The Travel Diaries

Today, we're joined by one of the most recognisable faces of British TV, the delightful Alex Jones. Alex has been the co-presenter of The One Show, since 2010, a daily magazine show here in the UK which is broadcast every week night on BBC 1. It’s a British institution that's become a staple in many households.

Hailing from Wales, Alex grew up bilingual, fluent in both English and Welsh. She tells us today about her first experience of TV, taking part as a contestant in a reality show in Magaluf - and how that led to none other than Davina McCall invigilating her final university exams. 

She shares her journey to the One Show sofa, which included hosting a travel show. And you could say that sparked a love of travel in her. 

She’s travelled all around the world with her husband and 3 children, and Alex takes us today on a journey from rural Wales, to coastal France, the rolling countryside of Italy to the ranches of Arizona. 

Destination Recap:

• Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy 
• Mallorca
• Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
• Solva, Wales, UK
• Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
• Sorrento, Italy 
• Capri, Italy 
• Magaluf, Spain 
• Arizona, USA
• Ogmore, Wales, UK
• Berlin, Germany 
• Gothenburg, Sweden 
• Pembrokeshire, Wales
• Ile de Re, France
• Le Marche, Italy 
• Belgium
• Sonnwies, The Dolomites, Italy (Holly)
• Japan

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool.

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Today’s episode has a particular focus on family travel, and I’m joined today by Jessica Gee, the matriarch of one of the most well known travelling families in the world, The Bucket List Family, who I’m sure many of you follow on Youtube and social media. 

The Bucket List Family’s story began back in 2015 when Jess and her husband Garrett decided to sell everything and leave home with their two children, for a journey around the world together. Eight years and another son later, they've visited more than 90 countries, have grown a following of 1.5 million YouTube subscribers and 3 million Instagram followers, and continue to find ways--big and small--to add to their lifelong travel bucket list.

As a family of five, they’ve swum with whales in Tonga, slept in castles in Ireland, lived on a houseboat in Amsterdam and eaten breakfast with giraffes in Kenya. Jess shares how having been raised “a traditional all-American girl” whose family favoured trips to Disneyworld over international travel, she never imagined she would end up seeing so much of the world. Now she’s partnered with National Geographic on her debut book, which provides all the know-how to fulfil your own family’s bucket list—including how-tos for picking a destination, packing, budgeting, and even surviving a 12-hour plane ride. And it’s these kind of practical questions as well as her Jess’s travel chapters, that now as a parent myself, I’m so excited to uncover today. 

I’ve followed Jess and the family for years now, with a mixture of admiration and envy, and it’s so interesting to hear about life on the road with three little ones. 

Destination Recap

• Tonga
• Swallow’s Cave, Tonga
• Rwanda 
• Rwanda Genocide Memorial Building, Rwanda
• Soneva Fushi, Maldives
• Soneva Jani, Maldives 
• Miavana, Madagascar 
• Dominica 
• Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, Dominica 
• New Zealand 
• Antigua
• Belize 
• Alaska, USA
• Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, Alaska, USA
• Anchorage, Alaska, USA
• Homer, Alaska, USA
• Borneo 
• Antarctica
• The Arctic
• South Georgia
• The Falkland Islands 
• Hawaii, USA
• Kona, Hawaii, USA
• Maui, Hawaii, USA
• Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
• Kauai, Hawaii, USA 
• Tahiti, French Polynesia 
• Rangiroa, French Polynesia 

Jess’s new book, National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel: Share the World with Your Kids on 50 Adventures of a Lifetime is out now and available wherever books are sold. You can follow Jess and her family’s travels on Instagram @thebucketlistfamily 

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool.

Lindex - Fom their UV 50+ protection swimwear to the cutest hats and tees, Lindex is a one stop shop for chic kid's clothing.

Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels - For a tropical family holiday unlike any other with endless opportunities for fun and adventure, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels are the place to stay. Book your next getaway here.

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Welcome to Season 11! Kicking us off in style, we’re joined by a dazzling duo who are set to waltz their way into your hearts, stars of Strictly Come Dancing, and heading into a second season of their much loved travel show Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures, it’s Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice. 

I spoke to Anton and Gio in London a couple of weeks ago, at a dance studio which was like something out of Fame - sprawling rooms filled with people singing and whooping and music blaring from every corner, so if you hear the odd vocal warmup or some echoey bits in the background, that’s why. I’ve watched Strictly since Season 1 and Anton has been a part of the show since the very beginning, a seasoned dance floor veteran, first as a contestant and now as a judge. And then Giovanni entered with a bang back in 2015, reaching the final 3 times, and then winning with EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.

With Anton being half Spanish, half Hungarian and Giovanni growing up in Sicily, travel has played an important part of both their lives, and I hope you really have a laugh with us on this one.

Destination Recap:

Holly:

• COMO Alpina Dolomites 

Anton & Gio’s Destination Recap:

• Sciacca, Sicily, Italy
• Taormina, Sicily, Italy
• Palermo, Sicily, Italy 
• Hungary
• Galicia, Spain
• Bilbao
• San Sebastian, Spain
• Benidorm, Spain
• Bologna, Italy 
• Thailand
• Maldives 
• Pacific Highway 101, California, USA
• Carmel, California, USA
• Seville, Spain 
• Ronda, Spain
• Madrid, Spain
• Doncaster, England, UK
• Bangkok, Thailand 
• Portofino, Italy 
• Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America
• New York, USA

Episode 1 of Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Mon 18th March at 9pm.

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Threads and TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't wait until then remember there’s the first ten seasons to catch up on, that's over 110 + episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

See you next Tuesday!

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Today we are embarking on a sun-soaked journey to the Sunshine State - Fantastic Florida. From the magical world of theme parks in Orlando to the laid-back vibes of the Florida Keys, we’ll be chatting about some of the State’s best known spots as well as uncovering its hidden gems that may not yet be on your radar. For example, did you know that Florida is a foodie’s paradise? My first guest today knows a bit about that. Jimmy Doherty is a TV presenter and one of the UK’s best known farmers. His journey started over 20 years ago when he took on a leasehold of a 100-acre farm which was followed in a BBC series called Jimmy’s Farm. You’ll have seen him on loads of shows including Escape to the Wild, Food Unwrapped, as well as co-hosting Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast with his friend, Jamie Oliver. Jimmy recently returned from a three week shoot travelling all around Florida for his new ITV show, Jimmy’s Taste of Florida, and I can’t wait for you to hear his Floridian travel diaries. 

Then, we’ll be joined by Florida resident and Florida travel expert and writer, Simon Veness, who’ll be sharing all his hidden gems, travel tips, and recommendations for your next trip to Florida.

Destination Recap: 

Jimmy Doherty

• Universal Studios, Orlando
• Union Public House, Pensacola 
• Dat Cajun Place, Panama City Beach 
• Third Wave, New Smyrna Beach 
• The CURRENT Hotel, Tampa
• Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Anna Maria Island, Gulf Coast
• The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
• Little Havana, Miami 
• The Ball and Chain Restaurant, Little Havana, Miami 
• Columbia Restaurant, Tampa
• Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay
• Sand Bar, Anna Maria Island 
• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bradenton
• Peebles BBQ, Polk County, Central Florida
• Westgate River Ranch, Lake Wales, Central Florida
• Everglades National Park, Miami 

Simon Veness

• Capa, Four Seasons, Orlando
• Gulf Coast
• Overseas Highway, Florida Keys 
• Casa Morada, Isla Morada
• Key Largo
• Flagler Beach
• St Augustine
• Evermore Orlando Resort, Orlando 
• Resort Collection, Islamorada
• St Regis, Longboat Key 
• Epic Universe, Universal Orlando 
• Indian River Lagoon, Atlantic Coast 
• Manatee swimming, Crystal River, Gulf Coast 
• Deep Sea Fishing, Florida Keys
• Florida Panhandle
• Amelia Island, Nassau County 
• Gulfport, St Petersburg 

Don’t miss Jimmy’s Taste of Florida on ITV. For more Florida travel inpso, head to Instagram @hollyrubenstein and visitflorida.com 

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Sir Michael Palin - where do you start! He’s a legendary comedian, part of pop culture history as one of Monty Python. He’s a BAFTA-winning actor, a best-selling author, and one of our most loved travel documentarians and travel writers. His journeys across the world, beginning with Around the World in 80 Days, followed by Pole to Pole, Full Circle, Sahara, Himalaya, Brazil and more, were a key part of how many of us discovered the world growing up, through his eyes, and through his warmth and curiosity with whoever he encountered along the way. 

From Saharan Africa and the Amazon, to western Scotland and North Korea, it was such an honour to hear the travel diaries of Sir Michael Palin. I hope you enjoy them.

Destination recap:

• Sheffield, England
• Norfolk, England
• Solden, Austria 
• Venice, Italy
• Barbados
• Morocco
• Mauritania
• Chinguetti, Mali
• Persian gulf to Indian Ocean dhow boat trip
• West coast of Scotland including Glencoe
• Aberfeldy, Scotland
• New York, USA
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Kolkata, India 
• Pongo de Mainique, Peru
• North Korea
• Algiers
• Vietnam
• Gulag camps, Kolyma, Russia
• Mongolia and the 'Stans
• Altai Mountains
• Walking in the Dolomites, Italy

With thanks to #mindbodysoul at worlddutyfree.com @worlddutyfreeuk for their support of today's episode.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Hit subscribe and every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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You might know today’s guest as the formidable judge on "MasterChef: The Professionals,”; or maybe you've followed her globetrotting escapades on the BBC’s "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby”. Perhaps you’ve even been lucky enough to eat in her London restaurant, Mere. She’s one of the best-known and highly renowned female chefs in the UK, it is of course, Monica Galetti. 

This season has been such a treat because I’ve managed to interview so many names who I dreamed of talking to when I started the podcast, and Monica was one of those, for so many reasons. I was desperate to ask her about what her childhood was like growing up on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. And then what life was like when she moved as a child to New Zealand, where suddenly it’s cold and it’s another language that she didn’t speak. I was excited to ask her where her love of food began and how that led her to London to work alongside Michel Roux Jr - a former guest on the podcast of course - at his legendary Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gavroche. The intense kitchen there became the crucible where Monica honed her skills, eventually rising to become the restaurant's first female sous chef. Her experience there would eventually serve as the foundation to the opening of Mere, her restaurant in Fitzrovia, London. 

After a few technical issues, I was so pleased Monica was able to squeeze this interview into her busy schedule. She’d just got off a plane, and got home, so this was recorded remotely last week. 

So from Samoa to Sri Lanka, Ireland to Italy and much more, let’s get started. 

Destination Recap:

• Samoa
• New Zealand
• Vanuatu 
• Sri Lanka
• Italy
• Ashford Castle, Ireland 
• Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy
• The Brando, French Polynesia 
• Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
• JOALI, Maldives
• Croatia
• J Sheekey Restaurant, London
• Sabor Restaurant, London
• Scotland
• Japan

A big thank you to Monica Galetti, do check out her restaurant Mere for a taste of what we’ve been talking about today. And thank you to the magnificent JOALI and JOALI BEING resort in the Maldives, one of Monica’s Amazing Hotels, who helped to make the interview happen. 

This episode was recorded at Cliveden House.

And so that is a wrap for Season 10. Thank you again for tuning in. I hope you are all gearing up for a lovely festive. I put together a little travel diaries Christmas gift guide on my Instagram @hollyrubenstein so do check that out. I will back next week with a bonus episode from the archives, and I’ll be back with a whole new season in the Spring. So who would like to hear from? Who are your dream guests? You know I always try to make it happen if you ask, so remember you can get in touch with me on Instagram, I’m also on threads, TikTok - maybe my new years resolution will be to use those a bit more, but certainly i’m always happy to chat on Instagram, and remember all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes, and on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com 

Lots of love everyone, Happy holidays, and i’ll speak to you soon. 

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Sophie Morgan is a TV presenter, Conde Nast Traveller columnist and disability advocate. When she was 18, on the night she received her A level results, Sophie crashed her car, and was left instantly paralysed from the chest down. Everything she had dreamed for her life was instantly forgotten and her journey to rediscover herself and build a different life began. “I want to go to some extraordinary places, meet some extraordinary people and do some extraordinary things", she wrote from her hospital bed the day she was discharged. But as a recently injured paraplegic woman, she would go on to face barriers as complex and nuanced as her impairment itself. In her words: “When it comes to travel, total satisfaction can be hard – if not impossible – for disabled people to find.” 

Sophie first appeared in BBC Two’s show Beyond Boundaries which followed 11 disabled people on a 220-mile trek across Nicaragua, alongside another previous podcast guest, Amar Latif. After that, her career on TV grew, and she became one of the first female wheelchair users globally to host on TV, playing a part in transforming the representation of disability on screen, as the lead presenter on Channel 4's broadcast of the Summer Paralympics, fronting her own prime-time travel series, documentaries as well as being a regular panelist for ITV's Loose Women. 

She’s currently spearheading the global disability rights campaign Rights On Flights which has taken her to the White House to meet the President, and we talk a lot on today’s episode about accessible travel and ableism - it’s an issue that has been hugely overlooked in the travel sphere for too long, and hearing Sophie’s experiences as a wheelchair user, on planes in particular, but within travel more broadly, really opened my eyes to the significant change that needs to take place to make travel accessible for everyone. Having said that, Sophie has been travelling literally non-stop for the last year, I mention it at the start of the episode all the places and adventures that she’s been on recently, so not only will today’s episode open your eyes to things you may not have thought of before - it will also fuel your wanderlust for your own future adventures. 

Destination Recap:

• The Whitehouse, Washington DC, USA
• French Alps
• Biking trip across the USA
• Wyoming, USA
• Idaho, USA
• Cotignac, France
• Scotland
• California
• Ximuwu, Greater Kruger, South Africa 
• Seville, Spain
• Nicaragua
• Antarctic

You can read Sophie’s Conde Nast Traveller column 'Beyond Barriers’ in magazines and online now.

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Today, we're diving into the awe-inspiring world of high-altitude adventure. Our subject is a man whose name is synonymous with daring expeditions and summit triumphs, the legendary climber and adventurer, Kenton Cool.

With 17 successful ascents of the mighty Mount Everest to his name, along with many other mountain peaks around the globe, including the ‘seven summits’ – the highest mountains on each of the seven traditional continents, Kenton is not just 'cool' by name, but by nature.

You’ll have heard him mentioned on previous podcast episodes - with Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Ben Fogle - Kenton has accompanied them on some of their most challenging ascents. Ben Fogle, Summited Everest with Kenton, and he led Sir Ranulph Fiennes up the North Face of the Eiger and to the summit of Mount Everest, too.

Kenton's adventure-filled life began in the UK, but he quickly found his heart in the Himalayas. He brings to life some of his most incredible adventures, and the valuable lessons he learnt along the way. 

Destination Recap:

• Alaska
• Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
• Skagway, Alaska
• West Wales, Cardiganshire and Pembrokeshire 
• The Presili Hills, Pembrokeshire 
• Pakistan
• Mt Everest
• Nepal
• Peshawar, Pakistan 
• Bhutan
• Colorado, USA
• Cape Town, South Africa 
• European Alps in Summer 
• Megeve, Switzerland 
• South Africa 
• Antarctic Peninsula 
• North side of Everest 
• Darjeeling, India 
• Tibetan Plateau 

You can find out more about their performance initiatives here: www.incoolcompany.com

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next season come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Threads and TikTok, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

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Hello and welcome to this bonus Destination Special of The Travel Diaries. Yes, I am back for a second time this week, as we continue to celebrate California and all it has to offer, today bringing to life one of my personal favourite spots, Greater Palm Springs. I was there in 2019 as part of a much bigger US road trip, which took me through all of California, and it’s one of the places I think about most when I’m daydreaming about far off lands.

It’s nestled in the heart of California's Coachella Valley, a couple of hours drive from LA, and it’s a desert oasis that's been capturing the hearts of travellers for generations. It’s where 1950s celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley spent their weekends, played golf at championship courses, and wined and dined the desert night away. With that Rat Pack spirit still lingering in the air, it has a unique allure that draws you in from the moment you arrive. Picture an elegant city framed by the towering San Jacinto Mountains and lined with impossibly tall swaying palm trees. A nexus of natural beauty, wellness, and culture, a living canvas of perfectly preserved mid-century modern architecture, offering such an intoxicating blend of nostalgia and sophistication.

I’m joined today by Steven Biller, he’s a Palm Springs legend, having edited Palm Springs Life Magazine for over 20 years, and we uncover his Palm Springs travel diaries, his all time favourites, his hidden gems, and top recommendations as someone who knows it so well. From its food and art scenes to its wild outdoors and hiking trails, there is so much to experience in Greater Palm Springs. I really hope you enjoy getting a flavour of it now.

Destination Recap: 

• Palm Springs aerial tramway
• Coachella Valley
• The Indian Canyons
• Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
• Palm Canyon Trail
• Korakia Pensione 
• L’Horizon Hotel 
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Joshua Tree rock climbing school 
• Barker Dam trail, Joshua Tree National Park
• Ryan Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park
• Johannes restaurant 
• Sol y Sombra restaurant, Paloma Resort 
• Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
• Box Canyon, Mecca
• Mojave Desert
• Kelso Dunes 

Well, I hope that has given you a flavour of what a fantastic destination Greater Palm Springs is. Thank you to Stephen Biller for joining me. You can find out more about Palm Springs at palmspringslife.com , in your favourite travel guides and magazines, and of course always on the tourist board website too, in this case it is visitgreaterpalmsprings.com 

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Today we are heading to a sun-soaked slice of heaven. The place I chose as my all time favourite destination when I answered my own travel diaries here on the podcast. The Golden State. It is of course, California. 

I have been so excited to work on this episode for you, bringing to life a destination so close to my heart - so close in fact, that I even got married on one of its many golden sand beaches.

The reason I love California so much is that it’s a paradise of possibilities, a promise of endless adventure, that truly caters to every traveller. From the dramatic coastlines of Big Sur, where the waves dance with the rugged cliffs, to the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Monica and the iconic Santa Cruz boardwalk, this state offers a buffet of coastal delights.

Speaking of buffets, don't even get me started on the food. California is a culinary playground where flavours from around the world collide. From food truck gems in Los Angeles to Michelin-starred eateries in San Francisco, your taste buds will embark on a journey of their own. Not forgetting that it’s home to some of the most famous and beautiful wine country in the world. 

And how about the great outdoors? California is a nature lover's dream come true. Yosemite National Park, with its colossal granite cliffs and lush forests, will make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard. There’s the historic redwood forests of Northern California. And for the adrenaline junkies, Lake Tahoe offers year-round thrills, from skiing in the winter to kayaking in the summer.

Whether you're chasing dreams in LA, hiking in the Sierra Nevada, or sipping on cabernet in wine country, California is a place where every moment feels like a movie scene, and you're the star.

Speaking of stars, today we are joined by a star-studded lineup of some of my favourite guests across the last 10 seasons, who have chosen California as part of their travel diaries. They’ll be taking us on the ultimate California road trip - a trip of a lifetime you can do in two or three weeks, that everyone should be adding to their travel bucket list. 

Destination Recap:

Holly Rubenstein

California Road Trip - 

Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Montecito

Poppy Delevingne - Chateau Marmont Hotel, Hollywood, LA

Sir Trevor McDonald - Shutters on the Beach Hotel, Santa Monica

Ed Gamble - Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo

Jon Ronson - Pacific Highway Route 1, Hearst Castle, Los Angeles

Brian Chesky - Walt Disney Museum, San Francisco

Michel Roux Jr - Pacific Highway Drive, Wine Region, San Francisco, Spago Restaurant, Chez Panisse, Berkeley

Gregory Porter - Yosemite National Park 

Chef Nancy Silverton 

• Los Angeles
• Anajack Thai, Sherman Oaks
• Kato, Los Angeles
• Downtown Los Angeles
• Baroo, Los Angeles
• Ojai
• Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai
• Solvang
• The Watts Towers, Los Angeles
• Olvera Street, Los Angeles
• Yosemite National Park
• Palm Springs 
• San Francisco
• Berkeley
• San Juan Capistrano
• Chez Panisse, Berkeley 
• San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara
• Ferry Plaza, San Francisco Embarcadero 
• Buvette, San Francisco 
• Blue Bottle, San Francisco 
• Farmer’s Market, San Francisco 
• Boonville Hotel & Restaurant, Mendocino County

To discover more about California head to visitcalifornia.com

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Growing up around farms and wildlife, TV presenter Kate Humble has always had a fascination for nature. After leaving school, she travelled solo to Africa; working her way from Cape Town to Cairo. On her return to the UK she began working for TV production companies, as a runner, then researcher on ‘The Holiday Programme’. It was on her second day in the Holiday office when she was asked by the programme’s editor if she had ever presented before. "No," she said "and nor do I want to." Kate has been presenting programmes for over 20 years ever since, as well as writing articles and books, many with a focus around travel. In fact, she has become a beloved mainstay of British television, having presented some of our most iconic shows, including Springwatch & Autumnwatch, Countryfile, Lambing Live, and many, many more. 

We spoke at The Chelsea Townhouse, a new opening by Iconic Luxury Hotels, the brand behind some of Britain’s most legendary properties, like Chewton Glen and Cliveden. Tucked behind one of London's most fancy shopping districts, Sloane Street, we sat in one of its homely suites, overlooking it’s lovely garden and towering treetops - an unusual find in the heart of London.

Kate is what I would consider a true traveller. She is someone who sets off with pure wanderlust, with a map and hiking boots, and gets stuck in wherever she is heading. She tells us about an extraordinary five weeks spent with a tribe who live north of Timbuktu in the Sahara Desert trading salt; tracking clouded leopards in Borneo and hiking through Afghanistan. And closer to home about life in the Welsh Wye Valley, and her beloved escape in rural France. 

Destination Recap:

• Wye Valley, UK
• Corfu
• Guatemala
• Mexico
• South Africa
• Cameroon
• Timbuktu, Mali 
• Saharan Desert, Mali
• Limousin National Park, France 
• Borneo
• Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar 
• Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan 
• Siberia, Russia
• Walking across Japan
• Glyndŵr's Way, Wales
• Poland
• Romania
• Albania 

Kate has a new book out, called Where the Hearth Is: Stories of Home, which interestingly is all about home, questioning the notion of home, is it a tangible place or a state of mind? And considers the views of others living uniquely, extraordinarily and happily. It’s a fascinating and comforting read, which I thoroughly recommend - a great Christmas present. 

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next season come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

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Our guest today knows his way around both the kitchen and the world. He’s a culinary maestro with a passport full of flavours and a heart full of stories. It’s the wonderful, Gino D’acampo. 

Born in Naples, in Southern Italy, Gino inherited his grandfather’s love and passion for cooking. After studying at catering college, at just 18 years old Gino moved to London. Soon after he was spotted by a TV producer and began to grace our TV screens on shows like Ready Steady Cook, This Morning and his own shows like Gino’s Italian Escape. He joined his pals Gordon Ramsay and former podcast guest Fred Sirieix on their much-loved Ultimate Road Trip series and is the host of Family Fortunes. He has a restaurant empire, several best-selling cookbooks and he also wrote his first children’s cookbook ‘Wiskella.’

Gino’s Travel Diaries are like a beautifully crafted recipe - filled with zest, sprinkled with laughter, and infused with the warm embrace of the places he's explored. From the sun-drenched Amalfi coast to the island of Sardinia, the olive groves of Puglia to the caves of Matera, Gino’s episode today is a love letter to his country of Italy, and was so much fun to record, so many laughs, we just had a really great time. I know you’re going to love it. So fasten your seatbelts, and let’s get started.

Destination Recap:

• Sardinia, Italy
• Aritzo, Sardinia, Italy (Blue Zone)
• Palinuro, Calabria, Italy
• Torre del Greco, Naples, Italy 
• Guildford, Surrey, England
• Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy 
• Positano, Italy
• Turkey
• Hawaii, USA

You can watch Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South on Sundays at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

With thanks to today's sponsors:

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool.

Sunweb - Use my promo code TRAVEL50 for £50 off your booking and your ski pass included. 

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next season come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the queen of British Soul, a West End superstar, and an Olivier-award winner - Beverley Knight. If you've ever swayed to the rhythms of Beverley’s songs like "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" or "Come as You Are," you know that Beverley's voice has the power to transport you to another dimension. But what about the destinations that have transported her? She's also a seasoned traveler with a passport filled to the brim with stamps from around the world and today, she's going to take us on a journey through her most meaningful travel experiences, from New York to Brazil, Jamaica to The Bahamas, with such passion, and clear love of travel - she's got stories that will make your wanderlust soar!

