europe
• The carry-on dimensions that work across most budget airlines
• Wheels vs backpack: settling the great luggage debate
• How to build a capsule wardrobe for Europe
• Exactly what Tyla packs for one week vs two weeks
• A season-by-season guide to what to pack for Europe in summer, winter and the shoulder seasons
• The small, unsung heroes that transform your trip
• Rolling vs folding + other clever space saving tips
• Tyla's 10 things to leave at home!

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Custom Trip Planning Services
• Free Europe Trip Starter Kit (28-page guide with the full Europe packing checklist, free when you join the newsletter)
• Travel Money Cards - Wise and Revolut

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Support the show

Send Tyla a message

Welcome to Travel with Tyla, your regular audio-escape to Europe!

Since swapping tropical beaches in Australia for breathtaking mountains and lively village squares in Europe, Tyla's built up a wealth of trip planning knowledge and is here to help you create the European trip you've been dreaming about.

Expect thoughtfully crafted itineraries, hidden gems, and honest advice on skipping the tourist traps, from where to find the best gelato to which destinations are worth lingering a little longer, and the mistakes to avoid along the way.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to start dreaming up your next European adventure.

Ready to get started? Download your free Europe Trip Starter Kit

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Support the show

Send Tyla a message

In this episode, Tyla takes you through 7 marvelous days in Montenegro. From exploring the medieval stone towns surrounding Kotor Bay to the wild alpine landscapes of Durmitor National Park.

This trip is designed to split your time evenly between the coast and the mountains, requires you to rent a car, and steers you away from the cruise-ship trail towards the family-run konobas and quiet corners most day-trippers never see.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the majestic mountains, beautiful bays and roaring rivers of Montenegro!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why September into early October is the ideal time to visit and why July and August are worth avoiding!
• How to get from Tivat Airport to Kotor without getting scammed at the taxi rank
• Where to base yourself around the Bay of Kotor? Compares Kotor old town, Dobrota and Perast
• How to spot a tourist trap on the main square and find a proper Montenegrin konoba
• Exploring in Perast - getting to Our Lady of the Rocks and hidden viewpoints
• What to do at the top of Mount Lovćen - the cable car, alpine coaster, Falcon Fly and sunset bars
• The best hikes in Durmitor National Park - from the Black Lake to the Ice Cave
• White-water rafting the Tara River - which sections suit families and which ones bring the big rapids
• What to eat on each side of the country - Adriatic seafood vs hearty mountain cuisine
• Bonus: How to extend your trip - including Budva, Sveti Stefan, Lake Skadar, and pairing Montenegro with Dubrovnik

Places & Links Mentioned

• Custom Trip Planning Services
• Book Car Rentals
• Private Airport Transfers
• Get your eSIM
• Airports - Tivat Airport and Podgorica Airport
• Bay of Kotor - Kotor old town, Dobrota, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, St George Island, Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and Fortress of San Giovanni
• Mount Lovćen - cable car, alpine coaster, Falcon Fly, Aerobar, Njegoš Mausoleum, and Monte 1350 Bar
• The North - Žabljak, Durmitor National Park, Đurđevića Tara Bridge, Tara Canyon, Black Lake, Ladena Pećina (Ice Cave), Ćurevac viewpoint, Jablan Lake, Sedlo Pass, and Durmitor Ring
• Bonus extensions - Budva, Sveti Stefan, Lake Skadar, Pavlova Strana viewpoint, Ulcinj, Velika Plaža, Ada Bojana, Cetinje, Lipa Cave, Herceg Novi, Tivat, the Prokletije (Accursed Mountains), Kolašin, Dubrovnik (Croatia)

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Support the show

Send Tyla a message

In this episode, Tyla hands the microphone to Josefine from Red White Adventures for a complete Madeira travel guide with everything you need to plan a trip to Portugal's most underrated island. From the shoulder-season sweet spots and the best levada walks to the trickiest airport in Europe and the corners of the island most visitors never reach.

Closer to Africa than mainland Portugal, this tiny speck of green in the Atlantic packs lush ancient forests, cloud-topped peaks and hidden waterfalls into an island you can drive across in an afternoon.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the wild green mountains and misty levada trails of magical Madeira!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why Madeira feels more like Hawaii than a typical beach island and why it's still one of Europe's most underrated escapes
• The best time to visit Madeira, and why the shoulder season (March-April and September-October) beats the summer crowds
• The truth about Madeira's notorious airport and why pilots need special training to land there
• Whether to rent a car or rely on the local buses, plus the steep reality of driving there!
• Where to base yourself - comparing Funchal, Calheta, Santana and the natural pools of Porto Moniz
• What a levada actually is and why these trails are ideal for beginners
• Why the famous PR trails need to be pre-booked and paid for in advance
• How to use Madeira's live webcams and microclimates to always find sunshine somewhere on the island
• Activities to do beyond hiking: including whale and dolphin watching, the historic Monte toboggan ride, jeep tours and wine tastings!
• Local dishes to eat and drink while you explore the island
• A bonus detour to the Azores and which island to choose (Spoiler: Do both!)

Places & Links Mentioned

• SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Use code TYLA30 for 30% off the Red White Adventures' 7-Day Madeira Guide (with a map of 100+ locations)
• Travel Blog - Red White Adventures
• Follow Josefine on Instagram @redwhiteadventures
• Blog Post #1: 12 of the Best Hikes in Madeira
• Blog Post $2: Best Coastal Trail - Vereda do Larano
• Visit Madeira - official PR trail bookings + live island webcams
• Locations mentioned - Funchal, Rua de Santa Maria, Monte, Câmara de Lobos, Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Santa Cruz, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Porto Moniz, Machico, Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1), and the Azores (São Miguel, Terceira & Furnas)

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

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In this episode, Tyla takes you on an 8-day itinerary along Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast, from the walled city of Dubrovnik to the idyllic island escapes of Korčula and Hvar.