So get ready to join us as we explore the world through the eyes and the incredible voice of the one and only Beverley Knight.

Destination Recap: 

• Datça Peninsula, Turkey 
• Istanbul, Turkey 
• New York City, USA
• Tea and Sympathy, New York City, USA
• Sylvia’s, Harlem, New York City, USA
• Salvador, Bahia, Brazil 
• Jamaica
• London
• Harbour Island, Bahamas
• Chicago, USA
• The Far East - Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, China 

Beverley’s album, The Fifth Chapter, is out now.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next season come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're embarking on a special adventure – a voyage through the enchanting world of train travel. Our guest today is a true connoisseur of locomotion, travel writer Monisha Rajesh. In 2010, Monisha spent four months travelling around India by rail recounted in her debut book, Around India in 80 Trains. After India, Monisha took on the world, over seven months and 45,000-miles, on an adventure through the global rail networks, which later became her next book, the brilliant Around the World in 80 Trains.

Today, we’ll hear Monisha’s train travel diaries, from her earliest train travel memory being carried across the train tracks in Switzerland by her parents, to falling in love with train travel on a journey from Mumbai to Goa and her all time favourite journeys, to suit all budgets. From journeys that last just a few hours to those that last several days, Monisha brings to the life the unique perspective that travelling on a train can give us as travellers, the romance, the camaraderie, the excitement, unparalleled vistas, and a deep connection to the world around us. She evokes it so beautifully in our episode today. I think this is one you’re going to love.

So, all aboard, and let’s get started, with Monisha.

Destination Recap:

• Switzerland
• India
• Mandovi Express, from Mumbai to Goa, India
• US Amtrak
• Delhi, India
• Cannes to Ventimille Train, France to Italian border 
• Canadian railway Vancouver to Toronto
• European Sleeper Brussels, Belgium to Berlin, Germany
• Rome to Palermo, Italy train 
• Norway midnight sun train Oslo to Trondheim and Trondheim to Bodø
• Skeena Train, Jasper to Prince Rupert, Canada
• Transmongolian Railway
• The Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Finland 

With thanks to my sponsors today …

Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool.

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Sunweb - Use my promo code TRAVEL50 for £50 off your booking and your ski pass included.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Threads and TikTok, I’m also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s very special guest is not only a seasoned sailor but also a true legend of the high seas. She's the captain that keeps it all together on the hit TV series, "Below Deck: Mediterranean”. That's right, today we're setting sail with none other than Captain Sandy Yawn!

Now, if you're a fan of the show, you already know that the show chronicles the lives of the crew members who work and reside aboard a super yacht during charter season and Captain Sandy brings more than just nautical expertise to the table. She's a force to be reckoned with, with a heart of gold and a personality that shines as bright as the sun over the Mediterranean. Today, we're going to delve deeper into her world, beyond the decks and the drama, to get to know more about Sandy. She has been on quite a voyage herself, a voyage of sobriety, a voyage of self discovery, and a new voyage lies ahead as just the day before we spoke, she proposed to her girlfriend, Leah.

Destination Recap:

Holly speaks about Porto Zante Villas & Spa on Zakynthos island, Greece 

Captain Sandy: 

• The Florida Keys, Florida, USA
• Little Palm Island, The Florida Keys, Florida, USA
• Disneyworld, Florida, USA
• Suwannee River, Florida, USA
• Stepping Stones, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, USA
• Barcelona, Spain 
• Barceloneta Spanish and Mediterranean Tapas Restaurant and Bar, Spain
• Siesta Key, Florida, USA
• St Petersburg, Florida, USA
• The Don CeSar, St Petersburg, Florida, USA
• The Bahamas
• Aspen, Colorado, USA
• Denver, Colorado, USA
• Ouray, Colorado, USA
• Thunderball Cave, Staniel Cay, The Exumas, Bahamas
• Treasure Cay, The Abacos, Bahamas
• Long Island, Bahamas
• Cote D’Azur, France
• Alabama Jack’s, Key Largo, Florida
• Miami, Florida
• Portofino, Italy 
• Alaska, USA

Watch Captain Sandy on the brand-new season of Below Deck Mediterranean on Hayu, now. 

With thanks to my sponsors today …

Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool.

Sunweb - Use my promo code TRAVEL50 for £50 off your booking and your ski pass included.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re kicking off Season 10 by diving into the world of one of the most iconic figures in the music industry, a Grammy-winning artist whose distinctive voice and reggae beats have seen him top the charts over the past 30 years. That's right, we’re joined today, Shaggy. “Oh Carolina”, Shaggy’s debut single, was his big breakthrough into the music industry, all the way back in 1993. It became a chart-topping hit around the world and subsequent mega-hits like “Boombastic”, "It Wasn't Me” and “Angel” all further propelled him to global superstardom.

From Kingston, Jamaica where he spent his childhood and lives now, to the global stage, today we’re going to be getting to know the man behind the hits and the destinations in his life that have played a part along the way, from Japan to Italy, New York to North Carolina.

Destination Recap:

• New York City, USA
• Jamaica
• Kingston, Jamaica
• Japan
• North Carolina, USA
• Iraq
• Italy
• Sardinia, Italy
• Port Antonio, Jamaica
• Zimbabwe

Shaggy’s In The Mood EP is out now

With thanks to my sponsors today …

Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool.

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Sunweb - Use my promo code TRAVEL50 for £50 off your booking and your ski pass included.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Threads and TikTok, I’m also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s season finale we're joined by a national treasure, and a name synonymous with travel, Dame Joanna Lumley. Joanna's appetite for adventure was deeply engrained from childhood. She was born in Kashmir in the last days of British India, the daughter of an army officer who served with the Gurkhas. Throughout her childhood her parents lived in Asia, moving to Hong Kong and Malaysia, while she spent term times at school in England.

From her early days as a fashion model, gracing the covers of magazines and strutting down runway, Joanna Lumley was destined for greatness. But it was her iconic role as Patsy in the hit TV series "Absolutely Fabulous" that truly catapulted her into the hearts of millions. I love Wikipedia’s description of Patsy - “an alcoholic, a chain smoker, and a frequent recreational drug user. She carries drugs with her at all times, storing joints in her trademark beehive."

After surviving solo on a desert island, on the groundbreaking show Girl Friday, Joanna soon became as synonymous with travel as she was with Ab Fab, setting off on epic journeys that would make even the most seasoned globetrotter green with envy, from Japan and India to the Caribbean and the Silk Route. What makes her so remarkable is not just her fearless spirit but her genuine love for the people she meets along the way. She champions causes close to her heart, advocating for the rights of the Gurkhas, supporting endless charities, and shedding light on the important issues affecting our world.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready as we embark on a journey through the extraordinary life and awe-inspiring travels of Joanna Lumley, from Malaysia to Uzbekistan, Italy to Indonesia.

Destination Recap:

• Kashmir, India 
• Hong Kong
• Malaysia
• Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia 
• Madagascar
• Delhi, India
• Uzbekistan 
• Tash Rabat, Kyrgzystan 
• Sienna, Italy
• Banda Islands, Indonesia
• Sudan
• Romania

Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure starts on 5th July at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next season come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re uncovering another favourite episode from The Travel Diaries archive, now that we have over 100 episodes to pick from, as we build up to our big season finale with Joanna Lumley next week. It was so hard to choose, but when I reflected on the episodes that sparked the most wanderlust in me, from the most seasoned travellers, I thought it had to be Ben Fogle. Ben’s episode was recorded back in the Covid days, during season three, when no one really knew what was going on with the future of travel, and his tales of epic physical feats, wilderness living , going to the most remote parts of the planet, really inspired me at the time.

Ben is an award-winning broadcaster and one of the UK’s most prolific adventurers. He has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco, run the Marathon Des Sables (a 6 day ultra marathon across the Sahara Desert), raced across the Antarctica to the South Pole and most recently climbed Mount Everest. 

He’s written nine best-selling books - many about travel - and has the enviable title of the United Nations Patron of the Wilderness. And speaking of the Wilderness, he has travelled to every corner of the globe while filming his long-running hit TV series, New Lives in the Wild, a notion that feels particularly relevant right now during lockdown. 

Get ready to be transported to Guatemala, the top of Mt Everest, Ethiopia, the Canadian Wilderness and…Ayia Napa.

Destination Recap:

• Taransay, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
• Lake Chemong, Ontario, Canada
• British Columbia, Canada
• Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada
• Latin America 
• Quito, Ecuador
• Antigua, Guatemala
• Bolivia 
• Pitcairn Island, South Pacific
• Pleistocene Park, Siberia
• The Atlantic Ocean
• Mt Everest, Nepal 
• Cornwall, England
• Ethiopia
• Lalibela, Ethiopia
• Ayia Napa, Mallorca, Spain
• Haiti
• The Great Wall of China, China
• The North Pole
• The South Pole

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. Hit subscribe and every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're revisiting one of the podcast's favourite episodes today, from back in Season 3, and we're joined by one of travel’s most familiar faces. Known for his TV series tracing the Equator, the Tropics of Cancer & Capricorn, following the world’s sacred rivers and pilgrimages, travelling the length of the Americas, and deep diving into destinations like Burma, Russia and Colombia, visiting over 130 countries along the way. It is of course the adventurer, author and broadcaster, Simon Reeve. 

If you’ve watched Simon’s shows, you’ll know they’re not your typical travel programmes. He’s known for digging beneath the surface of a place, and telling the stories - both good and bad - that need to be told. What you may not know is that Simon is really very experienced when it comes to digging a little deeper as he began his career as an investigative journalist, and went on to become a NY Times best-selling author, all before he even appeared on our TV screens. 

Simon has undertaken numerous extraordinary journeys, but none of them are quite as extraordinary as the journey his own life has taken. I think you’ll be both amazed and inspired by it. 

Destination Recap: 

• Studland Bay, Dorset, England 
• Istanbul, Turkey 
• Hagia Sophia Grand Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
• Gabon
• Madagascar
• Bangladesh 
• Somaliland 
• West Country, England 
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Senegal
• Mali 
• The Arctic
• The Antarctic
• Paraguay 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

I’m @hollyrubenstein on Instagram, and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Megan Hine is a survivalist and wilderness guide who has carved her path in the fiercely competitive world of adventure travel, producing some of the biggest adventure and survival shows on TV around the world. Her big break came working alongside Bear Grylls on his hit show Man vs Wild, and from there, she’s led talent and film crews in the world’s toughest environments for over 20 years. 

A seasoned adventurer, Megan also possesses an insatiable hunger for exploration. Armed with her unwavering spirit and an arsenal of survival skills, she’s led expeditions around the world, from the arid deserts of the Sahara to the icy tundras of the Arctic. Her remarkable ability to adapt to the harshest conditions and think on her feet has earned her the admiration of both novice adventurers and seasoned experts alike. Whether it's scaling treacherous cliffs, navigating dangerous waters, or braving bone-chilling temperatures, Megan continues to push boundaries.

She is also a qualified resilience coach, and combines intimate knowledge of wilderness survival, a degree in psychology and a fascination with the psychology of survival to help clients overcome mental health struggles. Many of these techniques feature in her best-selling book 'Mind of a Survivor’, which we talk about today.

So, fasten your seatbelts, and ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with us today, full of heart-stopping adventures, invaluable life lessons, and the transformative power of travel. From Panama to Tibet, New Zealand to Mongolia, let’s get started.

Destination Recap:

• Pearl Islands, Panama 
• The Maldives 
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China?
• Scotland
• Iceland
• New Zealand
• Snowdonia, Wales
• Newborough Beach, Wales
• Black Rock Sands, Wales
• Mongolia
• Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
• Tibet
• Antarctica
• Alaska, USA

You can follow Megan on her adventures on Instagram at @Megan_hine and read her book, Mind of a Survivor. 

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight episodes to catch up on, that's over ninety episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a familiar face to millions all over the world as a BBC newsreader and foreign correspondent, with a career spanning three decades. He’s covered some of the biggest stories of our time from Hurricane Katrina, to 9/11; reported fro the front lines of conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and covered wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and most recently, Ukraine, reporting for BBC News from the roof of a hotel in the capital of Kyiv when the war broke out in February last year. He’s the host of Mastermind, and most recently swapped the BBC studios for sun-drenched Italian countryside, with his first travel show, Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip, a 15-part series, which follows Clive as he embarks on a captivating journey around the country, immersing himself in its culture, rich history and local cuisine from its heel to its top. We of course chat about this as well his hugely varied career which has taken him to over eighty countries in itself. 

Destination Recap:

• Jamaica
• Italy
• Verona, Italy
• Puglia, Italy
• Matera, Italy
• Tokyo, Japan
• Hokaido, Japan
• Ukraine
• West Coast of USA
• East Coast of USA
• Home Counties, England
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Venice, Italy
• Washington DC, USA
• Afghanistan
• St Petersburg, Russia
• Sri Lanka

A huge thank you to Clive. What an interesting life he has led. Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip is available on BBC iPlayer.

With thanks to today's sponsor, Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest will reignite your sense of adventure and reaffirm your love of nature. I’ve had over 100 guests now and I can safely say that this guest is up there in terms of the passion and love he shows for travel - the power of it, the importance of it and its symbiosis with nature and our planet.

Sam Branson is a very busy man indeed. He’s one of those people where the list of things that they do in their bio goes on for so long you question what you’ve done with your own life! Adventurer, Film maker, Singer/Songwriter, Charity Founder, Business Leader, Social Entrepreneur and much more. 

As an adventurer - his feats match some of the greatest names in the field. He’s spent 3 months crossing the arctic on a dog sled, he’s climbed epic peaks, he’s kayaked treacherous stretches of water, he’s set numerous world records, including - curiously - running the London Marathon attached to 33 other people. None of it was done without a wider cause though with the primary charitable focus - Big Change - which he also founded! He’s raised several million pounds to date. 

He’s also hugely passionate about our planet and many of the challenges he’s undertaken have been to raise awareness and create action around climate change. He speaks with such warmth about nature. This has transcended to his new venture - music. He’s just released his debut album - Under the Static - which is a love letter to mother nature under his musical name Waves Rush In. The perfect soundtrack to summer. 

Alongside all of this - which is making me exhausted just thinking about it - he’s found time to co-found and run a documentary production company alongside Hillary and Chelsea Clinton.

Now - obviously - a lot of this opportunity has come from being born into the Branson family - being the son of Sir Richard Branson - and we discuss this privileged upbringing in the episode and how he’s strived for his own self identity since. 

All of this makes it a really fascinating listen. I hope you enjoy it. 

Destination Recap:

• British Virgin Islands 
• Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
• Menorca
• Anegada, British Virgin Islands
• The Willy T, Norman Island, British Virgin Islands
• Australia
• Byron Bay, Australia
• Arctic expedition
• Bali, Indonesia
• Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
• Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
• Komodo Island, Indonesia
• Sri Lanka
• Chamonix, France
• Mont Blanc, France
• Mentawai Islands, Sumatra, Indonesia

Under the Static, Sam’s debut album which is released under his musical alter ego Waves Rush In, is out in June. 

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome our first ever Family Travel special. I had my first child back in October last year, and it’s been you the listeners who have reached out to me in such overwhelming numbers asking for a dedicated family travel episode because there isn’t a ton of advice out there for new parents travelling with a baby, where to go what to pack - it can be quite overwhelming. So here we are! 

Obviously, this episode might not appeal to everyone. So if you’re one of those regulars, please tune in next week, we’ll be back with a great celeb guest.

So how’s this going to work? My current plan is to release a family focussed episode each season that loosely tracks my own experience as a mother. Today we’ll be chatting with a bit of a focus on travelling with a baby up to around 6 months. Next season will then probably focus on 6 months to the toddler phase and so on. It won’t follow the usual 7 chapters but focus on things like travel tips, the best recommendations and bucket list destinations for that specific age group. 

I’m delighted to be joined by two seasoned family travellers to guide me through this. Kate Leahy is an acclaimed travel journalist who spent ten years working in-house at The Sunday Times and now contributes to The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Times, and much more. Prior to a career in journalism, Kate spent five years working as British Airways cabin crew, often observing the logistics of parents travelling with children. Now mum to two-year-old twins, she's putting everything she has learned along the way into making her own family travel memories.

Joining her is Frankie Collinson, who is the co-founder of the family travel start-up Tiny Travelship which provides vetted recommendations across all price ranges for both family specific and family friendly spots across the globe. They’ve just launched a new booking website and their Instagram has inspired a lot of my own Family Travel Bucket List!

Destination Recap

• Greece
• Monastery Estate Retreat, Crete, Greece
• Caserio del Mirador, Alicante, Spain
• Almyra, Cyprus
• Daios Cove, Crete, Greece
• Puglia, Italy 
• Ikos Resorts
• Martinhal, Sagres, Portugal
• Martinhal, Lisbon, Portugal 
• Marbella Club, Spain
• Cretan Malia Park, Crete, Greece
• Costa Rica
• Casa Pineta, Elba Island, Italy
• Australia

With thanks to...

Roarsome - Head to roarsome.com and use the code TRAVELDIARIES for 20% off all clothing, events and adventures in 2023.

Forte Village, Sardinia - Forte Village is the perfect place for your holiday in Sardinia, a beautiful corner of paradise 

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. All the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by Alex Polizzi, who you might know best as TV”s 'Hotel Inspector’. Alex has used her decades of experience working in hospitality to advise struggling hoteliers on how to turn their businesses around on the hit Channel 5 show. And on today’s episode we take a deep dive into what makes a great hotel, a great holiday and our ultimate pet peeves. 

Alex’s passion for travel and hospitality is something that runs in her blood. She’s part of one of travel’s most iconic family dynasties, the Forte family, Her grandfather was the legendary hotelier Lord Charles Forte, an Italian immigrant who opened a milk bar on London’s Regent Street in the 1930s and turned it into an empire of over 800 international hotels. Her uncle Rocco, established his own chain of luxury hotels, the Rocco Forte hotels. Her mother, is the hotel designer Olga Polizzi and founder of the Polizzi Collection (three hotels across the south of England), the third of which, The Star in Alfriston, she opened jointly with Alex in June 2021 to rave reviews. 

I spoke to Alex in one of her family’s most iconic hotels, Brown’s in London. Her travel diaries today take us from Cambodia to the Caribbean, from Portugal to Puglia, all across Italy and much more. 

Destination Recap:

• Browns’ Hotel, London, England, UK
• Dona Filipa Hotel, Algarve, Portugal 
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong
• Hotel Endsleigh, Devon, England, UK
• Venice, Italy
• Belmond Cipriani, Venice, Italy
• Providenciales, Turks + Caicos
• Torcello, Venice, Italy
• Murano, Venice, Italy
• The Coral House, Providenciales, Turks + Caicos
• Villa Igiea, Palermo, Sicily, Italy 
• Pompeii, Naples, Italy
• Ischia, Italy 
• Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia, Italy 
• Lecce, Puglia, Italy
• Otranto, Puglia, Italy 
• The Priory Hotel & Restaurant, Caerleon, Wales
• India
• Japan

With thanks to today's sponsors:

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Masseria Torre Maizza, a Rocco Forte Hotel - Be inspired by Alex's travel diaries, and discover an oasis of luxury in the heart of the Apulian countryside, Masseria Torre Maizza.

If you’d like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe or if you use apple podcasts to hit follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week, and if you’re really enjoying it I’d be so grateful if you could leave a rating or review. 

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. And don’t forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes and they’re also on my website, TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to episode 100 of The Travel Diaries podcast. I’m journalist Holly Rubenstein, and today I’m your cohost, as I’m joined today by my other half, my partner in life and travels Alex, who is going to be interviewing me about my travel diaries. That’s right, after nine seasons, and 99 episodes, and quite a few requests I thought it about time that I shared with you some of the many destinations that have shaped my life. I hope you get to know a little bit more about me.

So from Miami to Montecito, Scotland to Switzerland, and many more, here are my travel diaries. 

Destination Recap:

• Miami, Florida, USA
• Aventura Mall, Miami, Florida, USA
• Versailles, Little Havana, Miami, USA
• Wynwood Walls, Miami, Florida, USA
• Little Havana, Miami, Florida USA
• Islamorada, Florida Keys, USA
• Casa Morada, Florida Keys, USA
• Kauai, Hawaii, USA
• Mt Kilauea, Hawaii, USA
• Four Seasons Maui, Hawaii, USA
• California - Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Montecito
• Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Maldives
• 57 Nord, Scotland, UK
• Sedona, Arizona, USA
• Zion National Park, Utah, USA
• Niagara, New York, USA
• Big Sur, California
• Denver, Colorado, USA
• The Ramble Hotel, Denver, Colorado, USA
• Finger Lakes, New York, USA
• Ascona, Lake Maggiore, Switzerland
• Beltane Ranch, Sonoma, California, USA
• Arundel, West Sussex, England
• Patagonia, Argentina / Chile
• Forestis, Italian Dolomites 
• Rosa Alpina, Italian Dolomites 
• Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy 
• Amanzoe, Port Heli, Greece
• Patina, Maldives
• Ritz Carlton Maldives
• Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
• Airelles Chateau de la Messardiere, St Tropez, France
• Sri Lanka

With thanks to today’s sponsor, CV Villas. Book your 2023 summer holiday, now. 

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are joined by the self described blind guy who wants to show you the world, Amar Latif. Due to an incurable eye condition, Amar lost 95% of his sight by the age of 18. Through sheer determination, he has managed to turn a tale of loss, into one of truly inspirational achievement. Amar became known to millions through the groundbreaking BBC series Beyond Boundaries, which followed a group of disabled adventurers trekking 220 miles through Central America. The experience showed Amar that being blind didn't have to mean never seeing the world, but when he sought to take his adventures further afield he found himself facing rejection after rejection. Conventional travel companies refused to take him as an independent blind traveller, and so Amar set out to establish a company that would. 

Determined to travel the world, and to empower thousands of other blind travellers to do the same, Amar founded Traveleyes. Now a world-unique, award-winning tour operator, offering over 70 destinations a year, and providing an innovative way for blind and sighted travellers to explore the world together.

Amar has since worked on numerous tv programmes including River Walks, which recently won a Royal Television Society Award for ‘Best Single Documentary’, Celebrity Masterchef and Travelling Blind, which saw Amar partnered up with comedian Sara Pascoe as they travelled through Turkey together, demonstrating the dynamics of travelling as a sighted and visually impaired duo.

I loved chatting to Amar, his enthusiasm and passion for travel is completely contagious, and he’s one of my best travelled guests, having visited over 100 countries. He takes us from Morocco to Mecca, and from Cuba to Cape Town and much more.

Destination Recap:

• Blackpool, England
• Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• Medina, Saudi Arabia
• Canada
• Lake Titicaca, Peru
• Nicaragua
• Havana, Cuba
• Cienfuegos, Cuba
• Trinidad City, Cuba
• Santa Clara, Cuba 
• Varadero, Cuba
• Algamitas, Andalucia, Spain
• Atlas Mountains, Morocco
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Japan
• The Gambia 
• Cornwall, England, UK
• Masai Mara, Kenya

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight episodes to catch up on, that's over ninety episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Thanks so much for listening and I’ll be back next week.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're joined by a titan of the travel industry. Divia Thani is the global editorial director of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, overseeing seven editions of the title across the globe, including here in the UK. If you're not familiar with Conde Nast Traveler, It's the ultimate guide to the world's most exciting destinations, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and experiences. Divia is at the helm of it all and has been shaping the brand's voice and vision for several years now, having served as Editor in Chief of Condé Nast Traveller India for a decade.

Born and raised in Mumbai with family based across the globe, Divia’s travel diaries today take us far and wide, across Europe, Africa, North America and Asia. From ultra luxury hotels, to affordable homestays, belly dancing in Egypt to a shamanic experience in Mexico, her inspiring recommendations are sure to spark your wanderlust. Stay tuned for a quick fire round at the end, where Divia answers some of the questions you sent me on Instagram and offers some brilliant travel advice. 

Destination Recap:

• Lagos, Nigeria
• Mumbai, India
• Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, India
• Oberoi Mumbai, India
• London, England
• Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• One & Only Palmilla, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Mayascrest, Himachal Pradesh, India 
• Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India
• Raffles the OWO, London, England
• Mandarin Oriental, London, England
• Peninsula London, England
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Japan
• Argentina
• Egypt 
• Alexandria, Egypt

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok as of a few weeks ago, also @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first eight episodes to catch up on, that's over ninety episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s special guest is the singer-songwriter Katie Melua. Many of you will know Katie from her chart-topping hits like "Nine Million Bicycles" and "The Closest Thing to Crazy”. Over the last twenty years, her soulful voice has captivated audiences all around the world, selling over 11 million albums worldwide, making her one of the most successful British female artists of all time.

Katie was born in Georgia, - a country found at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe - which was then part of the Soviet Union, and it’s a huge feature of her travel diaries today. If it's a place that's been on your travel radar, you’ll get some great tips for a future trip. Katie spent her early childhood living in Georgia before moving to the UK, when she was eight years old. Her passion for music led her to enrol at the famous BRIT school, alongside alumni like Adele and Amy Winehouse. She was discovered by songwriter and producer Mike Batt, and rocketed to stardom soon after.

Her success has of course meant she has travelled much of the world several times over on tour, and she shares with us some of the most extraordinary destinations she has put on a show, including the deepest concert ever held, 303 meters below sea level in a Norwegian fjord.

So sit back, relax, and join us on this journey as we explore the life and travels of Katie Melua.

Destination Recap:

• Batumi, Georgia 
• Moscow, Russia
• Tbilisi, Georgia 
• Belfast, Northern Ireland 
• East Prawle, Devon, England
• Margate, Kent, England 
• Deal, Kent, England
• Broadstairs, Kent, England 
• Mt Kazbegi, Georgia 
• Rooms Hotel, Kazbegi
• Norway
• Tresco, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, England
• Brazil

Katie Melua’s ninth studio album, Love + Money, is out now, and she heads out on a UK + EU tour in April and May. 

With thanks to today's sponsor...

Jumeirah Beach Hotel - Visit jumeirah.com/JBHEscapes today, and book your Exceptional Escape to Dubai. Jumeirah Beach Hotels' Exceptional Jumeirah Escapes Offer gives up to 20% savings when you stay before 30 September 2023, with unlimited Wild Wadi Waterpark access, flexible cancellation and USD 200 credit when staying in an Ocean Club Room, Suite, or Beit Al Bahar Royal Villa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this bonus episode of The Travel Diaries podcast, where we are going to be talking about some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks here in the UK. We’re joined by friend of the podcast, former guest on Season 3, Juliet Kinsman, who is the Sustainability Editor of Conde Nast Traveller magazine, the author of The Green Edit: Easy Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveller and an aficionado of the national parks of the UK. 

Today’s episode is brought to you in partnership with BMW and National Park UK’s Recharge in Nature Project, an initiative to support nature restoration, biodiversity, wellbeing as well as access - the project is enhancing the electric vehicle charging infrastructure around our national parks to make it that bit easier to use an electric car when exploring. Often they are so vast, so remote and so rural that if you’re driving an electric car you might be anxious about when you’d next able to charge it.  

From the soaring mountains and serene lakes of the Lake District National Park to the rugged moorlands and rolling hills of the Cairngorms National Park and the wild horses of the New Forest, by uncovering Juliet’s national parks travel diaries we’ll not only take a closer look at what makes these parks so special, we'll also explore how we can ensure their protection for generations to come.

So grab your your binoculars, your walking boots, and your sense of adventure, and let's get started as we delve into the National Parks of the UK!

Destination Recap: 

• Lake District National Park, England
• Snowdonia National Park, Wales
• New Forest National Park, England
• The Pig Hotel, Hampshire, England
• Limewood, Hampshire, England
• Chewton Glen, Hampshire, England
• Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Saorsa 1875 Hotel, Scotland
• South Downs National Park, West Sussex
• Petworth, West Sussex
• Arundel, West Sussex,
• Swanbourne Lake, Arundel, west Sussex
• Wildhive, Callow Hall, Derbyshire
• Loch Lomond National Park, Scotland 

 To discover more about the Recharge in Nature Project, visit bmw.co.uk/NationalParks

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 9! It’s great to be back. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and whet your appetite, because today we are joined by the master of all things delicious, Chef James Martin.

James has been cooking up a storm on TV screens for over 20 years, and has written over 20 cookbooks as well, selling millions of copies worldwide.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, James remains a Yorkshire lad through and through and still spends plenty of time in his home county, which he tells us about today. You’ll hear that James has had a huge passion for food since childhood, and he was just 22 when he gained his first Michelin star working as the head chef at the Hotel du Vin in Winchester. His down-to-earth personality and infectious enthusiasm quickly caught the attention of TV producers, and it was his regular appearances on "Ready Steady Cook" that really brought him to the public's attention.

From there, he landed his own cooking show, BBC's "Saturday Kitchen,” which he hosted for over ten years, while opening restaurants in Manchester and at Chewton Glen hotel in Hampshire. Now he's the host of Saturday Morning with James Martin on ITV, alongside several foodie travel shows like "James Martin's French, Mediterranean and American Adventures” - so travel has been an incredibly important feature in his career so far. 

James' travel diaries today take us from the west coast of Scotland to the golden Caribbean sands of St Barths, from the quintessential British seaside of Blackpool to a culinary road trip through Wales, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, sit back, relax, as we kick off a big new season of the travel diaries with James Martin.

Destination Recap:

Holly’s travels -

• Lilycombe Farm, Somerset, England
• The Nook, Hillside Hangouts, Worcestershire, England

James Martin -

• The Lygon Arms, Worcestershire, England
• Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, England
• Blackpool
• Malton, North Yorkshire, England
• Hotel de Plaisance, Vitrac, France
• Chewton Glen, Hampshire, England 
• West Coast of Scotland
• St Paul-de-Vence, France
• L'Isle sur la Sorgue, France 
• Lake Annecy, France
• St Barths
• Monaco
• Food Road Trip in Wales: The Hardwick, Abergavenny, The Walnut Tree, Abergavenny and Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, Machynlleth
• Greece
• Turkey
• Japan
• Spain

If you'd like to experience a taste of James' signature dishes, head to The Lygon Arms, and book a table at GRILL or TAVERN.

With thanks to today’s sponsor -

Kip Hideaways - The best of UK travel is just around the corner and with places already booking up fast now is the time to find and book a spring or summer break. Head to kiphideaways.com to find your perfect escape or give them a follow on Instagram @kiphideaways for the dreamiest U.K. travel inspiration. 

If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode, follow me on Instagram @hollyrubenstein, You’ll also find me on Twitter and TikTok. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the Season 8 finale of The Travel Diaries. You may have first got to know today’s guest as the bad boy of the reality TV show Made in Chelsea. Now married with three children to model Vogue Williams, who he met on the TV show, The Jump, he regularly tops the podcast charts as the co-host of the hilarious hit podcast, Spencer and Vogue, as well as entertaining listeners with his former Made in Chelsea co-star Jamie Laing, on the podcast, 6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer. It is of course, Spencer Matthews.

Spencer has led a truly international life - not many people can say they grew up in a hotel on a small Caribbean island, and it was so interesting to chat to him about life there and how it shaped who he is today. He’ll be talking about his relationships with his old Made in Chelsea co-stars. And we also talk about Spencer’s recent time in Nepal. Spencer’s older brother Michael tragically died climbing Mt Everest in 1999, and Spencer has collaborated with Disney to make a documentary film called Finding Michael about the journey to try and find his body which was never brought home. I think this is the first time he’s spoken at length about the documentary and I was really touched by his honesty about such a monumental experience to go through and what it meant to him and his family. In fact, Spencer has taken on a number of huge challenges that we talk about on today’s episode in memory of his brother, taking him from the Sahara Desert to Arctic Sweden. Alongside that, he takes us from the South of France and Morocco to New York City and Paris.

Destination Recap:

• Caunton, Newark, England
• Paris, France 
• La Colle-Sour-Loup, France 
• La Colombe D’Or, France 
• St Barths, Caribbean 
• Eden Roc Hotel, St Barths
• Sahara Desert
• Mt Everest, Nepal
• Namche Bazar, Nepal
• New York, NY, USA
• Palais Namaskar, Marrakech, Morocco 
• The Mark, NY, USA
• The Bowery, NY, USA
• Katz Deli, NY, USA
• The Select Burger, NY, USA
• 4 Charles Prime Rib, NY, USA
• Arctic Sweden
• Japan
• Argentina
• Brazil 

If you'd like to hear more from Spencer and his wife Vogue, you can tune in to his hit podcast, Spencer and Vogue, a Global original here.

And don’t forget to check out his low- and no-alcohol drinks brand Clean Co, here.

If you’d like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe or if you use Apple Podcasts to hit follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week, and if you’re really enjoying it I’d be so grateful if you could leave a rating or review. 

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait til then remember there’s the first seven seasons to catch up on - that’s over 85 episodes to keep you busy there. And don’t forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes and they’re also on my website, TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com 

Thanks so much for listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I’m joined by one of British TV’s most famous faces, Richard Hammond. Stepping into the spotlight over twenty years ago, Richard became one third of the iconic trio to front the BBC's motoring show, Top Gear, alongside James May and Jeremy Clarkson.

The show went on to become the world's most watched factual TV programme - as proven by the Guiness book of records - at its peak 350 million viewers around the world were tuning in each week. The show saw the trio travel all over the world to take on epic motoring challenges, which they’ve since continued on The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime, where the three embark on car related challenges across the world.

Now when I say these shows have taken Richard all over the world, I’m not exaggerating: the filmography includes Norway, Canada, Botswana, Vietnam, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, India, Madagascar, Mongolia - and that’s only half of them. Richard recounts some of these epic adventures on today’s episode, taking us from Canada to Botswana, to Bolivia, as well as to some much loved spots on British soil.

Destination Recap

• The Forest of Dean, England
• Biblins Campsite, Ross-on-Wye, England
• Coast to Coast walk across England
• Buttermere, Lake District, England
• North Magnetic Pole, Northern Canada 
• Botswana
• Mozambique
• Canadian Forest
• Cambodia + Vietnam road trip
• Mikadikadi Salt Flats, Botswana 
• Kubu Island, Botswana
• Bolivian rain forest
• South Pole

Richard Hammond's Workshop Season 2 will be available to stream exclusively on discovery+ from Monday 17th October

With thanks to…

Sonnwies, South Tyrol’s mountain family-only wellness hotel with its own organic farm. Head to sonnwies.com to find out more. 

If you’d like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe or if you use apple podcasts to hit follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week, and if you’re really enjoying it I’d be so grateful if you could leave a rating or review. 

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait til then remember there’s the first seven seasons to catch up on - that’s over 85 episodes to keep you busy there. And don’t forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes and they’re also on my website, TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com 

Thanks so much for listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this special bonus destination special episode of The Travel Diaries podcast, brought to you in partnership with Tourism Ireland.

Today, we are focussing specifically on one of my all time favourite destinations, the island of Ireland. With such a breadth of experiences and activities on offer in Ireland, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination to have been mentioned by my guests over the last seven seasons of the podcast and today I'm joined by one of Ireland's most loved exports, TV presenter, Angela Scanlon. She'll be drawing on her lifetime of affection for and travels in her home country, as we uncover her Irish Travel Diaries. So what will we discover? Let's get started and find out.

Destination Recap:

• Co. Cork 
• Newgrange, Co. Meath
• Hill of Tara, Co. Meath
• Newgrange Farm, Co. Meath
• Dublin
• Keem Bay, Co. Mayo
• Wild Atlantic Way
• Gweedore, Co. Donegal
• Glandore, Co. Cork
• Bellmullet, Co. Mayo
• Shraigh Beach, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
• Claggan Island, Co. Mayo
• Clare Island, Co. Mayo

If Angela’s Irish travel diaries have inspired you to book a trip to Ireland, you can discover more epic activities at ireland.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I'm joined by one of sports broadcasting’s most familiar faces, Gabby Logan. This summer alone we watched Gabby helm the Commonwealth Games, the European Championships, the Women’s Euros and the London Marathon, to name a few. She's been a trailblazer for women in sport, no doubt inspired by her own family sporting credentials as a former international gymnast herself, as well as being the daughter of a professional footballer and manager, and the wife of a rugby international. 

She’s also the host of the highly podcast The Midpoint, and a prolific writer, here today ahead of the launch of her new book, The First Half. 

Gabby has travelled all over the globe to cover the world’s greatest sporting events - as well as being a keen traveller in the few spare moments she has off. Today she takes us from Vermont and Vancouver to the islands of Kefalonia and St Barths, and much more.

Destination Recap:

• South of France
• Qatar
• Russia
• Long Island, New York, USA
• Highlands of Scotland
• Greece
• Greek Islands yacht tour - Kefalonia
• Vancouver, BC, Canada
• London, England
• Japan
• European ski holidays in the Alps
• Rome, Italy
• Eden Roc hotel, St Barths
• Twin Farms hotel, Vermont, USA
• Peru
• Badrutt's Palace, St Moritz, Switzerland
• Monaco
• India

Gabby Logan’s new book ‘The First Half’ is available from October 13 in hardback, eBook and audio and you can purchase it now from book stores and online retailers.

With thanks to…

Briggs & Riley - Take part in this week’s competition to win a Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner (RRP £599), monogrammed with your initials & a set of Packing Cubes (£50) to make packing a breeze. To enter, follow @BriggsAndRiley and @HollyRubenstein on Instagram & tag two friends.

If you’d like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe or if you use apple podcasts to hit follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week, and if you’re really enjoying it I’d be so grateful if you could leave a rating or review. 

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait til then remember there’s the first seven seasons to catch up on - that’s over 85 episodes to keep you busy there. And don’t forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes and they’re also on my website, TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com 

Thanks so much for listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by podcasting royalty. He is the co-host of the mega-hit podcast Off Menu (one of my favourite podcasts) and Taskmaster the Podcast, too. He is a regular on our TV screens on shows like Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You; he's soon to be one of the new hosts of Pointless and he’s part of the esteemed judging panel on the Great British Menu. He is currently touring the UK with his critically acclaimed standup show, Electric. It is of course, Ed Gamble. 

From coastal California to a catastrophic cruise, romance in Japan and the beaches of Cyprus, Ed takes us on another wanderlust-inducing world tour, also picking his own dream Off menu-inspired menu from the different destinations he’s visited along the way.

So fasten your seatbelts …

Destination Recap:

• Cyprus
• New York, USA
• Newquay, Cornwall, England
• Comedy Cellar, New York, USA
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• The Buffet at Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• California Road Trip, USA
• Ace Hotel Palm Springs, USA
• The Venetian, Las Vegas, USA
• The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
• Tokyo, Japan
• Kyoto, Japan
• Rutobo, Kyoto, Japan 
• Miyajima, Japan
• Nara Deer Park, Japan
• Milk Bar, New York, USA
• Fruit Market, Hull, England
• SY23 Restaurant, Aberystwyth, Wales
• The Little Chartroom, Edinburgh, Scotland 
• Deep South BBQ Tour, USA
• Mexico

A huge thank you to Ed Gamble. Ed is touring the country with his new stand-up show Electric. For tickets and further info, visit edgamble.co.uk

With thanks to ... DK Eyewitness - Find "Go Here Instead" online at dk.com or at your local bookshop.

If you’d like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe or if you use apple podcasts to hit follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week, and if you’re really enjoying it I’d be so grateful if you could leave a rating or review. 

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait til then remember there’s the first seven seasons to catch up on - that’s over 85 episodes to keep you busy there. And don’t forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes and they’re also on my website, TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com 

Thanks so much for listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With over fifty restaurants, multiple Michelin stars and innumerable celebrity fans, Wolfgang Puck is one of the world’s most famous chefs and global restauranteurs. 

Born in Austria, he began cooking alongside his mother who was a chef, before starting his formal chef training at just 14 years old, quickly going on to cook at some of France's best restaurants. But, it wasn't an easy childhood, and Wolfgang is incredibly honest about the abusive relationship he had to endure with his step father at home, and how that has shaped who he is today, and where he still can’t bring himself to travel to as a result.

It was far away from Austria, in Los Angeles, California, where Wolfgang really made a name for himself, garnering the attention of the Hollywood elite, arguably becoming the world’s first ‘celebrity chef’ and spearheading a revolution of Californian cuisine with his flagship restaurant, Spago. For over thirty years he has also been the official caterer of the Oscars, lining the stomachs of every gong hungry nominee, and he was even awarded his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

When you have global restaurant empire like Wolfgang you spend a lot of time travelling, and this episode takes us to some fabulous locations all over the world from Sardinia to Mexico, Capri to Japan.

Destination Recap:

• 45 Park Lane, London, England 
• Spago, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA
• Austria
• Colchester, Essex, England
• Villach, Austria
• Arlberg, Austria 
• Park City, Utah, USA
• L'Oustau de Baumanière, Provence, France 
• Sardinia
• Cala di Volpe, Sardinia 
• Bonifacio, Corsica
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Montage Los Cabos, Mexico 
• Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, California, USA
• Capri, Italy 
• Quattro Passi Restaurant, Italy 
• Budapest, Hungary 
• Viva Mayr, Austria
• Japan
• Nile Cruise, Egypt 
• Uganda

If you’d like to experience Wolfgang’s cuisine, then you should check out the new outdoor dining terrace of CUT at 45 Park Lane hotel, part of the Dorchester Collection in London, which is open for lunch and dinner. 

With thanks to…

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Thanks so much for listening.

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait til then, remember there’s the first seven seasons to catch up on - that’s over 85 episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode we’re joined by one of the UK’s most successful singer-songwriters. He’s collaborated with everyone from Kylie Minogue to Bob Dylan and Nile Rogers, and recently sold out Wembley Arena - we’re joined today by the utterly delightful and extremely talented Jack Savoretti.

Jack had a truly international upbringing, moving from London to Switzerland, and spending idyllic childhood summers in Portofino, Italy, where his father’s family hail from as well as on a remote Bahamian island - it’s a rather enviable childhood I have to say. 

It was a slow-burning rise to fame for Jack as a musician, who toured the UK for several years, all the while his fanbase grew and grew and it was his sixth album, Singing to Strangers, that finally hit the number one spot, and his most recent record, the sun-soaked and star-studded Europiana - which frankly couldn’t be a better talking point for the podcast, as it was inspired by his European upbringing and life - that was also a chart-topper too and it was really interesting to hear the story behind that.

This episode is a love letter to the Mediterranean as well as a few spots farther afield, but as the night’s draw in here in England, I hope this injects a bit of sunshine into your day.

Destination Recap:

• Liguria, Italy 
• Formentera, Spain
• Oxfordshire, England
• Lugano, Switzerland
• Ascona, Switzerland 
• Hotel Eden Roc, Ascona, Switzerland
• Portofino, Italy
• San Fruttuoso, Italy
• Pierre Island, Bahamas
• Abu Dhabi
• South America

Jack Savoretti’s latest single Dancing Through The Rain which is taken from Europiana Encore, a special extended edition of his chart topping album, Europiana, is out now.

If you’d like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe or if you use apple podcasts to hit follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week, and if you’re really enjoying it I’d be so grateful if you could leave a rating or review. 

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait til then remember there’s the first seven seasons to catch up on - that’s over 85 episodes to keep you busy there. And don’t forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes and they’re also on my website, TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com 

Thanks so much for listening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 8 of The Travel Diaries! And who better to kick off the season than national treasures Si King and Dave Myers, a.k.a. the Hairy Bikers. My first duo on the pod, they’ve been entertaining Britain with their TV shows and books for over twenty years. Their unique blend of foodie expertise, humour and motorbike enthusiasm has earned them national treasure status. And part of their success has been their foodie travel shows, where they’ve biked incredible routes across the world, while experiencing local cuisines like their Asian Adventure, Mediterranean adventure, and US route 66 series to name just a few.

I spoke to Si and Dave a little while back now - as you might know, Dave is currently undergoing chemo for cancer, and he spoke to me the night before his next round which he'd travelled down to London for. So to say I was truly touched that they took the time to talk about to The Travel Diaries is an understatement. One thing is for sure, the two of them adore travel, and this episode takes us from Namibia to India, Argentina to Estonia and many places in between.

Destination Recap

• Bamburgh Beach, Newfoundland, England
• Isle of Man, England 
• Portugal
• Namibia
• Madurai, India
• Southern Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Patagonia, Argentina 
• Valdes Peninsula, Argentina
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
• Atlas Mountains, Morocco
• Mexico
• Ghats, India
• Japan
• Lithuania
• Riga, Latvia
• Talinn, Estonia 
• Finnish Archipelago
• Southern Turkey
• Macchu Pichu, Peru
• Nigeria
• Pan American Highway

Check out the Bikers’ podcast, Agony Uncles, wherever you get your podcasts.

With thanks to today’s sponsors…

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.

Visit Estonia - If the Bikers’ Baltic adventures have given you the wanderlust, why not Visit Estonia? Head to VisitEstonia.com to find out more.

CV Villas - Browse the newly launched 2023 Collection and book your dream villa holiday at CVVillas.com

Athletic Greens - It’s time to reclaim your health and arm your immune system with convenient, daily nutrition! Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/TTD

If you want to be the first to find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. 

And don’t forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes and they’re also on my website, TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by a legend of stage and screen. Britain’s naughtiest national treasure. It’s the award-winning actress, Miriam Margolyes.

Miriam’s movie roles have included the BAFTA award-winning Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Age of Innocence’ and of course Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films. She’s appeared in a host of hugely popular TV shows from Blackadder and Miss Marple to more recently the Real Exotic Marigold Hotel and Call the Midwife. And she’s also a prolific travel documentarian filming in and around Australia, the US and Scotland to name a few. As a lifelong lover of Charles Dickens, she presented the successful BBC documentary series Dickens’ America and toured the world with her acclaimed one woman show ‘Dicken’s Women’ in which she played 23 characters based on or inspired by characters in Dickens’s novels. 

Speaking to me from her Australian home, Miriam was so engaging and generous with her time both before, after and during the interview - so grab a cuppa, settle in and enjoy listening to the very widely travelled and very entertaining Miriam Margolyes. 

Destination Recap:

• Robertson, NSW, Australia
• Australia
• Tuscany, Italy
• Kingsgate, Kent Coast, England
• St Margaret’s Bay, Kent, England
• Glasgow, Scotland
• Isle of Harris, Scotland
• Cambridge, England 
• Norfolk, England
• Basel, Switzerland
• Zurich, Switzerland 
• Lindt Chocolate Shop, Zurich, Switzerland 
• Israel 
• Palestine
• The Rust Belt, USA
• India
• Italy
• Ireland 
• Indonesia
• Kerala, India
• Calcutta, India 
• Giglio, Italy
• Fordyce, Scotland 
• Rimini, Italy
• Africa

Miriam is heading to a British theatre near you next month, as part of her upcoming book tour, in honour of the paperback release of her fantastic memoir, This Much is True. Head online for tickets.

With thanks to…

Small Luxury Hotels of the World - Ease yourself into a holiday headspace and visit slh.com/travelcomfortzones to find out more.

DK Eyewitness - Get new editions of DK’s award-winning Eyewitness and Top 10 travel books and plan out adventures to the likes of Italy, Mexico, Spain or Costa Rica. Each guide is complete with updated listings, interest-led travel advice and the latest practical information. Find them all online or at your local bookshop.

Thank you so much for listening today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me coming up, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s destination special we are heading to one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. We're off to the South East of Europe, to a country of thousands of islands dotted throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The cradle of Western civilization, its capital, Athens, is home to ancient landmarks dating back to the 5th-century B.C. like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. A country of magical natural landscapes, turquoise seas and secret beaches, with the longest coastline in Europe and the most welcoming locals. It is of course, Glorious Greece. 

Unsurprisingly, Greece, and in particular the Greek Islands have been a hugely popular choice by my podcast guests over the last seven seasons and what I’ve especially enjoyed is really how many of them are hidden gems that I personally wasn’t hugely familiar with.

The first half of today’s episode is a tour around the islands featuring some of my favourite guests over the last few years, and then, afterwards, we’ll be joined by Greece travel expert, fellow podcaster and Greece resident, Heidi Fuller-Love who’ll be sharing her extensive expertise, tips, and recommendations for your next Greek holiday.

Destination Recap:

• Tom Kerridge - Agistri 
• Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - Aegina
• Fiona Duncan - Koufonisia and Amorgos
• David Loftus - Paros
• Yotam Ottolenghi - Folegandros
• Raven Smith - Milos
• Jo Malone - Rhodes

Heidi Fuller-Love’s Destination Recap:

• Crete
• E4 trail, Crete
• Sitia Geopark, Crete
• Samaria Gorge, Crete
• Kato Zakros, Crete 
• Akoritiri, Santorini 
• MarBella Elix, Parga
• Nana Princess, Crete
• Agistri
• Aegina
• Thirassia 
• Thirassia Paradise Suites
• Alonissos
• Karpathos
• Epirus Mountains

For more information about Greece head to visitgreece.gr and follow @GreeceGrammable on Instagram.