Croatia is one of those destinations where trip planning can quickly spiral into overwhelm. Not because it's a difficult country to visit, but because the ferries between islands run on limited schedules and getting the order wrong can cost you an entire day of your trip!

So join Tyla, as she break down this route and shares all her top tips including how to experience Dubrovnik's Game of Thrones-famous Old Town without getting swallowed by cruise ship crowds, when to visit for the best weather and prices, plus why this trip works brilliantly without renting a car.

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the walled cities, sandy coves and lush vineyards of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why late May, early June or the second half of September are the smartest months to visit Croatia's Dalmatian Coast (and why the ferry schedules are important for timing your visit!)
• Where to stay in Dubrovnik if you'd rather skip the steep steps, loud noise and inflated prices of the Old Town
• Why waking up early and walking Dubrovnik's city walls at 8am is the single most important tip in this whole episode!
• Three ways to spend a free day in Dubrovnik, from sea kayaking past hidden caves to a peacock-filled island escape
• Why Korčula's Old Town is one of Croatia's most beautiful and genius historical sights
• Plus, the 400-year-old sword dance you can only see on Korčula!
• Why Hvar has a split personality as Croatia's answer to Mykonos and a sleepy island filled with stone villages and lavender fields
• Whether you actually need a rental car for this trip (spoiler: NO!)
• Where and why to extend your trip if eight days along the Dalmatian Coast isn't enough

Places & Links Mentioned

• Custom Trip Planning Services
• Dubrovnik Cruise Ship Schedule
• Dubrovnik Old Town - including the Stradun (main street), city walls, Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace and Fort Lovrijenac
• Mount Srđ Cable Car (for views over Dubrovnik)
• Lokrum Island (peacocks & monasteries) and Betina Cave (sea kayaking)
• Dubrovnik's beaches - Banje Beach (busy) and Sveti Jakov Beach (quiet)
• Korčula Old Town - St Mark's Cathedral and the Moreška sword dance
• Lumbarda village (Pošip and Grk wine tastings) and Vela Pržina Beach
• Hvar Old Town - St Stephen's Square and Fortica Fortress
• The Pakleni Islands - Palmižana and Jerolim
• Hvar's quieter side - Dubovica Beach, Sveta Nedjelja and Velo Grablje
• Diocletian's Palace (Split)
• Extend Trip - Plitvice Lakes National Park and Trogir

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Support the show

Send Tyla a message

Welcome back for Part 2 of this two-part European transport series! This episode covers the transport options that either unlock Europe's best hidden gems or cause unnecessary stress.

In this practical two-part series, Tyla breaks down everything you need to know about navigating Europe's complex and layered transport systems. Sharing her honest advice and extensive knowledge from years of traveling across the continent using every mode of transport imaginable and making many mistakes along the way.

So if you're curious about navigating Europe by ferry, rental car or city transport, I suggest you grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to take notes as we break down how to navigate Europe like a pro!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Tip and ticks for navigating ferries in Greece, Croatia, Italy's northern lakes, Adriatic crossings and Scandinavia
• The difference between hydrofoil ferries and regular ferries
• Why advance bookings for ferries in the summer months are essential
• Essential documents needed to rent a car in Europe (Hint: international driver's permit)
• When renting a car makes sense and when it doesn't!
• Things to look out for when comparing rental cars (i.e. automatic versus manual transmission availability, petrol vs electric)
• European road rules: From driving on the right in continental Europe to different speed limits, vignette requirements and restricted traffic zones
• How to navigate major European cities by metro, bus and tram
• Why it's important to download local transport apps before you arrive
• When taxis and ride-share apps (Uber and Bolt) are the better option

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Custom Trip Planning Services
• Ferry Booking Platforms - Ferryhopper.com and Navigazione Laghi (Italian lakes)
• Car Rental Platforms - Discovercars.com and Booking.com
• Public Transport Apps - Google Maps and Citymapper
• Rideshare Apps - Uber, Bolt and Free Now

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Support the show

Send Tyla a message

The flights are booked and accommodations are sorted, but a crucial question remains: How do you actually get around Europe once you are there?

In this practical two-part series, Tyla breaks down everything you need to know about navigating Europe's complex and layered transport systems. Sharing her honest advice and extensive knowledge from years of traveling across the continent using every mode of transport imaginable and making many mistakes along the way.

So if you're curious about navigating Europe by plane, train or bus, I suggest you grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to take notes as we break down how to navigate Europe like a pro!

In this episode, you'll learn…

• Why budget airline advertised prices are almost never what you actually end up paying (the hidden fees breakdown)
• Why online check-in 24 hours before your departure is a non-negotiable for budget carriers (and what happens if you miss it!)
• When flying makes sense versus when trains are actually faster and more practical for getting between destinations
• Why booking train tickets months in advance can save you significant money due to dynamic pricing
• The difference between Europe's high-speed trains and regional trains
• The economics and logistics of European overnight trains and why they're experiencing a major revival
• Whether a Eurail Pass actually offers value or if booking individual tickets in advance is cheaper
• Why buses are often the better choice in Eastern Europe and the Balkans
• How traffic delays affect buses and why flexibility with connections matters
• The best apps and platforms for comparing and booking each transport type (see below)

Places & Resources Mentioned

• Custom Trip Planning Services
• Flight Search Tool - Google Flights
• Train Booking Platforms - Omio and Trainline
• Bus Booking Platform - FlixBus

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Support the show