With thanks to…

Small Luxury Hotels of the World - Ease yourself into a holiday headspace and visit slh.com/travelcomfortzones to find out more

Clinique UK - Discover Clinique at World Duty Free today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is Britain’s undisputed Queen of breakfast telly. A national treasure, who for the last 12 years has been the host of her self-titled show on ITV, Lorraine - it is, of course, Lorraine Kelly.

Lorraine became a journalist the hard way, working on local papers before working as a researcher on BBC Scotland, where bosses told her that, because of her Scottish accent, she’d never get a job in front of the camera. 

Oh how she proved them wrong. Joining TV-am she went on to report on some of the toughest stories of that era, from the Dunblane massacre to the Lockerbie bombings, with her characteristic compassion and empathy, before joining GMTV and the sofas of breakfast TV. 

What you might not know about Lorraine is that she is fanatical about travel. She has been practically everywhere, and is really intrepid in her travel choices. She takes us from the islands of the Outer Hebrides to the frozen landscape of Antarctica; from remote Botswana to the jungles of Uganda and much much more. 

Oh, and the occasional grumble in the background is her daughter Rosie’s sausage dog who also joined us for the chat.

There’s a lot to cover today. So, let’s fasten our seatbelts and get started.

Destination Recap:

• Glasgow, Scotland
• Paris. France
• Orkney, Scotland
• The Italian Chapel, Orkney, Scotland
• St Kilda, Scotland
• Singapore
• Marina Bay Sands hotel, Singapore
• Orchard Road shops, Singapore
• Sentosa Island, Singapore 
• Duxton Reserve, Singapore
• Antarctica
• Falkland Islands
• Alaska, USA
• Southern Africa
• Botswana
• Uganda
• Borneo
• Barra, Scotland
• Harris, Scotland
• Tunisia 
• Rajasthan, India
• Mongolia
• Siberia
• The Arctic

Listen to Lorraine’s podcast What If? wherever you get your podcasts.

With thanks to…

Clinique UK - Discover Clinique at World Duty Free today. 

The Kensington Hotel - For bookings and more information click here.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World - Ease yourself into a holiday headspace and visit slh.com/travelcomfortzones to find out more

Thank you so much for listening today. If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is a Travel Diaries first - a Listener Special where you, my amazing listeners, are this week’s special guests. I’ve interviewed many a star over the past seven seasons, but the real stars have been you, the listeners. Your incredible support has allowed the podcast to grow as quickly as it has, so it only felt right that I turn the tables, and the microphone, back on to you to tap into your collective wisdom and travel experiences, as you answer the seven chapters of the travel diaries. 

From China to Kerala, from Costa Rica to Puglia, from the rainforests of the Amazon to the plains of Kenya, fasten your seatbelts for the first ever Travel Diaries Listener Special.

Destination Recap:

Chapter One - Earliest Childhood Travel Memories

featuring

- Beijing, China from Tone in Surrey, England

- France from Katja in Slovenia

Chapter Two - The First Place You Fell In Love With

featuring 

- Villefranche-sur-Mer, France from Emma in Edinburgh, Scotland

- Austria from Joe from Somerset, England 

- Kerala, India from Emma in London

Chapter Three - The Place Where You Learnt The Most About Yourself 

featuring

- Karditsa, Greece from Aoife in Ireland 

Chapter Four - All Time Favourite Destinations

featuring

- Puglia, Italy from Tracey in Wexford, Ireland 

- Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest from Charlotte in New Zealand

- Nice, France from Jen in Belfast, Northern Ireland 

- Kenya from Emma in Worcestershire 

Chapter Five - Hidden Gems

featuring

- San Gerardo de Rivas in Costa Rica from Mani in Birmingham, England 

- Rendezvous Bay, Antigua from Charlie in the Wirral, England 

- Red Wharf Bay on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales from Shireen in Wales

Chapter Seven - The Destination At The Top Of Your Travel Bucket Lists

featuring

- Toronto, Canada from Ellie in East Sussex, England 

- Japan from Aaron in South Wales

With thanks to…

Small Luxury Hotels of the World - Ease yourself into a holiday headspace and visit slh.com/travelcomfortzones to find out more.

Clinique UK - Discover Clinique at World Duty Free today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I’m joined by Mr Blue Eyes himself, our favourite judge from the Great British Bake Off, and making a very rare podcast appearance, I’m thrilled to be joined by Paul Hollywood.

Paul began his career as a baker, quickly ascending to become Head Baker in some of the world’s most exclusive hotels. His talent caught the eye of TV producers who snapped him up for cooking shows and before long, he was cast as a judge on one of TV’s most successful shows of all time - the Great British Bake Off. Paul has taken part in every season of the show and when he isn’t filming he’s most likely working on other TV series that combine his two loves - food and travel, and he has travelled the world over.

He’s probably the guest this season that a lot of you have been most curious about, maybe because of his tough love and penetrating stare on the Bake Off. As you’ll here, Paul was an absolute delight, very unaffected and genuine, and clearly really passionate about travel. I really enjoyed this one and I hope you will too. So let’s get started. 

Destination Recap:

• Mexico
• Ensenada, Mexico 
• Baja, Mexico 
• Chablé Yucatán, Chocholá, Mexico 
• Conwy, North Wales
• Ibiza, Spain
• St Lawrence Gap, Barbados
• Cliveden, Hampshire, England
• London, England
• Cyprus
• Annabelle Hotel, Cyprus
• Anassa Hotel, Cyprus
• Jerusalem, Israel
• Rome, Italy
• The Great British Bake Off Tent, England
• Cafes near the Coliseum, Rome, Italy
• Verbier, Switzerland
• Casablanca, Morocco 
• Australia
• New Zealand

BAKE by Paul Hollywood, published by Bloomsbury on 9 June 2022 (£26.00 RRP, Hardback)

With thanks to…

Clinique UK - Discover Clinique at World Duty Free today. 

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas - The resort is currently offering 30% off with a Best of Maldives offer, which includes a complimentary four course lunch in SEA for stays of four to seven nights and a complimentary manta ray snorkelling or dolphin cruise for stays over 8 nights, available for stays until 23 December. Head to anantara.com or check out @anantarakihavah on Instagram to find out more. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by one of the world’s most successful adventure and nature photographers, Chris Burkard. Nearly 4 million people follow Chris’s work throughout the year on Instagram as he travels to some of the world’s most remote destinations and extreme environments, often requiring Chris to take on immense challenges to capture his work. His stories inspire us to consider our relationship with nature, and the importance of the preservation of wild places everywhere. 

His travel diaries take us from Greenland to the Kuril Islands, and from remote Iceland to the beaches of California, with some great photographs tips at the end, too. 

Destination Recap

• Pismo Beach, California, USA
• Yosemite, California, USA
• Iceland
• Kuril Islands
• Ísafjörður, Iceland
• Greenland
• Nicaragua
• Lake Baikal, Russia
• Mongolia
• Faroe Islands
• Svalbard

Chris' new book, Wayward, is out now.

With thanks to…

Clinique UK - Discover Clinique at World Duty Free today. 

CV Villas - Book your dream villa holiday at CVVillas.com

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by Raven Smith, the best-selling author and Vogue columnist who’s been hailed as the funniest man on Instagram and dubbed London’s fashion world philosopher. His first book, Raven Smith’s Trivial Pursuits, captured readers as a witty and irreverent guide to modern life and he’s back with a new book, part memoir part commentary on masculinity, called Raven Smith’s Men.

As you’ll soon hear, Raven is also an avid traveller and has written for numerous travel titles about his experiences around the world. He takes us from the pyramids of Egypt to the nightclubs of New York, from Greek island tavernas to the hidden beaches of Barbados, with lots of laughs along the way.

So fasten your seatbelts and let’s get started. 

Destination Recap:

• Crete, Greece
• Kos, Greece
• Milos, Greece
• O Hamos, Milos, Greece
• Brighton, England
• Barbados
• Japan
• Sea-U Guesthouse, Barbados 
• Berlin, Germany
• Cairo, Egypt
• Adrére Amellal, Siwa, Egypt
• Old Cataract Hotel, Aswan, Egypt
• L'Avant Comptoir de la Mer, Paris, France
• Brasserie Zedel, London, England 
• Rochelle Canteen, London, England 
• Quo Vadis, London, England 
• Duck Soup, London, England 
• Cuba
• Finca Paradisa, Cuba
• Hawaii, USA

That was the fabulous Raven Smith. His new book Raven Smith’s Men is out now. 

With thanks to…

Clinique UK - Discover Clinique at World Duty Free today. 

Airbnb - Whether you’re looking to live anywhere, or become a Host yourself, visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the UK’s most loved chefs, Gennaro Contaldo. A key player in bringing his native Italian cuisine to British shores over recent decades, Gennaro’s written over a dozen best-selling Italian cookbooks and is the mentor to his protege Jamie Oliver, who credits Gennaro with teaching him everything he knows about Italian cooking, and Gennaro calls him his sixth child. You’ll have seen on numerous TV shows with Jamie, on Saturday Kitchen and on Two Greedy 

Italians, with the late great Antonio Carluccio. 

This episode is a real love letter to Gennaro’s homeland of Italy, bringing to life with such passion destinations like the Amalfi coast, Puglia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s get started.

Destination Recap:

• Minori, Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Monte Gargano, Puglia, Italy 
• Monte Sant'Angelo, Italy: Saint Michael's Cave
• Salina, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
• Catania, Sicily, Italy
• Stromboli, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
• Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy 
• Signum Hotel, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy 
• Naples, Italy
• India 

Gennaro is an ambassador for Citalia and his latest recipe book Gennaro’s Limoni: Vibrant Italian recipes celebrating the lemon is out now.

With thanks to…

Clinique UK - Discover Clinique at World Duty Free today. 

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists

Villa D’Este Hotel - Experience one of Europe’s grandest hotels, on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, for its 150th season. Visit villadeste.com to find out more.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first six seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Jo Malone, to Stanley Tucci and Raymond Blanc.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re being transported to an island paradise. An archipelago of nearly 700 coral islands, 100,000 square miles of the world’s clearest turquoise ocean, secret sandbars, private coves, secluded pink sand beaches, and undisturbed wildlife. We’re heading to The Beautiful Bahamas. 

There are 16 main islands in the Bahamas, and no two islands are alike with their own culture, history, cuisine, diving, fishing - there is something for every type of traveller, and I'm joined today by two fabulous guests who will be bringing these different islands to life.

First I’m joined by someone who has called The Bahamas their home for over 25 years, the designer, entrepreneur and former model, India Hicks. 

India is the daughter of famed interior designer David Hicks and Lady Pamela Hicks. She is the granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten who was Prince Philip’s uncle and whose assassination by the IRA was most recently depicted on the The Crown on Netflix. India was thrown into the spotlight as a teenager when was a bridesmaid to her godfather, Prince Charles and Princess Diana at their wedding. So it may seem somewhat of an unusual decision that India has settled and raised her five children on a tiny Bahamian island. She speaks to me from her home on the picture postcard Harbour Island.

And later we’ll be joined by the acclaimed travel writer and editor Alicia Miller. Alicia has written extensively about the Bahamas and is full of tips and recommendations about so many different islands.

Destination Recap:

India Hicks

Harbour Island

• The Dunmore Beach Club
• The Landing Hotel
• Queen Conch
• Cocoa Coffee House

Windermere Island

Andros

• Kamalame Cay, Andros

New Providence

• Rosewood Baha Mar, New Providence 

Blue Holes diving

Grand Bahama

• Tiger Shark diving

Alicia Miller

Harbour Island

• The Landing Hotel 
• The Dunmore Hotel 

New Providence

• Nassau
• Paradise Island
• Atlantis Hotel
• Baha Mar
• Rosewood Baha Mar
• Café Boulud The Bahamas
• Marcus at Baha Mar
• Downtown Nassau
• The Graycliff Hotel 
• Fish Fry
• Frankie Gone Bananas 
• BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden & Coral Nursery
• The Poop Deck restaurant 

The Exumas

Spanish Wells

Andros

• Kamalame Cay

Grand Bahama

• Coral Vida Project

Eleuthera

• The Other Side
• The Cove

If you would like find out more about the Bahamas, check out bahamas.com.

To hear future episodes of the podcast as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice. To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first six seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Jo Malone, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Raymond Blanc .

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re heading to a mountainous island nation in the Pacific Ocean, with two main islands, the North and the South. A land of mammoth national parks, epic biodiversity, dynamic Māori culture and world-class adventure sports. One of the most popular destinations to be picked by my guests as top of their travel bucket list. It is of course, New Zealand.

Today’s episode is a bumper celeb guest double bill, representing both the North and the South Island, kicking off with the comedian, writer and actor Rose Matafeo, who grew up in Auckland on the North Island. Rose’s critically acclaimed show Horndog won the award for Best Show at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, setting her on a trajectory to international stardom. Her sitcom, Starstruck, which she writes and stars in was commissioned by the BBC and HBO Max. Season One became the BBC’s best performing new comedy of last year. Rose is particularly passionate about NZ’s food and cultural scenes, and she shares her must dos, her must eats, and all her insider North Island knowledge, from its magnificent coasts and beaches, to geothermal wonders, sprawling farmlands and Māori rich culture.

And then we head to the South Island, where we are joined by arguably the greatest rugby player of all time, Richie McCaw. Richie captained the New Zealand All Blacks for 15 years in the 00s and 10s to two world cup wins. He achieved an astonishing 148 caps, a record only just beaten and was named World player of the year 3 times. From wildlife to wineries, glacial valleys to star-filled skies, its no wonder the other-worldly mountainous South Island was the destination where the Lord of the Rings films were set. It’s been Richie’s home all of his life, and he shares his expert knowledge on the island he knows so well.

Destination Recap:

Rose Matafeo

• Auckland, North Island
• Auckland Live, North Island
• Civic Theatre, Auckland, North Island
• The Basement Theatre, Auckland, North Island
• The Classic Comedy Club, Auckland, North Island
• Piha Beach, North Island
• Herne Bay, North Island
• Ponsonby Food Court, Auckland, North Island 
• K Road, Auckland, North Island
• Peach Pit, K Road, Auckland, North Island 
• Bestie Cafe, K Road, Auckland, North Island 
• Mount Maunganui, North Island 
• Rotoroa Island, North Island 
• Waitomo Caves, North Island
• Taranaki
• New Plymouth
• Wellington 
• Te Papa gallery, Wellington 
• Tanuki’s Cave, Auckland

Richie McCaw

• Kura, South Island 
• Wānaka , South Island
• Central Otago, South Island 
• Southern Alps, South Island
• Bay of Islands, North Island 
• Terminal Lake, South Island 
• Taranaki, New Plymouth, North Island 
• Poor Knights Islands, North Island 
• Stewart Island, South Island 

If you’re ready to find out more about planning your trip to NZ, head to newzealand.com and check out your favourite travel magazines and newspaper travel sections, which have plenty of handy guides.

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first six seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Jo Malone, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Raymond Blanc.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to The Travel Diaries Season 7! I’m starting this season with a Destination Special mini series - three incredible destinations, all on my travel wish list, with some great celeb guests and destination experts helping us bring them to life, and today is no exception. 

We are heading on a journey to South East Asia, to a small but mighty thirty mile long tropical island, surrounded by sixty two smaller islands, with Malaysia to its north and Indonesia to its South. It is of course Spectacular Singapore. 

Beyond Singapore’s picture-perfect skyline and bustling city centre, there’s so much about this country to explore and I have two fabulous guests who will help us do just that. 

First, Michelin-starred chef, tv presenter and author Tom Kerridge returns to the podcast. When he joined me be back on Season 2, he picked Singapore as his all time favourite destination, and so I thought who better to come back? Food is so important in Singaporean culture that a common greeting is "Have you eaten?” 

And then we’ll be joined by novelist, editor and travel journalist Annabelle Thorpe. Annabelle spent six years on the Times Travel desk, before becoming deputy travel editor for Express Newspapers, and then taking the same role at the Observer. She has a particularly spot for Singapore which she has visited and written about many times. She shares her insider tips and expert knowledge, and so many recommendations if you are planning a trip to Singapore - which I hope after listening to this episode you will be inspired to do. I know I certainly am!

Destination Recap:

Tom Kerridge

• Marina Bay Sands Hotel
• Hawker food stalls
• Restaurant Zén

Annabelle Thorpe 

• Singapore Botanic Gardens
• Gardens by the Bay
• Sentosa Island
• Jurong Lake
• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
• Ann Siang House
• Raffles Singapore
• Capella Singapore
• National Museum of Singapore
• Fort Canning Park
• Fullerton Road

If you’re inspired to start planning your trip to Singapore, head to visitsingapore.com and check out your favourite newspapers and travel magazines which often have detailed destination guides.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first six seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Jo Malone, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Raymond Blanc .

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s destination special we’re travelling far away to the warmer climes of South East Asia. To a country renowned for its opulent monuments, ancient ruins, floating markets, palm-fringed tropical beaches, turquoise seas, lush jungle, sumptuous cuisines and a people so friendly that the country is nicknamed The Land of Smiles. Of course, today we’re heading to Amazing Thailand.

I’m thrilled to say that chef and TV presenter John Torode returns to the podcast, having been so passionate about his extensive travels in Thailand back in Season 5 to share his Thai travel diaries, from Bangkok the bustling capital in the middle of the country, to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the mountainous north, to its famous jungle-topped tropical islands that lie off its two golden sand coastlines in the south.

And then, I am joined by the wonderful Kay Plunkett-Hogge. Kay is a cookery writer, travel journalist and broadcaster who is Thai, she was born and raised in Bangkok, bi-lingual, and she now lives in the mountains of Chiang Dao, which is in the Chiang Mai province of the country, and she spoke to me from her home there.

I have never been to Thailand - it's somewhere I've always wanted to go, and so I ask Kay, as someone who has lived in Thailand most of her life, where I should go and what I should do on my first trip there. She takes us through a fantastic two week round trip itinerary for first timers, beginning and ending in Bangkok, as well as sharing some of her favourite spots and hidden gems. 

John Torode's Destination Recap:

• Pak khlong talat (Flower Market Bangkok)
• The Thai House, Bangkok
• Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• King’s Project, Chiang Rai
• Hyatt, Chiang Mai
• Southern Thai islands

Kay Plunkett-Hogge’s Destination Recap:

• Chiang Dao 
• Bangkok
• Chakrabongse Villas, Bangkok
• Old Chinatown, Bangkok
• Chiang Rai
• Phu Chaisai, Ching Rai
• Chiang Dao
• Chiang Mai
• Phuong Tong Restaurant, Chiang Mai
• Old day train, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
• Phuket
• Baan Bayan, Hua Hin
• Aksorn Restaurant, Bangkok
• 100 Mahaseth (Si Phraya), Bangkok
• Madrid Bar, Bangkok
• Isan
• Phanom Rung Historical Park

What an incredible flavour of an incredible country, thank you so much to both John and Kay for sharing their knowledge and passion for Amazing Thailand. 

If you’re inspired to find out more about Thailand, visit fanclubthailand.co.uk and check out your favourite travel magazines and newspapers who will no doubt offer some comprehensive destination guides.

And come and follow me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein. 

Have a very Happy New Year and thanks so much for listening. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re embarking on a journey to the far north of Europe. To a place of summer midnight sun and the magical northern lights of the winter. The Land of a Thousand Lakes. A place where saunas are as common as cafes. And, with just a few days to go until Christmas, I imagine it’s a hive of activity given that Lapland in the north of the country is the home of Santa Claus and his elves. Of course, I’m talking about Fantastic Finland.

And I’m joined by two wonderful guests today to help bring this diverse and beautiful country to life. First, we’ll hear from the actress Tracy-Ann Oberman. You’ll know Tracy-Ann from shows like EastEnders, Friday Night Dinner, It’s A Sin and Ridley Road. She has a special connection to Finland, which she'll tell us about when she shares her Finnish travel diaries, coming up.

And then, we’re joined by Finland Destination Expert, and food and travel writer, Bre Graham, who has travelled extensively around the country, and shares so many brilliant different recommendations and tips, for places to visit, stay, eat, and what to bring home in your suitcase. 

Tracy-Ann Oberman’s Destination Recap:

• Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki
• Restaurant Nasinneula, Tampere
• Museum Centre Vapriikki, Tampere
• Suomenlinna, Helsinki
• Moomin World, Naantali 

Bre’s Recap: 

• Löyly Helsinki sauna, Helsinki
• Goodio Chocolate Factory, Vantaa
• Nolla Restaurant, Helsinki 
• Finnish Lapland
• Lake Inari, Sápmi
• Albina Ravintola & Viinibaari, Kallio, Helsinki
• St George Hotel, Helsinki 
• Lapland Hotel, Helsinki

If you would like to read more about Finland head to visitfinland.com. If you enjoyed today’s episode don’t forget to subscribe. And come and follow me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein. Have a very Happy Christmas and thanks so much for listening. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, an interview that has been years in the making, and a real honour.

For billions of us, including myself, Airbnb has completely changed the way we travel. It opened up people’s homes, creating an army of Superhosts in the process, bringing tourists and locals far closer together. It’s no short of lie that Airbnb created a travel revolution. 

So you could say today’s episode is both Brian’s and Airbnb’s. For a CEO of his magnitude, it’s clearly hard for him to separate the two. The story of how Airbnb came to be, is not what you’d expect. Brian went to design school, he’s an artist, and came from humble beginnings. In fact, it was cereal boxes that first got Airbnb off the ground - you’ll have to stay tuned to hear Brian explain more about that, as part of the fascinating and surprising twists and turns on the path to Airbnb’s global domination. 

Brain’s answers are very philosophical and a goldmine of both travel and business wisdom. As he says himself, he was a host before he was a traveler and many of his answers reflect that mindset. Travel for him is about getting into a locals POV. You won’t get luxury hotels, you’ll get stories of people and experiences.

We also hear at the end how Airbnb are pivoting to drive the next revolution in travel.

I hope you enjoy it.

Destination Recap:

• St Louis, Missouri, USA
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), USA
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• San Francisco, California, USA
• Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Tokyo, Japan
• The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco, California, USA

If you want to follow in mine and Brian's footsteps and become a host on airbnb you can go to airbnb.com/host to sign up, and try out airbnb.co.uk/askasuperhost to speak to other UK hosts for advice.

Thank you to today's sponsor, DK Eyewitness. Find their guides on special offer at wordery.com - simply enter the code DKEYEWITNESS at checkout for a 10% discount.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Jo Malone, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Raymond Blanc.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by a legend of the culinary world, the chef, restaurateur and broadcaster, Michel Roux Jr. Michel was practically born in a kitchen when his mother went into labour during service at his father’s restaurant. He’s the son of Albert Roux and the nephew of Michel Roux, brothers who revolutionised the restaurant business in the UK when they opened Le Gavroche in 1967, famously becoming the first establishment in this country to gain one, two and then three Michelin stars. When his father retired in 1993, Michel Jr took over the world-famous restaurant, quickly becoming a household name on TV shows like Masterchef The Professionals, Remarkable Places to Eat and he now has a new TV show, set in Provence, which he’ll tell us all about. Chefs tend be very well travelled, and Michel is no exception. His travel diaries take us on a delectable journey from Lyon to Hong Kong, The Seychelles to Las Vegas.

Destination Recap:

• Scotland
• Shipbourne, Kent, England
• Fairlawne Estate, Kent, England
• Paris, France
• Lyons, France
• Hong Kong
• Aberdeen, Hong Kong
• West Coast of USA
• Spago Restaurant, San Francisco, USA
• Chez Panisse, San Francisco, USA
• The Seychelles 
• Bird Island, Seychelles 
• Marie Antoinette restaurant, Mahe, Seychelles
• Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• Macau
• Ardèche, France 
• Pont Sant Espirit, France
• India
• South America 

Watch Michel Roux's French Country Cooking as a boxset exclusively on Discovery+.

Thank you to my sponsors - 

• The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomes you to join them for Visit Thailand Year 2022 - Amazing New Chapters. Find the A-Z of amazing things to see and do in Thailand and the latest travel advice at www.fanclubthailand.co.uk 
• Naladhu Private Island, an exclusive luxury island resort in the Maldives. Visit naladhu.com to find out more and book that trip of a lifetime.

To find out who’s joining me next week, follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein. If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin to Heston Blumenthal.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by the much loved comedian, musician and actor, Bill Bailey. Known for his hugely inventive stand up, he’s of course such a familiar face on our TV screens, spending several years as team captain on the long running music and comedy BBC panel show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, making regular appearances on QI and Have I Got News For You, and most recently being crowned the champion of Strictly Come Dancing with partner Oti Mabuse, last year. 

Bill kicks off his travel diaries having just returned from an incredible trip to Iceland, so he tells us all about; he shares his love of Indonesia where he spontaneously eloped with his wife, and travels back to each year; as a gigging comedian he has discovered every corner of the UK, so he reveals some British hidden gems that could be on your doorstep, and he shares his tips for Strictly this year. 

He joins me from his West London family home, which he shares with a menagerie of pets, including five rescue dogs, a cat, a parrot, a snake, ducks and hens, which you will occasionally hear laying an egg in the background. This is a really fun one!

Destination Recap:

• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Akureyi, Iceland 
• Bubble Hotel, Iceland 
• Weston-super-mare, England 
• Bath, England 
• Saunder’s Foot, South Wales
• Marseilles, France
• Argentina
• Indonesia
• Sumatra, Indonesia
• West Papua, Indonesia
• The Ridgeway National Trail, England 
• Barbados
• Baqueira Beret, Spain 
• Sitges, Spain
• Barcelona, Spain 
• Patagonia
• Namibia
• Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Bill Bailey’s En Route To Normal tour kicks off in Plymouth on Sun 12 December and runs through to mid January. All the tickets and dates can be found at www.BillBailey.co.uk

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Jo Malone to Heston Blumenthal and Nadiya Hussain.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giovanna Fletcher is one of the UK’s most successful women’s fiction authors. She's the host of Happy Mum, Happy Baby, the chart-topping podcast which sees her interview celeb guests about the highs and lows of parenting. She and her husband Tom Fletcher, from the band McFly have a huge YouTube presence where they perform together; and she’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’s reigning champion, the Queen of the Castle. To say Giovanna is multi-talented, is quite the understatement.

Giovanna has been travelling since a very young age as her dad is Italian, so she tells us about her annual trips to visit her family in Italy, she and Tom are a kind of obsessed with Disney and she brings to life the magic and joy of holidays at the Disney parks, and much of her new book is inspired by travel, by the country of Peru. We also chat about her love of trekking; her advice about travelling with three young kids; and what is was like to interview Kate Middleton and the whirlwind of press that came after. 

Giovanna’s Destination Recap:

• Valva, Campania, Italy
• Paris, France
• Disneyland Paris, France
• Peru
• Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
• Jade Mountain, St Lucia
• Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall, England
• Three Mile Beach, Cornwall, England
• Tenerife, Spain
• Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• Madagascar
• Appalachian Trail, USA

Holly’s Destination Recap:

• Belmond British Pullman train

Giovanna’s new novel, Walking on Sunshine, is out now in hardback, priced £14.99

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Jo Malone, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Raymond Blanc .

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Backshall is a BAFTA-winning presenter, writer, explorer, naturalist and all round daredevil. His big break as a broadcaster arrived when National Geographic offered him the post of Adventurer in Residence and he’s been taking on some of the toughest challenges on earth ever since, gracing our TV screens with shows like Deadly 60, Expedition, and The Lost Land series. On this episode you’ll hear that Steve’s great passion is discovery. Discovery of new places and new animal species - whether that’s uncovering never before seen ancient human art work in a Borneo cave, tracking snow leopards in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, coming extremely close to death while kayaking in Bhutan or diving with sharks in his new show, Shark with Steve Backshall.

Holly’s Destination Recap:

• No. 15 Great Pulteney, Bath, England
• Three Mile Beach, Cornwall, England 

Steve’s Destination Recap:

• Zimbabwe
• Colombia
• West Papua 
• Bhutan
• Wales - Gower, Pembroke, Snowdonia, Breacon Beacons 
• Scilly Isles, Cornwall, England
• Coastal Pembroke, Wales
• Coastal Penzance, Cornwall, England
• Bimini, The Bahamas 
• Kyrgyzstan 
• Borneo
• Brazil
• Suriname

Shark With Steve Backshall continues on Sunday at 8pm on Sky Nature, Sky Showcase and is streaming on NOW TV. 

Thank you to today’s sponsors:

• Freddie’s Flowers - Get your first two boxes half price, at just £12.50 each with the code TRAVEL50
• The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa

To hear future episodes as soon as they’re released, don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow”. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And there’s always the first 5 seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Rick Stein, to Jo Malone to Hugh Bonneville.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessica Nabongo is the first black woman in history to have visited all 195 countries in the world. On top of that, she travelled to 89 of these countries solo. All by the age of 35. She’s an influencer, photographer and businesswoman, and shares with us what she learnt throughout this epic journey. 

From Tuvalu and Eritrea to Turkmenistan and Djibouti, Jessica’s travel diaries literally take us all over the world.

Destination Recap:

• Punta Mita, Mexico 
• Uganda
• Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda,
• Lamu, Kenya
• Japan
• Mt Fuji, Japan
• Hiroshima, Japan 
• Bali, Indonesia
• Namibia 
• Islamabad, Pakistan
• Lahore, Pakistan
• Iran especially Isfahan
• Colombia
• Cuba
• Merowe, Sudan
• Senegal
• Eritrea
• Masawa, Eritrea
• Tuvalu 
• Lake Assal, Djibouti 
• The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan 
• South Sudan
• Moldova
• Belarus
• Tashkent, Samarkand & Termez, Uzbekistan
• Venice, Italy
• Greenland
• Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

For more of Jessica’s adventures you can pre-order her first book on Amazon. It will be published by National Geographic and is out in May 2022. In the meantime, you can follow her on Instagram @jessicanabongo. Jessica's new project, The Nabongo List: is a new luxury, travel membership that gives you the best in local, luxury and unique experiences all around the world, curated by Jessica

A big thank you to today’s sponsors for their support of the podcast.

DK Eyewitness - What better way to find that next adventure than with a DK Eyewitness book? Get new editions of their award-winning DK Eyewitness and Top 10 travel guides, or for the intrepid explorer, there’s Outdoor Europe. Click the link, or visit your local bookshop.

COMO Hotels and Resorts - COMO's collection of 14 luxury boutique hotels and resorts are in some of the world's most desirable destinations. A new hotel has been announced for 2022, COMO Le Montrachet in Burgundy, France. Find out more about COMO's beautiful hotels and resorts by visiting Comohotels.com

Adnams - The home of premium gins. Get 10% off your first purchase with Adnams using code TRAVEL10.

Freddie’s Flowers - Get your first two boxes half price, at just £12.50 each with the code TRAVEL50 at freddiesflowers.com

British Airways x Visit Florida - Book your trip with confidence at BA.com/Florida

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a broadcasting legend. Whether it’s the Olympic Games, Paralympics, horse racing, Crufts, Wimbledon or so much more, Clare Balding has risen to national treasure status. She’s also a best-selling author, radio presenter and podcaster, in case you didn’t think she was busy enough!

Covering so many major TV events has taken Clare around the world, and then some. Her travel diaries take us from Mauritius to Costa Rica, Italy to Iona. She tells us how she once won her weight in champagne as a horse jockey; as a dog lover like me she shares her favourite dog friendly spots in the UK; we hear her take on the future of Emma Raducanu, and about the time the Queen turned up at her house for breakfast. All that coming up on The Travel Diaries.

Destination Recap:

• Chamonix, France
• Aspen, Colorado, USA
• Mauritius 
• Four Seasons Hotel, Mauritius 
• Sydney, Australia
• Melbourne, Australia
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Australia
• New Zealand 
• Costa Rica
• Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Lewa, Kenya
• Galana, Kenya 
• Tofauti charity
• Lucknam Park, Bath, England
• Whatley Manor, Wiltshire, England 
• Holbeck Ghyll, Lake District, England
• Rosa Alpina, The Dolomites, Italy
• Puglia, Italy
• Umbria, Italy 
• Iona, Scotland
• Northumberland, England
• Wigton, Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway 
• Elephant Corridor, Sri Lanka 
• Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
• Baltic Sea Cruise
• Fjord Cruise
• Panama Canal Cruise
• The Amazon Cruise
• South Pacific Cruise
• Alaska, USA

A big thanks to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London for hosting us for our interview. Book your winter or Christmas staycation and enjoy Magical Mandarin Moments of delight from £740 per night.

To book your dream villa holiday visit The Thinking Traveller. The Thinking Traveller's collection of luxury villas across Italy, The Greek Islands, Corsica and Mallorca are some of the best properties out there for a villa holiday and come in all sizes, whether you're travelling as a couple or for a big family reunion.

Freddie’s Flowers - Get your first two boxes half price, at just £12.50 each with the code TRAVEL50 at freddiesflowers.com

British Airways x Visit Florida - Book your trip with confidence at BA.com/Florida

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back for Season 6 (how did that happen?!) and what an honour to be joined on our first episode by the Oscar-nominated actor and writer, Stanley Tucci. You’ve seen him in The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games, Julie and Julia, Supernova, Fortitude, and The Lovely Bones. He’s directed four movies, and recently won an Emmy for his new food and travel TV series, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy. As a foodie he’s written two delectable cookbooks, and his new memoir, Taste, is just as delicious. 

This episode is a love letter to Italy, and of course to food. So let’s get started. Season 6, Stanley Tucci. Here we go!

Destination Recap

Holly:

- Vaison La Romaine, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France

- Airelles Chateau de la Messardiere, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France 

Stanley Tucci:

• Vermont, USA

• Rome, Italy

• Florence, Italy

• New Paltz, Upstate NY, USA, Shonagun Mountains 

• The Cotswolds

• Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall, England

• Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, England

• Cirencester, The Cotswolds, England

• The Lake District, England 

• Zermatt, Switzerland

• Lake Como, Italy

• Rome, Italy

• Emilio Romagna, Italy 

• Ischia, Italy

• Iceland

• Scandinavia

Stanley Tucci’s memoir ‘Taste’ is out now.

A huge thank you to today’s sponsors, Citalia, Freddie’s Flowers and British Airways x Visit Florida.

Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists

Freddie’s Flowers - Get your first two boxes half price, at just £12.50 each with the code TRAVEL50 at freddiesflowers.com

British Airways x Visit Florida - Book your trip with confidence at BA.com/Florida

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or “follow” on your podcast app of choice.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re embarking on a journey to the east of Africa, to a country of spectacular wild and natural landscapes, where the wildlife is abundant, the famous Big 5 roaming free. A country of great plains, mountains, lush forest, and white sand beaches. It has captivated and travellers adventurers the world over. It is of course, Kenya.

On today’s episode, we’ll be hearing first from some of my previous podcast guests who have chosen parts of Kenya in their travel diaries, wildlife cameraman Gavin Thurston returns to the podcast to share his experiences having spent so much of his career travelling around and working in Kenya, and we’ll hear from one of my guests coming up on Season 6, too. 

We’ll be heading on a tour of the country, starting in its capital Nairobi and ending in Samburu National Park in the north. It’s in Samburu that my final guest, Saba Douglas-Hamilton, has lived for the last 6 years. Saba is a conservationist and award-winning TV presenter. Born and raised in Kenya, you might recognise Saba as the presenter of the BBC’s hugely successful Big Cat Diaries, The Secret Life of Elephants and This Wild Life. She’ll be joining us later to reflect on our tour of Kenya, sharing her tales of living and working in the country and her own Kenyan travel diaries.

Kenya is now on the travel green list for UK travellers, so I hope this episode inspires you to think about a bucket list experience like travelling to Kenya and experiencing all that it has to offer.

Destination Recap: *No hotels or safari camps paid to be part of this destination special.

Giles Coren:

• Giraffe Manor, Nairobi  
• Diani Beach, Mombasa

Jessica Nabongo:

• Lamu, Lamu Island

Gavin Thurston:

• Tsavo East National Park 
• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Governor’s Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve
• Lewa Downs
• Wilderness Camp, Lewa Downs
• Samburu National Park
• Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu National Reserve

Geoffrey Kent:

• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Aberdare Highlands
• Malindi Beach

Lucy Williams:

• Sasaab, Samburu National Reserve

Saba Douglas-Hamilton

• Nairobi
• Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu
• Mount Kenya
• Lewa
• Kalepo Camp, Samburuland
• Mike's Camp, Kiwahu Island

If you would like to read more about Kenya or get some more inspiration about where you should go and what you can do there head to www.magicalkenya.com or follow them on social media, or check out the websites of your favourite travel magazines, who normally offer compressive guides.

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe or to “follow” the podcast if you’re using Apple Podcasts.

To find out who’s joining me on Season 6, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Sir Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're going Completely Caribbean here on The Travel Diaries this week. On today's bonus destination special, we’ll be heading on a sun-soaked tour of the Caribbean islands, in partnership with the British Airways American Express Credit Card.

Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most popular destinations to be picked each week on the pod, and in today’s episode lots of my lovely guests from the last five seasons will be recounting their favourite Caribbean travel memories - the islands they love - of course the islands are so diverse, each with their own distinct history, culture and landscape - as well as the best hotels, places to visit and hidden gems, taking us on a tour from the north to the south of the Caribbean.

And later we’ll be joined by Caribbean destination expert Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon aka Jet Set Sarah. Sarah is a Caribbean travel expert, award-winning travel journalist, and self-described “Carivangelist”, having visited and written about nearly all of the Caribbean islands. She'll take us through the destinations chosen by my guests, as well as sharing her own Caribbean travel diaries.

Destination Recap:

• David Loftus: The Bahamas
• Jamie Laing and Jo Malone: Turks & Caicos
• Fred Sirieix: Jamaica
• Jacqui Gifford: Anguilla
• Ainsley Harriott: Dominica
• Richard Branson and Ella Eyre: Necker Island, BVIs

Jet Set Sarah's Destination Recap

• Turks & Caicos: Parrot Cay, Providenciales, Andros, Long Island
• Bahamas: Harbour Island
• Dominica
• Anguilla
• Jamaica: Kingston, Trench House, Devon House, Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, KFC Montego Bay!
• Bequia
• Petit St Vincent
• Grand Cayman
• Belize
• Bonaire
• Mustique

Thank you so much to  the British Airways American Express Credit Card for supporting today's episode. Search BA Amex for more details and check out the world. Representative 24.5% APR Variable, Applicants must be 18 years old or older, Subject to approval - Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. All information including Representative APR is correct as at 14th September 2021.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast.

And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe.

To find out who’s joining me on future episodes, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first five seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s Season 5 Finale, I’m joined by one of the UK’s leading broadcasters and most recognisable voices, Jeremy Vine.

Jeremy began his journalism career as a BBC reporter for the Today show before becoming the BBC’s political correspondent at Westminster, and the BBC’s Africa correspondent based out of Johannesburg.

He worked alongside Jeremy Paxman as a presenter on Newsnight and back in 2015 he donned his dancing shoes becoming a hugely popular contestant on Strictly Come Dancing - although his first dance with partner Karen Clifton was scored a ‘2’ by judge Craig Revel-Horwood.

These days, Jeremy’s based back in the UK, and along with his eponymous daily topical programme on Ch5, his daily BBC radio 2 programme is the most listened to news show on UK radio. He’s also an accomplished author and tells us about his latest novel, which is set in Spain. 

Given his day job involves chatting to anyone and everyone, it’s no surprise that Jeremy had no shortage of conversation today and we have a great time dashing around the world today with his travel diaries, from the Channel Islands to an island off Canada, Siberia to Oman. This is a fun one, I really hope you enjoy it. So, Let’s get started. 

Destination Recap:

- Jersey, England

- Alderney, England

- The Blonde Hedgehog, Alderney, England 

- Johannesburg, South Africa

- Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

- Siberia, Russia

- Oman

- Appledore, Devon, England 

- Glasgow, Scotland

- Dali Museum, Figueres, Spain -

Cadaques, Spain

- Sitges, Spain

- Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada

Jeremy’s novel The Diver and The Lover is out now in paperback - a great read for a summer holiday. 

A huge thank you to today’s sponsors, DK Eyewitness and The Thinking Traveller.

September sees the launch of DK Eyewitness’s new series Like A Local, travel guides to the world’s biggest cities featuring the best local hangout spots, hidden haunts and independent businesses. Listeners to The Travel Diaries can now get 10% off the books over at wordery.com. Simply enter the code 'LIKEALOCAL' at the checkout to receive your discount. 

To book your dream villa holiday visit The Thinking Traveller. The Thinking Traveller's collection of luxury villas across Italy, The Greek Islands, Corsica and Mallorca are some of the best properties out there for a villa holiday and come in all sizes, whether you're travelling as a couple or for a big family reunion.

And with that, it’s a wrap for Season 5. Thank you so much to all my lovely guests for transporting us all around the world. And most importantly, thank you, my incredible listeners, for tuning in each week, for taking the podcast over one and a half million downloads, across 160 countries - what a dream come true. If you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review or five star rating is the best way to show your support, on your podcast app of choice. All the destinations mentioned by my guests are always included in the episode show notes, on my website thetraveldiariespodcast.com and also on my Instagram page @hollyrubenstein where I publish and save weekly guest guides, which plot out all the locations that have been discussed. 

And it’s not long until I’m back - we’ve got a couple of wonderful destination specials coming up, the first in a couple of weeks celebrating all things Caribbean, so keep an eye out for that. I’m off to Cornwall, again, and then to Provence in France. You can follow my travels on social media and as ever I’d love to hear from you. 

Season 6 will return in the autumn. Have a wonderful rest of your summer, and I’ll be back soon. 

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Welcome to this Inspiring Ireland Destination Special where, alongside legendary Irish DJ and broadcaster Annie Mac, we celebrate all things island of Ireland. 

Annie’s been in the news a bit recently, because after 17 years as one of BBC Radio 1’s most loved DJs, she has left the station, and the video of her playing her final song went viral online, I think simply because she is such a legend in the industry, and a big part of the lives of so many music lovers, so this farewell was a huge deal. We talk about how she became a DJ and presenter, and her illustrious career and what that involved - and then her travel diaries chapters are all focussed on destinations across Ireland - the place where she grew up, travels back to as much as she can, and knows so well. 

And then later, I’m joined by travel writer and Ireland expert, Aoife O’Riordain who shares some really brilliant tips, in particular some amazing foodie recommendations and a hotel that I’d never heard, on an Irish island that I’d also never heard of, of that has gone straight to the top of my hotel wish list. Oh and Aoife’s husband was actually the producer of Normal People (you know the show we all watched last summer) so she gives us a little insight into the making of that too!

DESTINATION RECAP

Annie Mac’s Destinations:

• Dublin, Rep. of Ireland
• Rasharkin, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
• Belfast, Northern Ireland 
• Roundstone, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland 
• Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland 
• The Burren, Co. Clare, Rep. of Ireland
• The Gaeltacht, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland 
• Dog’s Bay, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland
• Dingle, Co. Kerry, Rep. of Ireland
• Dingle Benners Hotel, Co. Kerry, Rep. of Ireland
• The Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry, Rep. of Ireland
• Loch Na Fooey, Co. Galway, Rep. of Ireland 
• County Donegal, Rep. of Ireland
• Inishmore, Rep. of Ireland

Aoife O’Riordan’s Destinations

• West Cork, Co. Kerry and Coastal Donegal parts of Wild Atlantic Way drive
• Dublin
• Dublin and Wicklow Mountains
• Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• Sandycove, Dublin
• Forty foot, Dublin
• Bray, County Wicklow
• The DART commuter train
• Co. Kerry
• Ring of Kerry driving route
• Dede at the Custom’s House, West Cork, Co. Cork
• Misunderstood Heron, Leenaun, Co. Galway 
• Paddy Bawn Brosnans Bar, Dingle, Co. Kerry
• Bally Bia, Co. Cork
• Great Western Greenway, Co. Mayo 
• The Royal Canal Greenway
• The Aran Islands: Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, Co. Galway
• Inis Meáin, Restaurant & Suites, Co. Galway

Thanks so much for listening today. If you’ve enjoyed the episode, leaving a review or five star rating is the best way to show your support, on your podcast app of choice. And to find out who is on next week’s episode, the Season 5 finale, come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubensten and as ever, I’d love to hear from you. 

To find out more about visiting the island of Ireland, head to ireland.com and check out the travel pages of your favourite newspapers and travel magazines which are always great resources for the latest travel news, new openings and must see spots. 

Have a great week and I’ll be back on Tuesday.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by the UK’s leading hotel critic, Fiona Duncan. Fiona has been writing about and reviewing hotels for 35 years. She began her career writing travel guides before launching her own book series with her husband The Charming Small Hotels Guides back in the 1980s.

In the late 90s she was asked to write about hotels for the Telegraph, which she continues to this day, with a weekly hotel column in the Sunday Telegraph. They call her the Hotel Guru, Country & Town House Magazine call her the Hotel Wizard, for which she is also travel editor and the editor of their great British hotels guide.

I spoke to Fiona last week in London, and it was so lovely to reconnect with her - Fiona has been a real mentor to me as a travel writer, which has been life changing to be honest, and I’ve learnt so much from her, so this episode means a lot to me. It also means a lot to finally have a female guest on this season, I wanted to have a completely gender balanced season this time, and just the way things have panned out annoyingly with people’s availability and covid, that just hasn’t been possible. But next week also we have fantastic female guest joining us which I’m really looking forward to as well. 

This is an episode for hotel lovers, Fiona has visited well over 600 of them just for her column alone, and if you’re looking for recommendations here in the UK and in Europe, she has some great tips to share, and ones that won’t break the bank too.

DESTINATION RECAP:

• Orient Express to Venice 
• Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy 
• Seaview, Isle of Wight, England
• Mallorca, Spain
• Antigua and the Caribbean
• Formentera, Spain
• Gecko Beach, Formentera, Spain
• Hambleton Hall, Rutland, England
• Gravetye Manor, West Sussex, England
• Langar Hall, Nottinghamshire, England 
• The Lamb at Shipton-Under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, England
• Glebe House, Devon, England
• The Goring Hotel, London, England 
• Howtown Hotel, Ullswater, England 
• Santa Catarina, Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Locanda Cipriani, Venice, Italy 
• Limewood, New Forest, England 
• Lake Nagin, Kashmir, India
• Gulmarg, India
• Villa Mahal, Kalkan, Turkey 
• The Fish Shack, Kalkan, Turkey
• Kathmandu, Nepal
• Tiger Tops, Nepal
• Mexico
• Ravenna, Italy 
• Georgia
• Transylvania
• Koufonisia, Greece
• Amorgos, Greece 

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first four seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the world's most prominent wildlife filmmakers and presenters, Gordon Buchanan has been filming wild and wonderful creatures in remote areas of the planet for over 30 years, capturing film across every continent apart from Antarctica. His numerous captivating and award-winning wildlife documentaries, from The Cheetah Family and Me and Snow cats and me, to Animals with Cameras and Into the Wild, are ubiquitous on our TV screens, here in the UK. 

I spoke to Gordon last week, the sound is a little bit echoey - we joked he could say he was talking to us from a cave somewhere in the wilderness but he was actually in his home in Glasgow!

And this episode is one of my very favourites - I’m often asked who is the nicest person I’ve interviewed for the podcast and to be honest all my guests have been truly lovely but Gordon is just so delightful, I’m his new biggest fan. His travel diaries take us from his childhood, growing up on the remote Scottish island of Mull, to his first job in Sierra Leone; close encounters with wolves in the arctic and discovering a new species of giant rat in Papua New Guinea. That and so much more, coming up.

Destination Recap:

• Isle of Mull, Scotland
• Isle of Lunga, Treshnish Isles, Scotland 
• Ellesmere Ireland, Canadian Arctic 
• Sierra Leone
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, India
• Great Bear Rainforest, BC, Canada
• River Kelvin, Glasgow, Scotland
• Loch Lomond, Scotland 
• Mt Bosavi, Papua New Guinea
• Russia
• Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
• Antarctica

Gordon will be on tour in January and February 2022. Buy tickets for “Gordon Buchanan - 30 years in the wild - The Anniversary Tour” here.

A big thank you to Visit Estonia for their support of today’s episode. This ad is in co-operation with Visit Estonia and funded by the European Union European Regional Development Fund. To find out more about head to Visit Estonia.

Another big thank you to the British Airways American Express Card for their support of today’s episode. 

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first four seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by one of the most influential photographers of all time, David Loftus. I first got to know David’s work through reading Conde Nast Traveller magazine, for which he has shot numerous breathtaking travel editorials, taking him all around the globe. But he’s perhaps best known for bringing food to life for millions of people, photographing for the books of Gennaro Contaldo, Nathan Outlaw, previous podcast guest Rachel Khoo and his long time collaborator, and close friend, Jamie Oliver. His work with Jamie alone has resulted in international book sales in excess of 30 million copies, and not only has he now photographed over 100 books, David is also a published author himself, with books like Around the World in 80 Dishes and more recently his memoir, Diary of a Lone Twin, an account of love and grief following the untimely death of his identical twin, something which frames a lot of our conversation today.

I spoke to David in his beautiful London home last week on the hottest day of the year, in a room full of memories from his extensive travels. And as well as bringing to life some of the incredible destinations in which he’s worked and travelled - looking through the destination recap there’s a strong theme of islands, David says he loves to be surrounded by water - we also benefit from David’s expertise with some brilliant tips for taking the best photos on our phones while we travel. 

So from Paros to The Bahamas, the Lofoten Islands to the Orkneys, let’s get started. 

Destination Recap:

• Lake Grundlsee, Austria 
• Lake Toplitzee, Austria
• The Orkney Islands, UK
• Old Man of Hoy, Orkney, UK
• Lofoten Islands, Norway
• Paros, Greece 
• Windermere, The Bahamas 
• Kefalonia, Greece
• Ithaca, Greece 
• Fivizanno, Tuscany, Italy
• North West Australia
• New Orleans, USA
• Japan

David’s memoir, Diary of a Lone Twin, is out now. 

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram or Twitter, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first four seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

A big thank you to Citalia for their support of today’s episode. Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists.

And thank you to the British Airways American Express Card for their support too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I feel very privileged to be joined by a legend of the broadcasting world. John Simpson has been reporting for the BBC for 51 years, and its World Affairs Editor since 1982, covering in person more major world events than many of us could recount, from the Iranian Revolution and Tianamen Square massacre in Beijing, to the Kosovo War, and the US led invasion of Afghanistan, interviewing the majority of the world’s leaders along the way.

Having broadcast from the front line in over 30 war zones, today’s episode features so many tales of courage, and if you read up on John’s career, really we are only scratching the surface.

We’ll hear about what it was like being smuggled into Afghanistan dressed as a woman, the time he was physically assaulted by a British Prime Minister and his very close shave with the IRA. It’s clear that John also adores travelling and I love that he’s picked really unusual destinations that weren’t necessarily on my radar before, and he’s totally sold me on them.

So from Paris to Iran, Uzbekistan to Argentina, let’s get started. 

Destination Recap:

• Suffolk, England
• Casablanca, Morocco 
• Belfast, N. Ireland
• Angola
• Paris, France 
• Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France 
• Baghdad, Iraq
• Afghanistan
• Tehran, Iran
• Isfahan, Iran 
• Persepolis, Iran 
• Bukhara, Uzbekistan 
• Khiva, Uzbekistan 
• Qatar
• Buenos Aires, Argentina

And I spoke about:

• Bruton, Somerset, England
• Number One Bruton, Somerset, England 
• Osip, Bruton, Somerset, England
• Hauser & Wirth, Somerset, England
• At the Chapel, Somerset, England 

John’s novel Our Friends in Beijing is a great read. It’s published by John Murray and is out on Thursday July 22.

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first four seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

A big thank you to the British Airways American Express Card for their support of today’s episode. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by one of the food world’s most recognisable faces, John Torode. John grew up in Melbourne, Australia, embarking on his culinary career when he was 16 years old, having learnt to cook from his grandmother, who raised him after his mother passed away. After apprenticeships at some of Melbourne’s best restaurants he moved to the UK, quickly making a name for himself as one of the finest chefs out there, opening restaurants like Smiths of Smithfield and The Luxe. It wasn’t long before he also caught the attention of the TV world, and since 2005 he became a household name as the co-host of Masterchef which is soon to enter its 18th season, as well as hosting Celebrity Masterchef too. He’s written numerous best-selling cook books and made lots of TV shows about culinary road trips in destinations with vibrant food cultures like Malaysia, Argentina and Korea.

From the streets of Thailand to the markets of Mumbai, the islands of Malaysia and the wilderness of Australia, I predict you might be adding some places to your travel wish list after this.

Destination Recap

• Australia
• Singapore to Bangkok via Penang Orient Express
• Grand Canyon, Nevada, USA
• San Francisco, California, USA
• Bangkok, Thailand
• The Thai House, Thailand
• The Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
• The Kimberley, Australia
• The Bungle Bungles, The Kimberley, Australia 
• The Great Wall of China, China 
• Buenos Aires, Argentina 
• Bombay (Mumbai), India
• The Taj Hotel, Mumbai, India
• Panang and Langkawi, Malaysia
• Tasmania, Australia 
• Marrakech, Morocco
• China
• Mongolia
• Transiberia Express
• Mallorca, Spain
• Norwegian Arctic circle
• Alaska, USA

And I chatted about Watergate Bay Hotel and Watergate Bay in Cornwall.

Celebrity Masterchef is back this summer on BBC1 for its 16th series. John continues to present Masterchef on BBC1 and John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV1

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would be wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first four seasons to catch up on, with guests from Michael Palin and Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

A big thank you to the British Airways American Express Card and Western Australia for their support of today’s episode. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 5! Today’s guest was on the original Travel Diaries dream guest wish list. He’s a broadcasting legend and has presented some of my favourite travel series. It is, of course, Sir Trevor McDonald. 

Sir Trevor was born and raised in the West Indies, on the island of Trinidad and so the Caribbean is of course a big feature in his Travel Diaries today. He began his ascent to journalistic stardom over there, working as a radio reporter and news presenter, before moving to London in the late 1960s to work for the BBC. He went on to join ITN and became a household name as the first sole presenter of the News at Ten and the first black news anchor in the UK. 

Now at 81 years old, he tells us about interviewing some of modern history’s most revered and reviled figures, from the pressure of being the first person to interview Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison, to travelling to Baghdad to grill Saddam Hussein in his palatial home. It’s no surprise that Trevor became the most accoladed news broadcaster in British history.

We’re heading today on a journey across North America, Australia, The Middle East, Europe and Africa. 

Destination Recap:

• Trinidad
• Grenada
• Sydney, Australia
• Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
• South Africa
• Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, California, USA
• Baghdad, Iraq
• Madeira
• Barbados
• Antigua
• St Lucia
• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon plane ride, USA
• Napa Valley, California, USA
• Carmel Valley, California, USA

And I chatted about my stay at The Cary Arms in Babbacombe, Devon.

Thank you so much for listening today. If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode please subscribe on your podcast app, it’s very easy to do that, although on Apple they’ve changed it so that you “follow” now rather than subscribe by pressing the plus sign in the top right of the app. I would also be so grateful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really helps other people to discover the podcast, which in turn allows me to keep making more.

Don’t forget all the destinations mentioned each week across all five seasons are included in the episode show notes. 

Follow me on Instagram @hollyrubenstein to find out who is joining me next Tuesday. I’d love to hear from you. And if you can’t wait until then, there’s all of Season 4 to listen to. 

Thank you to the wonderful Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi for their support of today’s episode. Follow them on Instagram here.

And a big thank you to The Kensington Hotel for hosting today’s episode recording. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s July 1 which means it’s Canada Day and we are going to be celebrating Canada with this bonus destination special episode. Canada has been mentioned so many times as a favourite destination on the podcast by everyone from Ben Fogle and Dan Snow to Nadiya Hussain and Ella Eyre, and today, in celebration of Canada Day, I thought it would be a great opportunity to shine a light on a region of Canada that has historically been somewhat overlooked by tourists but is now gaining a real hype with in the know travellers, and that is the region of Atlantic Canada.

Today I’m joined by writer and adventurer Hugh Francis Anderson, who has written extensively about Atlantic Canada, and he’s here to share his travel diaries from the region.

Destination Recap

• The Alexander Murray Hiking Trail, Newfoundland & Labrador
• Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
• Bar Kismet, Halifax
• Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick
• The Inn at Bay Fortune, Prince Edward Island
• Gros Morne National Park

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review on your podcast app - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. And to hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe.

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first four seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Heston Blumenthal, to Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Hugh Bonneville.

For more information and inspiration to plan your holiday to Canada or Atlantic Canada visit here and here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this Awesome Australia Destination Special. Together with much loved guests including Rick Stein, John Torode and Dynamo, we’ll be heading on an Australian adventure across the country, revealing favourite spots, hidden gems and top tips. It’s wanderlust, guaranteed! 

It’s June 2021 right now, and unfortunately that means that for most of us travel is currently extremely restricted. So now’s the time to plan your next big bucket list trip - and for me, Australia is top of the list. From the wilderness of The Kimberley, to the red rock of Uluru, Kangaroo Island, Sydney, Melbourne and more, I hope this episode inspires you to visit when we are all able to travel easily again. 

Destination Recap:

• The Kimberley, WA
• The King George Falls, The Kimberley, WA
• Adelaide, SA
• Coober Pedy, SA
• Alice Springs, NT
• Torres Strait Islands, QLD
• Sydney, NSW
• Wolgan Valley, The Blue Mountains, NSW
• Melbourne Lane Ways, VIC
• Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC
• Queensland Coast, QLD
• Western Australian wildlife trifecta, WA
• Ningaloo Reef, WA
• Kangaroo Island, SA
• Uluru, NT

Thank you to John Torode, Rick Stein, Rachel Khoo, Peter Grunert, Tony Wheeler, Dynamo and Phoebe Smith for being a part of today’s episode. 

For more information about planning your own trip to Australia head to australia.com

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first four seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thanks so much for listening, and I’ll be back in a couple of weeks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I'm joined by one of the most famous and successful chefs in the world and in history - Heston Blumenthal. 

It was an unforgettable travel experience that inspired Heston to become a chef. He’s entirely self taught, and was working other odd jobs all the way until his late twenties, when he bought a small pub in Bray in Berkshire. He called it The Fat Duck, and it went on to be award three Michelin stars and to be named The World’s Best Restaurant. 

A food pioneer, he’s been dubbed the Willy Wonka of cuisine, fascinated by the science behind the cooking. He’s become the king of experimental cuisine which has led to world famous dishes like snail porridge, parsnip cereal, and bacon and eggs ice cream. Oh, and did you know it was Heston who invented one of my favourite things to eat - the triple cooked chip.

This is definitely an unusual episode. Yes we cover travel, it’s a fundamental part of Heston’s food, and it was so fun to hear about some of the weird and wonderful things he’s eaten on his travels - not all of them happy memories, I should add! But honestly, I really felt like I was speaking to a true genius in this chat, it’s hard to find another way to describe it, and so we also cover off the meaning of life and philosophy, quantum physics and scientific theory. He is determined to push himself and others to think beyond the confines of our small minds, when it comes to both food and life. 

I really hope you enjoy it.

Destination Recap:

• Praa Sands, Cornwall, England
• Regent’s Snack Bar, Edgware Road, London, England
• Baumanière, Hôtel Restaurant, Les Baux-de-Provence, France
• Les Alpilles, France
• Monastery Epiphany, Les Baux-de-Provence, France
• Turkey
• Siberia, Russia
• Iceland
• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador 
• Korea
• The Amazon
• Peru
• Indonesia
• Polynesia

Tune in to Heston’s own podcast, Heston’s Journey to the Centre of Food which is available on all podcast apps and is great fun, it’s a must for foodies.

Well, that’s a wrap for Season 4, thank you all for joining me along the way, wherever you are in the world. Thank you for spreading the word about the podcast, sharing your favourite episode on your social media, telling your friends, leaving lovely reviews and sending me the most amazing messages, it has been amazing, especially to feel so connected and part of our little travel diaries community, that you’ve all created, during a time where we often otherwise feel quite disconnected. 

If you’ve enjoyed listening to the podcast, remember to press subscribe on your podcast app, it’s free, and you’ll then get notified when Season 5 begins in the summer.

In the meantime, do stay in touch, I’m @hollyrubenstein on Instagram and Twitter.

Remember there’s all four seasons to keep you going until then, from Rick Stein and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, to Jo Malone and Raymond Blanc.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by the multi-Grammy winning singer, Gregory Porter. Gregory’s was originally set to become an American football player, and it wasn’t until he turned 40 that his rich jazz baritone caught the attention of industry bigwigs and subsequently, jazz heads around the world. His major label debut Liquid Spirit went on to become the most streamed jazz album of all time. He's played Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, sung for the Queen and prior to Covid was travelling over 200 days a year, playing to his adoring fans around the world. So with all that travel and all those miles covered, it’s no surprise that today’s episode is a long haul, feature length episode. 

Gregory joins me from his home in California, and this is a really touching, personal, evocative episode. Gregory says it’s like therapy - he remembers his travels so vividly, and each destination is full of emotion as he describes it to us. We’ll go on a journey from the West to the East coast of the United States, across Russia on the Transiberian Express and to a secret French island that I’d never heard of, which is now firmly added to my travel wish list. Oh and he serenades us not once but twice on this episode, so prepared to be soothed by that velvety voice!

Destination Recap:

• Bakersfield, California, USA
• Yosemite National Park, California, USA
• Santa Monica, California, USA
• San Diego, California, USA
• Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Harlem, New York, USA
• Siberia, Russia 
• Tokyo, Japan
• Kanazawa, Japan
• Porquerolles, France
• Ukraine
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Tel Aviv, Israel
• Jakarta, Indonesia 
• South Africa 
• Sierra Leone
• Ghana

Gregory Porter’s album All Rise is out now.

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe on your podcast app of choice. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by one of the most well travelled people I have ever spoken to. Geoffrey Kent is the founder, chairman and CEO of the luxury travel company, Abercrombie & Kent, and a titan of the travel industry. Before researching and recording this episode, I didn’t know that much about Geoffrey himself, and now, here in this intro, it’s hard to convey what an extraordinary life he’s led, but I’ll give it a go. 

Raised in rural Kenya, Geoffrey’s said that his whole childhood was like a safari. He tells us about living among leopards and elephants and riding horses when he’d barely even learnt to walk. And from there, during a military career where he served in Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Cyprus, Libya and Malta, he founded Abercrombie & kent - a travel company best known for inventing the photographic safari, changing wildlife travel forever with the ethos “shoot with a camera, not with a gun”. 

A born explorer, he’s credited with pioneering “experiential travel” so along with telling us about some of the 156 countries he’s already visited, Geoffrey brings to life the experiences that he’s had along the way, and how we can best enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful countries. We don’t really touch on the fact that he’s also a world renowned polo player, he was the Captain of Windsor Park’s polo team which he played on with Prince Charles; or that he took Prince Harry to Botswana after the death of Princess Diana and sparked Prince Harry’s love of Africa. Even so, this is still a long haul feature length episode, there was so much to cover, it’s a love letter to Africa, and one that I hope you’ll really enjoy. So, here’s Geoffrey Kent. 

Destination Recap: 

• Monaco
• Florianópolis, Brazil
• Zambia
• Kenya
• Nairobi, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa motorcycle trip 
• Masai Mara, Kenya
• The Aberdare Highlands, Kenya 
• Malindi, Kenya 
• Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England
• South Pole
• Botswana 
• Mauritius 
• Chief's Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Bazaruto Channel, Mozambique 
• One & Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius 
• Gorilla trekking, Uganda
• Diving in Palau, Philippines
• Helicopter to Base Camp, Mt Everest
• Madagascar
• Greenland
• Antarctica
• Finland
• Helicopter tour of Ethiopia
• Cocos Islands, Costa Rica
• Juba, Southern Sudan
• North West Passage Cruise 

You can follow Geoffrey on Instagram here.

Thank you so much for listening today. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they’re released don’t forget to hit subscribe on your podcast app of choice. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by one of the most established names in British luxury - the designer and businesswoman, Anya Hindmarch. Anya started her accessories business as a teenager, inspired by the leather bags she saw on her travels in Italy. Within a few short years, her designs were stocked by some of the most prestigious fashion outlets around the world. 

She is known for using fashion as a force for good. Back in 2004, her £5 white tote bags, with the slogan “I’m not a plastic bag” written on them, graced the shoulders of A-listers around the world, sparking a global frenzy with queues of over 80,000 people outside Sainsbury’s shops, trying to get their hands on the canvas bags. 

More recently, during the pandemic, she’s worked with University College London to design a special holster for frontline NHS workers to wear, along with thousands of PPE gowns. 

Just as fashion takes inspiration from cultures and destinations all around the world, so too does Anya, whose travel diaries take us from Morocco and Myanmar to Japan, Italy and glamorous Mustique.

Destination recap:

• Marrakech, Morocco 
• El Fenn, Morocco
• Kasbah Beldi, Morocco 
• Cap Ferrat, France 
• Florence, Italy 
• Mustique 
• Park Hyatt, Tokyo, Japan
• Tokyo, Japan
• Patagonia
• Ethiopia
• Beirut
• Egypt
• India 
• Inle Lake, Myanmar 

This episode is in memory of my beloved uncle, Anthony Lean. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Thank you to ancestry.co.uk for their support for today’s episode. 

And thank you also to Fujifilm. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is one who is sure to put you in a good mood. His infectious enthusiasm most recently led him to the Strictly Come Dancing final. He’s a chart-topping podcaster himself, and the star of the reality TV show Made in Chelsea. And he’s a businessman, the founder of the sweetie empire Candy Kittens. It is of course, Jamie Laing. With a father who runs a travel agent, and family all around the world, it’s no wonder that Jamie has an insatiable appetite for travel. So much so that this is a long haul, feature length episode. 

So from Peru to Japan, and Turkey to Turks & Caicos, let’s hear Jamie's travel diaries. 

Destination Recap:

• Turks & Caicos
• Turkey
• New York, USA
• Dylan’s Candy Bar, New York, USA
• South America travelling - Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina 
• Buenos Aires, Argentina 
• Cape Town, South Africa 
• Japan
• Six Senses Laamu, Maldives 
• Paraty (?) Northern Peru
• Biarritz, France 
• Notting Hill, London, England
• Isle of Mull, Scotland 
• Eilat, Israel 
• Tel Aviv, Israel 
• The Grand Canyon, USA
• New Zealand

Jamie's podcast Private Parts is available wherever you get your podcasts.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

And thank you to Fujifilm for their support too. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by the much loved actor and comedian, Sanjeev Bhaskar. Following a late arrival into comedy, Sanjeev was catapulted to stardom in the comedy series Goodness Gracious Me, and later The Kumars at No. 42, both bringing the British Asian experience to the masses to international acclaim. 

This success, which has led to decades of movie and TV roles, has taken Sanjeev all over the world. India, of course, is a big feature today - Sanjeev has filmed documentaries and written books about the country, where some of his family still live. From Delhi and Rajasthan to Shimla and Darjeeling, Sanjeev paints a wonderful picture of such a diverse and exciting country. 

He transports us to the American city he first fell in love with, his European all time favourite and we chat about the new season of his hit ITV show Unforgotten, which is back for its fourth season.

Destination Recap:

• Delhi, India
• Karnal, India
• New York, USA
• Amalfi, Italy
• Rajasthan, India 
• Shimla, India 
• Darjeeling, India 
• Ellora, India 
• Vesuvius, Italy
• Pompei, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• Australia 
• Paris, France 
• New Zealand

Unforgotten Season 4 airs on Monday nights on ITV at 9pm. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week.

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s the star of Downton Abbey, Paddington, Viceroy’s House and W1A. Today, I’m joined by one of Britain’s best loved actors - and part-time vaccine volunteer - Hugh Bonneville. 

Hugh stars in a new film called To Olivia where he plays the celebrated author Roald Dahl. We talk about that later on in the interview - and he was just so lovely to chat to on a very rainy gloomy lockdown day. I’ve interviewed Hugh a few times in the past and he never fails to make me laugh. He’s travelled so extensively both through his work and through being a really keen traveller himself, so we cover a lot of ground. 

He transports us to the deserts of Utah and to pockets of serenity among the chaos of India. We visit the pristine coves of the Costa Brava and the campsites of France. And he reveals what is on the cards for Downton Abbey and Paddington, if you’re a fan of either (or both like me) you’ll be very happy with what Hugh has to say!

Destination Recap:

• France 
• Tamariu, Costa Brava, Spain
• Aigua Xelida, Spain
• Aigua Blava, Spain 
• Sherbourne, Dorset, England 
• Road trip through Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya
• Nile River Boat, Sudan
• Juba, Sudan
• India
• Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
• Amangiri, Utah, USA
• Mihir Garh, Jodphur, India
• Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
• South America

To Olivia, a Sky Original film, is out on Sky Cinema and NOW TV right now. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to hit subscribe on your podcast app so that you’re updated with a new episode each week. And if you can't wait til next week, remember there's the first three seasons to catch up on from Michael Palin and Rick Stein to Dev Patel, Richard Branson and Poppy Delevingne. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. Share your own travel diaries using the hashtag #thetraveldiaries I’ll be re-sharing your own hidden gems, recommendations and all time faves on my Instagram and here on the podcast. 

Thank you to Fujifilm for their support for today’s episode. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here.

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I'm joined by the nation’s favourite maitre d’ and TV personality, Fred Sirieix. Having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in both France and the UK, Fred rose to fame back in 2013 on Channel 4’s BAFTA-winning matchmaking show First Dates, greeting nervous daters with his warmth, charm and philosophical musings (of which you’ll hear many coming up), putting them at ease before they sit down to eat in the First Dates restaurant. Now, he’s become known for his TV globetrotting too, as the presenter of Remarkable Places to Eat on the BBC, and spending months at a time travelling with his pals Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo on ITV’s Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip series.

Fred’s travel diaries take us from Italy to Monaco, and Paris to Peru. He reminisces about life growing up in Limoges, France and how he became the ultimate Anglophile. He reveals which Caribbean island he escapes to every year, what it felt like plunging into an ice well in Lapland, and he uncovers what goes on behind the scenes with the making of First Dates - how do they match these couples so perfectly? I really wanted to know. All that and more coming up on The Travel Diaries. 

Destination Recap

• Lapland 
• Limoges, France
• Eymoutiers, France 
• Massif-Central, France 
• Monte Carlo, Monaco
• Macchu Pichu, Peru
• Sandals, Negril, Jamaica
• Paris, France 
• Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy 
• Chez Black, Positano, italy 
• Hilton, Dubai
• Australia
• Thailand 

Teen First Dates starts on 22nd Feb 10pm on E4.

Thank you Fujifilm for their support for today’s episode. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here. 

And thank you to Lanserhof at The Arts Club for their support for today’s episode. Find out more about that, and the rest of Lanserhof’s fantastic hotels here.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. Share your own stories using the hashtag #thetraveldiaries - I’ll be re-sharing your own hidden gems and all time faves on my Instagram and here on the podcast. 

And there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Raymond Blanc, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Rick Stein. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m so excited to say that business mogul and perfumer Jo Malone makes a return to the podcast, transporting us to the Middle East in this Dubai Destination Special. For avid listeners you might remember that back in Season 2 when Jo joined me as a guest, she talked about Dubai with such love, picking it as one of her all time favourites, she spends about a month each year out there, so I could think of no one better to join us today as we uncover her Dubai travel diaries, her favourite spots, hidden gems and recommendations as someone who knows the city so well. 

And later, we’ll be joined Dubai-based travel journalist Sarah Hedley-Hymers, who has her finger on the pulse of everything that is worth knowing about Dubai, and together they both really evoke the sights, the scents, and vibrancy of this Emirati city, and really get under its skin - beyond its glamorous and shiny first impressions, they really reveal its heart and heritage too.

So, from desert nights under the stars to the heady aromas of the spice market, abra boat rides across the historic Dubai creek to its beaches and luxury hotels, let’s head to Dubai. 

Destination Recap: 

Jo Malone

• Dubai desert
• Satwa
• Dubai Creek
• Spice Market
• The One & Only The Residence 
• Fish Beach Taverna, Le Meridien 
• W Hotel
• Musandam Peninsula, Oman 
• Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Sarah Hedley-Hymers 

• Perfume House
• Abra rides at Dubai Creek
• Dubai Fountain 
• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Mall Aquarium
• The Pointe Fountain 
• Food District, The Pointe
• Jumeriah Beach Residence 
• Jumeriah Lake Towers
• Streetery, Dubai 
• Vietnamese Foodies, Dubai 
• Pitfire Pizza, Dubai 
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve 
• Al Maha Desert Resort 
• Sonara Camp

For more information and inspiration to plan your holiday to Dubai visit www.visitdubai.com or follow them on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by the chef, broadcaster, food writer and campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. We first got to know Hugh through his much loved River Cottage TV series and books, filmed at his River Cottage Estate on the Devon-Dorset border. His uncompromising commitment to seasonal, ethically produced food and his concern for the environment, inspired a vast and loyal fanbase.

Alongside more than 20 cookery shows, he’s also tackled powerful issues in his documentary campaigns, like obesity, illegal wildlife trade, fishing and the war on plastic. He’s the author of numerous best-selling cookbooks and he’s back with a new one - Eat Better Forever. 

We talk about that, his life-changing trip to Africa which shaped his food philosophy; what it was like travelling around India for 4 months with his young family; how a close shave while filming nearly left him in a Vietnamese jail, the power of wild swimming throughout the freezing winter months, and his favourite staycation spots . All that and more coming up on the travel diaries. 

Destination Recap:

• Aegina, Greece
• Port Quin, Cornwall, England 
• Epphaven Cove, Cornwall, England 
• Southern Africa
• Gloucestershire, England 
• India
• Bharatpur bird sanctuary, Rajasthan, India
• West End Hotel, Mumbai, India 
• River Cottage, Devon, England
• The Bull Inn, Totnes, England 
• Vietnam

Hugh’s new book Eat Better Forever is out now. 

Thank you Fujifilm for their support for today’s episode. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here. 

And thank you to Lanserhof at The Arts Club. Find out more about that, and the rest of Lanserhof’s fantastic offerings here.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by multi BAFTA & Emmy-winning wildlife cameraman, Gavin Thurston. Over the last 37 years, Gavin has worked on some of the most famous nature documentaries ever made, like Planet Earth and Blue Planet, most often with his long time collaborator, Sir David Attenborough. 

Gavin, ordinarily, spends most of the year travelling, and he’s covered every corner of the globe - its deserts, polar ice caps and deepest sea.

He’s a fantastic raconteur, so this had to be a “long haul” feature length episode. 

We talk about his incredibly close shave while filming gorillas in the Congo, what it’s like to be the very first person to see and film previously undiscovered new species of wildlife and film them, the terrifying time his submersible failed at 1000m deep below sea level, and what it’s like spending so much time working with the legend that is Sir David Attenborough.

Destination Recap:

• Durdle Door, Dorset, England
• Devon Coast, England
• Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo
• Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA
• Sumatra, Indonesia
• Costa Rica
• Antarctica
• Turkmenistan
• England

Gavin’s book ‘Journeys in the Wild - The Secret Life of a Cameraman’ is out now. You can follow him on Instagram @thegavinthurston. 

Thank you to The Nautilus Maldives, your luxury bohemian hideaway in the Maldives, for their support today. A highly personalised, immensely private ultra-luxury island resort with just 26 beach and ocean houses and residences, where every experience is tailored to you. Where nothing is fixed and anything is possible. Where you are free to set your own beat; free to do – and to be – as you please.

You can find out more about The Nautilus Maldives here.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Poppy Delevingne to Raymond Blanc. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back for Season 4 with the award-winning author, writer, and documentary maker, Jon Ronson. Jon is the author of many best-selling books, including So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, Them: Adventures with Extremists, The Men who Stare at Goats which was adapted to become a movie starring George Clooney and Ewan McGregor, and The Psychopath Test which is the first book of Jon’s that I read, and was hooked ever since.

He’s an acclaimed screenwriter, most recently co-writing the 2017 Netflix film, Okja, with Bong Joon-Ho, the South Korean director of Parasite, last year’s Best Picture winner at the Oscars. 

And if you’re not already familiar with Jon’s work, I’d suggest checking out one of his recent podcast series, which have been huge hits around the world - The Butterfly Effect and The Last Days of August both look at the effects of the porn industry. Both are fascinating, disturbing and addictive to listen to.

Jon’s now based in the US, so we spoke online as per usual these days, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

Destination Recap:

• Marlborough College, Wiltshire, England
• Avebury, Wiltshire, England
• Cardiff, Wales
• South Africa
• QE2 ship
• Queen Mary ship
• Rhodes, Greece
• Manhattan, New York, USA
• Union Hall, Brooklyn, New York, USA
• The Bell house, Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant, New York, USA
• Barney Greengrass, New York, USA
• Inns of Aurora, Fingerlakes, New York, USA
• Hudson, New York, USA
• Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, Italy
• Forte dei Mami, Tuscany, Italy 
• Pacific High Way One, California, USA
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Florida, USA
• New Zealand
• Iceland 

A big thank you to Citalia for their support for today’s podcast. You can discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they’re available just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Simon Reeve. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buongiorno and welcome to this bonus Destination Special of The Travel Diaries, in partnership with the British Airways American Express® Credit Card*. Today, we’ll be heading on a tour of Incredible Italy. Italy is one of the most popular destinations on the podcast, and with the help of some of my favourite guests from the past three seasons, I’ve created a special itinerary that covers some of the country’s ultimate highlights - my guests’s favourite cities, best hotels, hidden gems and much more, from Puglia and Positano in the south, to Venice and Trieste in the north. 

*Terms and conditions apply. Representative 22.2% APR Variable. 

Destination Recap:

Merrion Charles:

• Lunigiana, Tuscany
• Val D’Orcia, Tuscany 
• Ponza, Pontine Islands 
• Sicily

Simon Calder: 

• Syracuse, Sicily

Travel Leisure’s Jacqui Gifford: 

• Borgo Egnazia, Puglia 

Poppy Delevingne: 

• Positano, Amalfi Coast - Le Sirenuse; Da Adolfo; Conca del Sogno
• Rome - Residenza Napoleone III

Mr & Mrs Smith’s James Lohan: 

• Florence, Tuscany - Il Latini; JK Place

Yotam Ottolenghi: 

• Florence, Tuscany

Rick Stein: 

• Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

Lonely Planet Founder, Tony Wheeler: 

• Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna

Sir Michael Palin: 

• Venice, Veneto

Lonely Planet Magazine’s Peter Grunert: 

• Cannareggio, Venice, Veneto

Rick Stein: 

• Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia

Holly Rubenstein: 

• Capri, Bay of Naples
• Citalia tour operator 
• Ascona, Lake Maggiore

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To hear all about our podcast news, future guests and destination specials come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. Visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

Grazie mille!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by one of travel’s most familiar faces. Known for his TV series tracing the Equator, the Tropics of Cancer & Capricorn, following the world’s sacred rivers and pilgrimages, travelling the length of the Americas, and deep diving into destinations like Burma, Russia and Colombia, visiting over 130 countries along the way. It is of course the adventurer, author and broadcaster, Simon Reeve. 

Now, if you’ve watched Simon’s shows, you’ll know they’re not your typical travel programmes. He’s known for digging beneath the surface of a place, and telling the stories - both good and bad - that need to be told. What you may not know is that Simon is really very experienced when it comes to digging a little deeper as he began his career as an investigative journalist, and went on to become a NY Times best-selling author, all before he even appeared on our TV screens. 

Simon has undertaken numerous extraordinary journeys, but none of them are quite as extraordinary as the journey his own life has taken. I think you’ll be both amazed and inspired by it. 

Destination Recap: 

• Studland Bay, Dorset, England 
• Istanbul, Turkey 
• Hagia Sophia Grand Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
• Gabon
• Madagascar
• Bangladesh 
• Somaliland 
• West Country, England 
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Senegal
• Mali 
• The Arctic
• The Antarctic
• Paraguay 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

For a boutique Cotswolds escape, head over the Barnsley House and their Instagram account to find out more.

If you’re looking for a spectacular private hire home in Cornwall, check out Barford Beach House nr Bude.

And for a splash out escape in the New Forest, there’s nowhere better than Chewton Glen.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by world renowned chef, restaurateur and best-selling cookbook author, Yotam Ottolenghi.

Yotam had always been expected to follow his parents into the world of academia, and it wasn’t until he turned 30 that he decided to follow his true passion for food, enrolling in the prestigious Cordon Bleu culinary school in London.

From there, he became a pastry chef in some of London’s top restaurants before meeting Sami Tammimi, a Palestinian chef who became his business partner. They created a small deli in Notting Hill called Ottolenghi. The rest, you could say, was history. Yotam’s signature mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours, showcasing mainly vegetables, soon became a sensation, sparking what can only be described as a culinary movement - plates were now about sharing and the rising popularity of ingredients like pomegranate seeds, sumac and tahini in British supermarkets was dubbed “the Ottolenghi effect”. 

Now, he’s the owner of six delis and restaurants, a Guardian columnist, TV presenter and he’s back with his 8th cookbook, Flavour. 

As you’ll hear in this episode, Yotam won’t visit a destination unless it has great food, and his food is continuously inspired by his extensive global travels. And so, his travel diaries are also food memory diaries, and they’re sure to make your mouth water. 

From Israel and Bali to Greece and Mexico, here are the travel diaries of Yotam Ottolenghi. 

Destination Recap:

• Jerusalem, Israel 
• Palestine
• Sinai Desert, formerly in Israel and now, Egypt 
• Florence, Italy 
• Amsterdam, Holland
• Ubud, Bali
• Royal Pita Maha, Bali 
• Malaysia
• Vietnam
• Folegandros, Greece
• Greek Islands 
• Guangzhou, China
• Mexico

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

Yotam’s new recipe book, Flavour, is out now. 

Head over to TheThinkingTraveller.com/traveldiaries to book your dream villa holiday.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by sustainable luxury travel writer, and the Sustainability Editor of Condé Nast Traveller magazine, Juliet Kinsman. Juliet has been an authority in the travel world for over two decades, as a renowned hotel expert. She’s the former Editor-in-Chief of the boutique hotel guide, Mr & Mrs Smith, and went on to found Bouteco, a platform that helps design lovers find the best eco-conscious design-led hotels. 

And now she’s releasing a book, The Green Edit: Easy Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveller. All of which couldn’t feel more relevant in our current global climate crisis. I really hope you enjoy Juliet’s insight into the future of travel, as well as the wonderful array of unusual destinations that she picks for her travel diaries. 

Destination Recap:

• Algeria
• Atlas Mountains, Morocco 
• New York City, USA
• Bali, Indonesia
• Green School, Bali
• Sumba, Indonesia 
• Nihi Sumba hotel, Indonesia 
• Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada 
• Uxua Casa, Brazil 
• Potato Head, Bali, Indonesia 
• Budapest, Hungary 
• Brody House, Hungary 
• Treviso, Italy 
• Transylvania, Romania 
• Norway
• Scotland inc. Alladale Wilderness Reserve 
• Japan
• Peruvian Andes

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

The Green Edit by Juliet Kinsman is out on September 10.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by Jacqui Gifford, the Editor-in-Chief of America’s biggest travel magazine, Travel & Leisure. With a circulation of almost two million and an online readership of nine million, the magazine has always inspired me with its incredible covers, breathtaking photography and moving features, and Jacqui will absolutely inspire you with this episode. Having lived all over the world, and specialising in travel and lifestyle content for two decades, she has so many wonderful destinations in her travel diaries for you to add to your travel wish list. From Anguilla and Mexico to Bermuda and Puglia, speaking to me from NYC, these are the travel diaries of Travel & Leisure’s Jacqui Gifford.

Destination Recap:

• Long Island, New York, USA
• Kauai, Hawaii, USA
• Japan: Tokyo, Peninsula Hotel Tokyo, Okinawa, and Setouchi
• Saudi Arabia
• Ireland: West Coast and Dublin
• Morocco: Marrakech and Dar Ahlam, Atlas Mountains
• Paris, France: Le Meurice, Shangri-La Paris and Park Hyatt Paris
• Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy
• Gritti Palace, Venice, Italy
• Bermuda
• Mexico: Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende
• Anguilla: Belmond Cap Juluca, Four Seasons Anguilla, Malliouhana and Zemi Beach House
• Riga, Latvia
• Rwanda
• Southern India including Goa and Kerala, and Varanasi 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

And If Jacqui has tempted you to visit the West Coast of Ireland, one of the most magnificent places to stay is Adare Manor - found out more, here. 

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by legendary ethologist and conservationist Dame Dr Jane Goodall, known best for her groundbreaking research of wild chimpanzees.

When Jane moved from England to Gombe in Tanzania, at the age of just 26, virtually nothing was known about chimpanzees in the wild. Her findings, in particular observing them using tools to get food, changed our understanding of animal behaviour and the natural world, and propelled Jane to international fame. What makes this even more astounding is that at the time, she had no formal scientific qualifications. Still running today, the study is the world’s longest running continuous wildlife research project.

Jane has since been named a United Nations Messenger of Peace and was invested as a dame of the British Empire. Now at the age of 86 she remains a dedicated activist, travelling 300 days of every year (before covid), becoming equally well known as a conservationist and a champion of human rights.

Destination Recap:

• Bournemouth 
• Serengeti
• Gombe 
• Germany
• Cape Town 
• Tanzania
• Nebraska
• Malaysia 
• Tendaguru, Tanzania 
• Lubbock ,Texas
• Auschwitz 
• Haiti 
• Death 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that you receive a new episode each week.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

If you want to get involved or find out more about Jane’s work, visit www.janegoodall.org.uk and www.rootsnshoots.org.uk

The documentary, Jane, is currently available on Netflix and is a fantastic watch.

Book your stay at the spectacular Gleneagles hotel at https://gleneagles.com/

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by the sportsman, adventurer and double Olympic gold medallist, James Cracknell. We first got to know James as part of the coxless four rowing team, alongside Steve Redgrave, that won gold at the Sydney Olympics. Several world titles later, James went on to take part in countless feats of endurance, from becoming the highest ever placed Brit to run the Marathon des Sables, the hottest hardest race in the world, to rowing the Atlantic in a two man boat, and racing to the South Pole with his friend Ben Fogle, who you might have heard on the podcast earlier this season. 

Then, in 2010, James’s life was turned upside down. While cycling in a race across America, he was struck by a lorry and experienced a serious brain injury that left him in a coma. As we discuss, his journey to recovery has been anything but straightforward, but his story is one of sheer determination and resilience, ultimately leading him to return to university - Cambridge, no less - where he became the oldest ever winner of the famous Oxbridge boat race. 

Travel has been hugely important to James. Of course he’s spent a lot of time on some of the world’s most beautiful lakes and rivers - and I love being by the water, so I really enjoyed hearing about those. And his Slovenian hidden gem is a spot that I’ve now added to my travel wish list, and I’m sure you might do too. 

Destination Recap:

• Biarritz, France
• Lac d’Aiguebelette, France
• Galtür, Austria
• Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Annecy, France 
• South Pole, Antarctica
• Rowing the Atlantic Ocean
• Lake Bled, Slovenia
• Lake Maggiore, Italy / Switzerland
• Grand Canyon National Park, USA
• The Amazon
• Tepui Table Top Mountains, Venezuela 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

To find out more about Lanserhof at the Arts Club and Lanserhof Sylt, visit https://www.lanserhof.com/en

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by Lyn Hughes, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of one of the UK's best-loved travel magazines, Wanderlust. In the early nineties Lyn and her late husband were bored on a flight to South America, so they schemed out their dream travel magazine on the back of a sick-bag. The idea stuck and, returning to the UK a few months later, they launched Wanderlust magazine from their spare bedroom, with Lyn as editor and her husband, Paul, as publisher. The magazine gradually grew through word of mouth, and now, years later, it’s one of the UK’s leading travel magazines. Of course, through her work with the magazine, Lyn has travelled all around the world, and has her finger on the pulse of what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to travel. I particularly love her hidden gem in this episode and along with her travel diaries we cover wildlife travel, future travel trends, and of course a little bit of travel during Covid - it’s hard to escape it at the moment. As usual, though, the plan is to transport you far away from all those worries, so from New Zealand and Borneo, to Macedonia and Morocco here are the travel diaries of Lynn Hughes. 

Destination Recap:

• Southport, Merseyside, England
• Exmoor, Devon, England
• Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, England
• Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore trip
• Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
• African safaris including Zambia
• Caiman Lodge, The Pantanal, Brazil
• Kaikoura, New Zealand
• Marrakech, Morocco
• Number 43, Cumbria, England
• Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
• St Naum Monastery, North Macedonia
• Japan
• Sumatra, Indonesia
• Sabah, Borneo

Wanderlust Magazine is available in all good newsagents as well as online at wanderlust.co.uk 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

To find out more about Lanserhof at the Arts Club and Lanserhof Sylt, visit https://www.lanserhof.com/en

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by the food writer and TV presenter, Giles Coren. Giles has been a restaurant critic and columnist for The Times for 17 years and alongside chef Monica Galetti, he is the presenter of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, which sees him travel the globe, visiting some of the world’s most incredible hotels, rolling up his sleeves to work alongside their staff. As well as some fabulous hotels, stay tuned for some fab foodie recommendations too.

I loved chatting to Giles - his take on travel amused me from start to finish. I hope you enjoy it too!

Destination Recap:

• MGM Macau
• Kenyan safari
• Andalucía, Spain
• La Petite Maison, London, England
• Chewton Glen, Hampshire, England 
• Le Gavroche, London, England
• The River Cafe, London, England 
• Min Jiang, London, England
• Gymkhana, London, England
• Palmers, London, England
• Scott’s, London, England
• J Sheekey, London, England
• Inter-railing around Europe
• Tourettes-sur-loup, France 
• Corsica, France 
• Giraffe Manor, Kenya 
• Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
• Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
• Schloss Elmau, Germany
• The Brando, French Polynesia 
• The Bell Inn, Langford, England
• Kerala, India 
• Cuba

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby is out now on BBC 2, and is also available on BBC iPlayer. 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by the explorer and survivalist Ed Stafford. In 2010, Ed became the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River, a feat that took 860 days and put him on the map as one of our most prominent and exciting adventurers. From there here’s gone on to present and self film more massive challenges, like living in complete isolation on a desert island for 60 days without food, clothes or equipment, or being left for dead in various extreme environments around the world from Madagascar to Mongolia. These became incredible TV series that I’ve watched religiously and couldn’t recommend more. 

Ed is someone I’ve wanted to interview for the very beginning but like so many of my dream guests he’s normally always travelling so I was lucky to finally get this time to speak with him and I hope you enjoy what I think is a really raw and honest account of the spiritual and emotional development that comes with travel - as well as hearing about some inspiring destinations along the way.

Destination Recap:

• Henfaes, Aberdaron, Wales
• Leicestershire, England
• Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England
• Walking the length of the Amazon river
• Olorua, Fiji
• Argentine Patagonia
• Northern Thailand
• Ibiza, Spain
• Antarctica 

Ed’s new podcast, Dangerous Minds, is out now

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

And don't forget to hit subscribe so that every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

Huge thanks to The Lygon Arms hotel for their support for today’s episode - you can follow them here

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Michael Palin - where do you start! He’s a legendary comedian, part of pop culture history as one of Monty Python. He’s a BAFTA-winning actor, a best-selling author, and one of our most loved travel documentarians and travel writers. His journeys across the world, beginning with Around the World in 80 Days, followed by Pole to Pole, Full Circle, Sahara, Himalaya, Brazil and more, were a key part of how many of us discovered the world growing up, through his eyes, and through his warmth and curiosity with whoever he encountered along the way. 

From Saharan Africa and the Amazon, to western Scotland and North Korea, it was such an honour to hear the travel diaries of Sir Michael Palin. I hope you enjoy them.

Destination recap:

• Sheffield, England
• Norfolk, England
• Solden, Austria 
• Venice, Italy
• Barbados
• Morocco
• Mauritania
• Chinguetti, Mali
• Persian gulf to Indian Ocean dhow boat trip
• West coast of Scotland including Glencoe
• Aberfeldy, Scotland
• New York, USA
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Kolkata, India 
• Pongo de Mainique, Peru
• North Korea
• Algiers
• Vietnam
• Gulag camps, Kolyma, Russia
• Mongolia and the 'Stans
• Altai Mountains
• Walking in the Dolomites, Italy

Michael Palin’s North Korea Journal is out now, and available from all good bookshops. 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Hit subscribe and every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show, come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Jauncey is the founder and CEO of the world’s largest online travel community, Beautiful Destinations, which has a combined social following of over 25 million people.

The jaw-dropping photos on Beautiful Destinations’s Instagram feed have provided me with endless travel inspiration and undoubtedly influenced some of my travel choices. 

And what was once a passion project has become a global business, with Beautiful Destinations offices based out of the US, UK and Asia. 

While it might look like Jeremy spends most of his time being photographed in some of the most epic locations around the world - meditating on North Island in the Seychelles, hugging giant pandas in China, posing on a horse rearing in front of a pyramid in Egypt - most of the time he is actually consulting with major travel brands and tourist boards, helping them to tell inspiring stories through social first content.

This conversation gives a deep insight into the business of travel and travel marketing, of the power of imagery, and the power of human connection. 

From New Zealand and Japan to the Philippines and Norwegian Fjordland, these are the travel diaries of Jeremy Jauncey. 

Destination recap:

• Perth, Scotland 
• New Zealand 
• Colombia
• Panama
• Rwanda
• Singapore
• New York City, USA
• Tokyo, Japan
• Palawan, Borocay and El Nido, Philippines
• Siargao, Philippines
• Scandinavia, in particular Norway including Fjordland and Lofoten Islands 

You can follow Jeremy on Instagram @jeremyjauncey and of course @beautifuldestinations, too.

Thank you also to CV Villas - you can browse and book their stunning villas around the world, here

If you’ve enjoyed this episode today then don’t forget to subscribe and leaving a review or a rating really helps others to discover the podcast. And to find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks so much for listening and I’ll see you again next week. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonjour! As quarantine-free travel is soon to be announced between France and England, here is a bonus episode celebrating Fabulous France to whet your appetite and inspire your future travel plans. 

As well as hearing from some of my favourite guests from the past two seasons, today’s show is introduced by Nicola Williams, France expert for The Telegraph and Lonely Planet. She shares her experience of living in France during lockdown and her top tips and hidden gems to visit across the country now that we can travel freely again. 

Destination Recap:

• Nadiya Hussain - Paris
• Rachel Khoo - Paris
• Conde Nast Traveller’s Melinda Stevens - Le Bristol Paris hotel, La Reserve Paris hotel
• Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
• Rick Stein - Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne; Jura; Collioure and Perpignan
• Ella Eyre - La Clusaz
• Jo Malone - Grasse; Mougins; La Colombe d’Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence, France 
• Raymond Blanc - Provence

Nicola Williams on…

• Ile de Ré
• Le Martiniere Ice Cream shop, Ile de Ré
• Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Nernier, Haute-Savoie 
• Château de la Treyne, Lots, Dordogne
• Les Prés d'Eugénie, Eugénie-les-Bains, Les Landes

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And to delve into the back catalogue, visit thetraveldiariespodcast.com 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. Hit subscribe so that each new episode lands magically into your feed. 

See you next week!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the start of Season 3, and who better to join me to celebrate than Ben Fogle? Ben is not only an award-winning broadcaster, fronting many of our most loved TV shows - he is also one of the UK’s most prolific adventurers. He has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco, run the Marathon Des Sables (a 6 day ultra marathon across the Sahara Desert), raced across the Antarctica to the South Pole and most recently climbed Mount Everest. 

He’s written nine best-selling books - many about travel - and has the enviable title of the United Nations Patron of the Wilderness. And speaking of the Wilderness, he has travelled to every corner of the globe while filming his long-running hit TV series, New Lives in the Wild, a notion that feels particularly relevant right now during lockdown. 

Get ready to be transported to Guatemala, the top of Mt Everest, Ethiopia, the Canadian Wilderness and…Ayia Napa, Here, are the travel diaries of Ben Fogle. 

Destination Recap:

• Taransay, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
• Lake Chemong, Ontario, Canada
• British Columbia, Canada
• Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada
• Latin America 
• Quito, Ecuador
• Antigua, Guatemala
• Bolivia 
• Pitcairn Island, South Pacific
• Pleistocene Park, Siberia
• The Atlantic Ocean
• Mt Everest, Nepal 
• Cornwall, England
• Ethiopia
• Lalibela, Ethiopia
• Ayia Napa, Mallorca, Spain
• Haiti
• The Great Wall of China, China
• The North Pole
• The South Pole

The Wilderness Collection for Barbour by Ben and Marina Fogle is available from www.benfogle.com

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a rating or a review, why not do so now? Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. Hit subscribe and every week a new episode will appear in your library.

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram. I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surprise! I’m back with bonus episode number two, as we could all do with a bit of armchair travel right now. This week we’re uncovering the best ‘Hidden Gems’ from the past 23 episodes, from guests including Nadiya Hussain, Dan Snow and Levison Wood. Stay tuned for those secret spots that you want to keep to yourself because they’re that wonderful, but you also want to shout from the roof top because…they’re that wonderful! I hope they transport you to somewhere far, far away and provide some inspiration for your future travel plans.

Destination Recap:

• Dan Snow: Stockholm and Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
• Mr & Mrs Smith’s James Lohan: Ett Hem, Stockholm, Sweden
• Rachel Khoo: Little Brothers Bakery - Stockholm, Sweden
• Luleå, Swedish Lapland
• Arctic Bath, Sweden
• The Independent’s Simon Calder: Wuppertaler Schwebebahn (Wuppertal Suspension Railway), Germany; Tiraspol, Moldova; The Azores; Syracuse, Sicily
• Levison Wood: Lebanon
• Arthaus Beirut, Lebanon
• Lucy Williams: Anopura, Jaipur, India 
• Lonely Planet’s Peter Grunert: Bhutan
• Nadiya Hussain: Koh Sukorn, Thailand 

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. 

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we celebrate the Best of British, where a selection of guests from Season 1 & 2 will transport you to some of their favourite places in the British isles - all from the safety of your own home. From the Isles of Scilly to the Island of Rum; Shropshire, Yorkshire, Kent, London and much more, here’s a taster of some of the very best of what Britain has to offer. 

Destination recap: 

• Rick Stein: Isles of Scilly; Padstow, Cornwall, England
• Poppy Delevingne: Daymer Bay, Cornwall, England
• Porthminster Beach Cafe
• Porthmeor Beach Cafe
• Melinda Stevens: The Long Mind, Shropshire, England
• Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Isle of Rum, Scotland
• Dynamo: Chiltern Firehouse and Bar Bruno’s, London
• Kettner’s Town House, London
• Blanchette, London 
• Peter Grunert: Bradford, Yorkshire, England
• Tom Kerridge: North Kent Coast, England - Whitstable; The Goods Shed, Canterbury; The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury; The Compasses Inn, Crundale; The Sportsman, Seasalter
• James Lohan: Blakes Hotel, London; The Witchery, Edinburgh, Scotland; Drunken Duck Inn, Lake District, England; Le Manoir aux quat’saisons, Oxfordshire, England; Lime Wood, Hampshire, England
• Sophy Roberts: Yeotown, Devon, England

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. 

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by a legend of the travel world. Back in 1972, Tony Wheeler and his wife Maureen, decided to drive from London through Asia, and all the way to Australia on what was known as the Hippie Trail. Along the way, they realised there was a real shortage of information about the countries they were visiting, and so they decided to write a guidebook together. That was the now seminal Southeast Asia on a Shoestring, and from there, Lonely Planet was born. 

Lonely Planet went on to become the world’s largest travel guidebook publishers, selling hundreds of millions of books. I’m sure all of us have a well leafed Lonely Planet guide on our shelves, that has been a trusty companion on our travels. 

Tony and Maureen now live in Melbourne, Australia, so I was very lucky to grab some time with Tony when he was over in London at the beginning of the month.

We spoke before the Coronavirus became a global pandemic - although you’ll hear that it had impacted his travels on the way to get here.

It’s a very frightening time for all of us across the globe, a time when travel suddenly feels so out of reach. I hope this episode acts as a bit of escapism, some light relief, that will transport you to the weird and wonderful corners of the world that make up Tony’s travel diaries. From Bulgaria and Turkmenistan, to Armenia and…The Maldives. I hope you enjoy it.

Destination recap: 

• Plovdiv, Bulgaria
• Hippie Trail driving from London to Australia
• Ashkabad, Turkmenistan 
• Karachi, Pakistan
• Karakoram Highway, Pakistan 
• Nassau, Bahamas
• San Francisco, California, USA
• Sumba, Indonesia
• Armenia
• Istanbul, Turkey
• The Pudding Shop, Istanbul, Turkey 
• Göreme, Turkey
• Bamiyan Buddahs, Afghanistan
• Torres Strait, Australia
• Erub Island, Australia 
• Melbourne, Australia 
• Ravenna, Italy
• The Maldives
• Socotra, Yemen 
• Yemen
• Jamaica

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. 

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supermodel and actress Poppy Delevingne is making her podcast debut today on The Travel Diaries. Poppy - and her sister, Cara Delevingne - are two of fashion’s most recognisable names. Poppy has been the face of Louis Vuitton, Burberry, the muse for designer Matthew Williamson, and the brand ambassador of Chanel. But as you’ll hear in this episode, it was acting that was Poppy’s first love, and having starred in blockbusters like Kingsman and King Arthur, Poppy is now a series regular on Sky Atlantic’s hit series, Riviera. 

I spoke to Poppy in her beautiful west London home in a rare moment when she was back in the UK - travelling is not only an integral part of her career - you’ll soon hear that Poppy clearly has the travel bug, too. From Argentina to Antarctica, Japan to Positano, this is a glimpse into the glamorous life of Poppy Delevingne.

Destination Recap:

• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Amilla Fushi, Maldives
• Cornwall, England
• Wandsworth Common, London, England
• The Colbert, London, England
• The Wolseley, London, England
• The Delaunay, London, England
• Chiltern Firehouse, London, England
• The Windsor Castle, Camden Hill Road, London, England
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Positano, Italy 
• Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy 
• Da Adolfo, Positano, Italy 
• Conca del Sogno, Positano, Italy 
• Camping in the Amazon, Brazil 
• India
• South Africa
• Peninsula Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
• Kyoto, Japan
• Amanemu, Shima, Japan
• Amangiri, Utah, USA
• Zion National Park, USA
• Barcelona, Spain
• La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain 
• Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, California 
• Paris, France 
• Residenza Napoleone III, Rome, Italy 
• Macchu Picchu, Peru
• Antartica

You can catch up on Riviera Season 1 & 2 on Sky Atlantic now. Season 3 will be released this summer. Follow Poppy on Instagram here. 

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. 

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by one of the world’s leading travel authors and journalists, Sophy Roberts. Formerly the editor-at-large of Conde Nast Traveller, and Departures Magazine, as well as a columnist at the Financial Times, Sophy’s focus now is primarily on remote parts of the world, reporting on fragile cultures, wildlife conservation and threats to eco-systems.

I hope this episode grabs you and transports you to the wild and wonderful ends of our planet. It’s a long haul, feature length episode and a love letter to travel, which will take you to some truly far flung locations from deepest Siberia and wild Papua New Guinea, to the deserts of Chad and the lakes of Kashmir. I really hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Destination Recap:

• Uzbekistan
• Aryll, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
• Leger, France
• Ireland
• Ecclefechan, Scottish Borders 
• Russia
• Delhi Old Town, India
• Kashmir, India
• Drive from Kashmir to Ladakh 
• Siberia, Russia
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• New York City, USA
• New York Public Library
• Sylvia’s, New York
• Nihiwatu - Now called Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
• Hotel Trasierra, Andalucia, Spain
• Chad
• Papua New Guinea
• Yeotown, Somerset
• The Canary Islands
• St Tropez in August
• Mozambique
• Kolyma, Siberia, Russia
• Rwanda
• Arctic poles
• Socotra Island, Yemen
• Mississippi River, USA

‘The Lost Pianos of Siberia’ by Sophy Roberts, is out now. You can follow Sophy’s travel on Instagram here. 

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. 

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jo Malone's superhuman sense of smell took her from life on a council estate, leaving school with no qualifications, and catapulted her into becoming one of the world’s most successful businesswomen, creating two globals brands- first Jo Malone London, and now Jo Loves.

Her name may conjure the smell of lime, basil and mandarin or the citrusy scent of pomelo - but what you might not know is how these scents are in many ways inspired by the travels that Jo has been on, and in this is episode she evokes so vividly the many destinations that have shaped her life. 

Destination recap: 

• Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, London
• Philip Treacy, London
• Peggy Porschen cupcakes, London
• Wild by Tart restaurant, London
• Rhodes, Greece
• Embonas wine festival, Rhodes, Greece
• COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
• Grasse, France
• Mougins, France
• La Colombe d’Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence, France 
• Thula Thula Game Reserve, South Africa 
• New York City, New York, USA
• The Boat House, Central Park, New York, USA
• Wheatleigh Hotel, Lenox, Massachusetts, USA
• The Surrey Hotel, New York, USA
• The Lowell Hotel, New York, USA
• The Peninsula Hotel, Paris, France
• The PuLi Hotel, Shanghai, China
• One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, UAE
• La Bastide Saint Antoine, Grasse, France
• Hacienda de San Rafael, Seville, Spain 
• Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Canada
• India

You can visit the Jo Loves store on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia, or shop online.

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. 

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by the travel writer and broadcaster, Simon Calder. He’s TV’s travel guru, and the travel editor at the Independent newspaper, where he’s known as “the man who pays his way” because he doesn’t accept any freebies from the travel trade - and in this episode, he gives some great tips for travelling on a budget. 

Simon’s got a great story because his first job was at Gatwick airport, cleaning planes and working on security, and the notion of simply travelling abroad while working there felt like a distant dream. Now of course, he spends his life travelling the world - and this episode includes such a variety of fascinating and unusual locations that this had to be a ‘long haul’ feature length episode.

Make sure you stay tuned for his all time favourites and hidden gems - there are some really interesting ones in there - I’m already dreaming up some travels from those. 

Here’s a recap of the destinations mentioned:

• Swanage, Dorset, England 
• Lake District, England
• Guernsey, Channel Islands, England
• Granada, Spain
• Skye, Scotland
• Isle of Wight Festival
• Aconcagua, Argentina
• Santiago, Chile
• East Berlin
• Tirana, Albania
• Cuba
• New York, USA
• Mumbai, India
• Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, Costa Rica
• Pan American Highway - Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to Panama
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Puebla, Mexico
• Wahaca, Mexico
• Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, (Wuppertal Suspension Railway), Germany 
• Tiraspol, Moldova
• The Azores
• Syracuse, Sicily
• Arctic Canada and Greenland cruise
• Caribbean cruising
• Alaska to Canada cruise
• Cuillin, Skye, Scotland
• Nepal
• Mt Vinson, Antarctica

You can follow Simon’s travels on his Twitter page, @Simoncalder - and tune in to his podcast which is on Soundcloud, it’s called Escape podcast. 

Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. 

To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related.

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by the historian and broadcaster, Dan Snow. You’re probably already a fan of his podcast, Dan Snow’s History Hit. Following in the footsteps of his journalist parents, Dan is now a mainstay on our TV screens, often presenting programmes linked to his love of history - and history and travel of course come hand in hand. 

I enjoyed this chat with Dan so much that it had to be a “long haul” feature length episode. As well as bringing to life so many far flung destinations (check out that list below!) Dan’s insights into the meaning of travel, and the impact of travel, I found to be fascinating. I hope you do too! 

Destination Recap:

• North Wales
• Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Timbuktu, Mali
• Mount Assiniboine, Western Canada
• Maui, Hawaii, USA
• Amsterdam, Holland 
• Oberoi Hotel, Jaipur, India
• Iceland
• Vasa Museum, Stockholm, Sweden
• Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
• Northumberland, England
• Lancashire, England
• China
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Syria
• New England, USA
• St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean
• Sao Tome & Principe
• Micronesia

You can listen to Dan’s brilliant podcast, Dan Snow’s History Hit here. And check out his online history channel, HistoryHit.TV too.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by one of the most prolific magicians of all time - Dynamo.

250 million viewers around the world tuned in to watch his award-winning TV shows, as he levitated in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro; and seemingly walked on water down London’s River Thames. 

750,000 attended his last stadium tour, with famous fans from Jay Z and Snoop Dogg, to Gwyneth Paltrow and Ed Sheeran.

And then, at the very peak of his success, he had to step away.

As you’ll hear on this episode, Dynamo became so ill from the affects of Crohn’s disease that he spent months in hospital, thinking he would never be able to perform magic again. 

Now, 5 years later, having come close to death, Dynamo’s resilience and determination mean he’s back. He’s been working on a new show which will take viewers on a magical journey across the globe. From Bradford to Japan, and Syria to Australia, these are the travel diaries of Dynamo. 

Destination recap:

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
• Bradford, Yorkshire, England 
• India
• Tokyo, Japan
• Chūbu, Japan
• Syria
• Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains, Australia
• London, England
• Hampstead Heath, London, England
• Chiltern Firehouse, London, England 
• Bar Bruno, Soho, London, England
• Harlem, New York, USA
• Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda

Dynamo new show Beyond Belief is on Sky One now.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by the much loved chef, restauranteur and TV presenter, Tom Kerridge. 

Tom’s worked in food since he was 18 years old, but he rose to fame when his pub in Buckinghamshire, The Hand and Flowers, went on to become the only pub in Britain with two Michelin stars. I, like many, got to know and love him on the BBC’s Great British Menu show, where he was the first chef to cook at the banquet two years in a row and he’s since gone on to release several best selling cook books and many popular TV shows. More recently, he’s made headlines with his dramatic 12 stone weight loss. As well as chatting a bit about that, Tom takes us on a journey across the UK, Europe, Asia and the US with his travel diaries, and lots of foodie recommendations along the way. 

This is what I call a “long haul” episode - you’re getting a bit more this week because Tom is so lovely and we just couldn’t stop chatting. I hope you’ll really enjoy it.

Destination recap:

• Isle of Wight, England
• Ostend, Belgium
• Agistri, Greece
• Crete, Greece
• Paphos, Cyprus
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• New York, USA
• North Kent coast, England
• Whitstable, England
• The Good Shed, Canterbury, England
• The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury, England
• The Compasses Inn, Crundale
• The Sportsman, Seasalter
• Lapland
• India
• Japan

Tom’s new book, Lose Weight and Get Fit, is out now, and you can watch the accompanying BBC 2 series on Wednesday nights at 8.30pm.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BAFTA winner and Oscar nominee, Dev Patel, is one of Britain’s finest young actors.

He first graced our screens in the seminal teen drama, Skins, before going on to make his movie debut in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, which picked up eight Oscars, including Best Picture. 

He’s gone on to star in many more critically acclaimed films, including The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Lion, for which he won a BAFTA, and received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

Now, he’s taken the lead role in Armando Ianucci’s adaptation of The Personal History of David Copperfield, which is already a critic’s favourite.

Like in Season One, this episode I’ve called a "short haul" episode, because I didn’t have quite as much interview time as I normally do. The way that it tends to work with movie stars is you meet up in a hotel - in this case it was the Soho Hotel in London, which is a real celeb haunt - and you’re given quite a tight time slot before the next interviewer comes in. If you’ve seen Notting Hill, it’s like when Hugh Grant interviews Julia Roberts for Horse & Hound!

Despite literally just getting off a flight from LA, Dev was as warm and down to earth as he seems on screen, and having shot movies and travelled all around the world in some fascinating locations, I really hope you’ll enjoy hearing his travel diaries.

Destination recap:

• Gujarat, India 
• Mumbai, India
• Chor Bazaar, Mumbai, India 
• Alibag, India
• Tokyo, Japan
• South Korea
• Norfolk, England
• Koreatown, Los Angeles, USA
• Quarters, Los Angeles, USA
• Toe Bang, Los Angeles, USA
• Johannesburg, South Africa
• Soweto, South Africa
• New Zealand 

Dev’s new movie, The Personal History of David Copperfield is out now.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by international treasure and culinary royalty, Rick Stein. 

He’s graced our screens, and lined our bookshelves for over 25 years, cooking up cuisine from all over the world. Fish is his great love, served in his restaurant empire from Padstow, Cornwall to Sydney, Australia.

Along with his travel diaries, we talk about the very surprising career path he originally pursued that had nothing to do with food; how the loss of his father led him on a real voyage of self discovery; and he reveals which destinations he’s tipping for this year’s culinary hit list. All that and more, coming up. 

Destination recap: 

• Isles of Scilly, England
• Padstow, Cornwall, England
• Combrée, France 
• Cantabria, Spain 
• Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne, France 
• Jura, France 
• Collioure, France,
• Perpignan, France 
• Alice Springs, Australia
• Iceland 
• Rajasthan, India
• Lucknow, India
• Sydney, Australia 
• Tbilisi, Georgia 
• Bologna, Italy 
• Trieste, Italy
• Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Rick Stein’s Secret France is out now and his accompanying TV series is on BBC iPlayer.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s season finale, I’m joined by one of the world’s greatest chefs, Raymond Blanc.

Raymond had a very humble start to life in rural France and his journey to opening Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, the internationally-renowned Cotswolds country house hotel where he’s been the chef patron since it opened in 1984 is nothing short of extraordinary. For half of his life he’s held two Michelin stars - the only chef in the UK to have retained two stars for so long. And of course in time, with his success, he has travelled the world, and has many stories to tell. 

I spoke to Raymond at the Cheval Three Quays apartments, looking out at the London skyline. I don’t think I’ve ever met somebody overflowing with as much passion and joie de vivre as Raymond. It came as no surprise to hear that 34 of his protégés have gone on to win their own Michelin stars, including Marco Pierre White and Michael Caines. His passion is infectious.

Destination recap:

• Franche-Comté, France
• Switzerland
• Provence, France
• Besançon, France
• Kuching, Malaysia 
• Japanese Tea House Garden, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, England
• Barocay, Philippines 
• Hong Kong
• Nice, Provence, France

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons celebrates 35 years this year.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by one of the world’s most influential and multi-award winning travel writers, the global editor in chief of Condé Nast Traveller UK and US, Melinda Stevens. She’s a trend setter, taste maker and considered by many to be travel royalty. 

After beginning her writing career at Vogue Magazine, Melinda went on to become a columnist for the Sunday Times and Evening Standard, and the travel editor at Tatler, before taking the helm at Condé Nast Traveller.

Reading Condé Nast Traveller - the way the writers would transport me to far flung places with the power of their words - was my inspiration for becoming a travel writer. So heading to its offices in the heart of London’s Mayfair, where the walls were lined with its iconic covers, was really thrilling.

Unsurprisingly, Melinda has her finger on the pulse of the hottest destinations, which we of course discuss, as well as reflecting on some of the all time greats. And she gives a real insight into the makings of a top magazine. This is wanderlust guaranteed.

Destination Recap:

• Frinton on sea, Essex, England 
• The Long Mynd, Shropshire, England 
• Bali, Indonesia
• Road trip from Seattle, Washington, through Idaho, Wyoming and Montana
• Road trip from Sun Valley Utah, through Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico 
• Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
• Kazakstan 
• Charleston, South Carolina, USA                       
• The Bahamas
• Kerala, India
• Rajasthan, India
• Cala di Volpe, Sardinia
• Amilla Fushi, Maldives
• Hotel Escencia, Mexico
• Le Bristol, Paris 
• The Mercer, New York
• La Reserve, Paris
• Honduras
• Belgrade, Serbia 
• Soviet Russia 
• Egypt
• Sleeper train from London to Scottish Highlands 
• Belmond trains
• Japan

Condé Nast Traveller magazine is available in all good newsagents.

You can follow Melinda's Instagram here, as well as the magazine here, for all the travel inspo you could ever need.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by Gyles Brandreth. Summing up the life and career of Gyles is no easy feat. He’s a prolific broadcaster, actor, journalist, novelist, biographer and podcaster, and he was formerly an MP and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury. You'll have seen him on Celebrity Googlebox; Countdown's Dictionary Corner hundreds of times, as well as on numerous TV panel shows. He's even the President of the Association of British Scrabble Players!

Through all these different jobs Gyles has travelled the world several times over, from Sri Lanka and Dubai to former Soviet Russia and East Germany. As you’ll hear, though, it’s the British seaside staycation that Gyles loves most.

Destination recap:

• Norderney, Germany
• Isle of Thanet, Kent, England 
• Broadstairs, Kent, England
• Switzerland
• Corfu, Greece
• France
• Iceland 
• Isle of Wight, England
• Sri Lanka
• India
• Dubai
• Sardinia
• Sicily
• Mexico
• Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Swansea, Wales
• Russia
• East Berlin, East Germany
• Mekong Delta, Vietnam and Cambodia
• Heaven!

‘Dancing by the Light of the Moon - over 250 poems to read, recite and relish’ is out now.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by James Lohan, the co-founder - and the Mr - of Mr & Mrs Smith, the much-loved boutique and luxury hotel booking service and travel club. 

It all began when James and his wife Tamara (aka Mrs Smith) decided to go about creating their own boutique hotel guidebook, travelling the UK to dine the best spots for a luxurious weekend break. The book was a huge success, and the business has since grown to include a popular online booking service, and its membership programme now has more than a million global members.

In 2014, James and Tamara received MBEs for their services to the travel industry, and when I asked James how many hotels he’s visited, he estimated a whopping 2000.

As soon as we started chatting, I knew this had to be a long haul feature length episode. As a bit of a hotel junkie myself, this was just so much fun, listening to James zig zag across the globe from one extraordinary destination to the other. 

Whatever you’re dreaming about, if you’re thinking of a weekend staycation or a mega honeymoon, I guarantee you’ll get some great inspiration from James.

Destination recap: 

• Polzeath Beach, Cornwall, England
• Tresanton Hotel, Cornwall, England 
• Blakes Hotel, London, England
• The Witchery, Edinburgh, Scotland 
• Drunken Duck Inn, Lake District, England 
• Le Manoir aux quat’saisons, Oxfordshire, England
• Uxua Casa, Trancoso, Brazil
• Vik, Southern Iceland 
• Deplar Farm, Troll Peninsula, Iceland 
• Soneva Fushi, The Maldives 
• Il Latini, Florence, Italy
• JK Place, Florence, Italy
• Lime Wood, New Forest, England 
• Reschio, Umbria, Italy 
• Ett Hem, Stockholm, Sweden
• Foxhill Manor, The Cotswolds, England 
• Morokuru, De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
• Georgia
• Namibia
• Rwanda
• India 
• Menorca

You can find Mr & Mrs Smith online and on Instagram @mrandmrssmith

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit

Singer-songwriter Ella Eyre burst onto the music scene back in 2013 when she featured on the number one single, Waiting All Night, with Rudimental - which went on to win the BRIT award for best British single. She’s since toured the world, releasing hits like If I Go, Gravity, Came Here for Love and Just Got Paid and is now back with new material, most of which was written and recorded in Jamaica. We talk about her Maltese and Jamaican heritage, her obsession with Asian cuisine, the time she nearly became a professional swimmer, and her once in a lifetime performance on Richard Branson’s private island. 

Destination Recap: 

• Wales
• Malta
• Barcelona, Spain
• Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
• Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica
• Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia 
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Kanada-Ya restaurant, London
• Sticks & Sushi restaurant, London 
• La Clusaz, France
• Montreal, Canada
• Japan
• Singapore Grand Prix 

Ella Eyre's fabulous new single, Mama is out now on Island Records. 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by Levison Wood, the British explorer, photographer, best selling author, and TV presenter.

You probably know him from his incredible walking expeditions, which he’s documented on TV. He’s walked the length of the River Nile, through Central America from Mexico to Colombia, and the length of the Himalayas from Bhutan all the way to Afghanistan.

We talk about the time he hitchhiked from Nottingham to India - and his adventures along the way; what it was like driving an ambulance from London to Malawi in Southern Africa through 27 countries, and about his most recent and maybe most ambitious expedition yet, which was a 5000 mile circumnavigation of the Arabian Peninsula from Iran to Lebanon. 

Destination recap

• Greece
• Mexico
• London to Malawi drive
• Columbia
• Grosny, Chechnya 
• Southern Yemen
• Southern Dhoffar Mountains, Oman
• Lebanon
• Damascus, Syria
• South Africa 
• Hitchhiking from Nottingham to India including Afghanistan 
• Georgia
• Byblos, Lebanon
• Iran
• Corfu
• New Zealand
• Vancouver Island
• Papua New Guinea
• Biking through South America

If you’d like to hear more from Levison, you can pick up a copy of his book, Arabia: A Journey Through the Heart of the Middle East. And he’s also written a gorgeous children’s book called Incredible Journeys, and that’s out now too.

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Khoo is a cook, writer and TV presenter, who first rose to fame with her bestselling cookbook, The Little Paris Kitchen, a collection of recipes tested from her little Paris kitchen!

The book was soon developed into her first TV series, and Rachel quickly became known by food lovers the world over, with several cookbooks and TV series that followed.

Now, she lives in Stockholm with her Swedish husband and two children, and it’s this new beginning that’s served as the inspiration for her latest project, The Little Swedish Kitchen.

Destination recap:

• Austrian border
• Lech, Austria
• Paris, France
• Tokyo, Japan
• Sydney, Australia
• Little Brothers Bakery - Stockholm, Sweden
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Brazil
• Cornwall, England

You can watch Rachel Khoo: My Swedish Kitchen on Thursdays at 9pm and 9.30pm on Food Network. 

Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. 

Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m joined by Peter Grunert, the editor of Lonely Planet magazine. In fact, Peter is the editor of 13 different editions of the magazine around the world. And each is imbued with that spirit of adventure and a cultural understanding that makes it one of my favourite travel magazines - and as a result of our chat, I’ve added about 10 new destinations to my bucket list! We’ll be talking about so many incredible places from Bhutan and India, to Uruguay and Australia, and many more, which why is this my first long haul, bumper length episode. So, here is a real deep dive into the world of travel from one of its top experts. I hope you enjoy it.