Overview
The Travel Diaries is a weekly interview series where journalist Holly Rubenstein chats to a special guest about their adventures around the world, and the travel experiences and destinations that have shaped their lives.
Be transported to exotic and far flung places as Holly and her diverse range of famous guests take you on a journey through the seven chapters of their life's travel diaries, from their earliest childhood travel memory and the first place they fell in love with; to their all time favourite destination, their hidden gem recommendation and what’s at the top of their bucket list. It's wanderlust, guaranteed!
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149 Episodes
Lily Allen - British Columbia Destination Special
I’m so excited to bring you the third and final holiday special to round off 2024. And once again thank you for tuning in throughout the year—your support has been incredible.On today’s Destination Special we’re joined by a truly extraordinary guest—someone who’s not only a trailblazer in the music industry but also a passionate traveller with a love for extraordinary adventures. She’s a singer, songwriter, actress, and cultural icon whose music has been the soundtrack to so many of our lives. Yes, Lily Allen is here on The Travel Diaries!Lily’s debut album, Alright, Still, launched her to global stardom, and since then, she’s won BRIT Awards, Ivor Novellos, and devoted fans worldwide. But what you might not know is that Lily is also an avid traveller, and her recent trip to British Columbia is one of her most unforgettable yet.British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province, a land of extraordinary natural beauty where dramatic coastlines meet ancient cedar forests, and snow-capped peaks plunge into pristine fjords. It’s a destination that feels alive with adventure and wonder. Getting there from the UK couldn’t be easier—just hop on a direct flight to Vancouver. Vancouver itself is surrounded by ocean and mountains, making it one of the most picturesque city settings in the world—and certainly one of my favourites.From Vancouver, the possibilities are endless. You can take a floatplane to a remote coastal lodge, drive along the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway, or catch a ferry to Vancouver Island. Whether you're exploring the city’s cultural gems or heading into the wild for close encounters with nature, BC offers something for every kind of traveller.In this episode, Lily takes us along for her unforgettable journey through BC. We’ll hear about her encounters with humpback whales, bears, and orcas. and how the restorative power of its nature left her mind at peace and her heart full - Lily calls it one of the most special experiences of her life, and you’ll soon understand why.Destination Recap:The Loden Hotel, VancouverTofino, Vancouver IslandCathedral Grove Forrest, Vancouver IslandHot Springs Cove, Vancouver IslandWolf in the Fog, Vancouver IslandAlert Bay, Cormorant IslandAlert Bay Lodge, Cormorant IslandIf you’d like to find out more about British Columbia, then don’t forget to check out your favourite travel titles, magazines and online guides, and you can also find a lot more information on the tourist board website,www.hellobc.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 week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 13 seasons to catch up on, that's over 130 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.
Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024
Discovering Saudi - Destination Special
On today’s destination special, we’re going to be discovering a country which, for the longest time, was out of reach for travellers, Saudi Arabia, or Saudi as it’s now known. Within the travel industry Saudi has been front and centre for the past few years, with prominent features about its developments in most of the major travel magazines; the world’s leading luxury hotel brands from Six Senses to Aman have been announcing impressive future openings across the country, and new tourist destinations are being developed from the Red Sea resort on the coast to Sindalah at NEOM…even a ski resort in the 3000m mountains. These are all offerings that have really intrigued the travel world, now that the doors are wide open.To be honest, I’ve been conflicted about making this episode. I had preconceptions about the country, which I’m sure many of you may share, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about showcasing it with its own episode. However, I firmly believe in the power of travel as a force for good – tourism brings connection, understanding, and often positive change.And I also firmly believe you’ll find this episode really interesting. Because if you’re anything like me, you’re probably very curious about destinations that feel like uncharted territory, that we don’t know that much about yet. My goal is to give you more insight about the country from the travel experts who know it best so you can make up your own mind.First, we’ll hear from adventurer, writer, and TV presenter Alice Morrison. Alice is like a real-life Indiana Jones – most recently, she’s been exploring Saudi for her BBC series Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans, where she delves into the mysteries of this ancient civilization. She’s also travelled extensively across Saudi as a solo female traveler, offering a unique perspective on what it’s really like to explore the country as a woman. Then we’ll be joined by Isabella Craddock, former editor of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East and the founder and editor of Near+Far Magazine. Isabella has spent years exploring Saudi’s landscapes, cities, and hidden gems and she’ll share her favourite spots, latest travel news, and tips for making the most of a visit.Destination Recap:Alice Morrison - RiyadhDiriyah Gate, RiyadhNational Museum, RiyadhAlUlaNabatean Tombs, HegraJeddahPrince Mohammad Bin Salman Royal ReservesWadi DisahBanyan Tree Hotel, AlUlaIsabella Craddock - NEOMThe LineAlUlaHabitas, AlUlaMaraya, AlUlaAsirTrojena Ski ResortBanyan Tree,AlUlaDar Tantora The House, AlUlaAman, DiriyahJeddah Edition, JeddahAL-Balad, JeddahSindalah, NEOMYou can find out more about Saudi by reading nearfarmag.com, and you can listen more to Alice's adventures in Saudi on her podcast Alice in Wanderland. The tourist board website isanother great resource if you’re planning a trip.Thanks so much for listening today. 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 TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 13 seasons to catch up on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024
Sandi Toksvig
Welcome back to The Travel Diaries podcast! I’m your host, Holly Rubenstein, and I’m so thrilled to be back with you for the first of three Christmas specials to bring bit of festive sparkle to your holiday season. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be bringing you conversations with some truly wonderful guests, and who better to start us off than the brilliant Sandi Toksvig?Sandi is a comedian, writer, broadcaster, actor, activist, and, of course, a beloved TV presenter. You’ll know her from QI, where she made history as the first female host of a major British TV quiz show, from Channel 4’s Extraordinary Escapes, and from The Great British Bake Off.Beyond her TV roles, Sandi has written numerous books, been a vocal advocate for equality and LGBTQ+ rights, and has a passion for adventure. Born in Copenhagen to a father who was a foreign correspondent, she spent her childhood living across the globe, from the African bush to NYC, sparking a lifelong love of travel. Her travel diaries today take us from the rivers of Africa to the Arctic Circle, the jungles of Costa Rica to her beloved Denmark —Sandi’s travels are as fascinating and varied as she is.Sandi Claus Is Coming to Townis a family-friendly LGBTQ+ Christmas show hosted by national treasure, Sandi Toksvig. It’s taking place at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 18 December (tickets fromroyalalberthall.com)Destination Recap:Copenhagen, DenmarkZimbabweZambezi River,AfricaTivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, DenmarkPacuare Lodge, Costa RicaLofoten Islands, NorwayHenningsvær, Lofoten, NorwaySudanCopenhagen, Denmark: Host RestaurantRestaurant Grøften /Tivoli GardensThe Round TowerThe Kissing BenchEilean Sionnach, ScotlandWolf Lodge, NorwayNebraska, USAThe Oregon Trail, USAAarhus, DenmarkVilla Provence, Aarhus, DenmarkSydney, AustraliaJapanWith thanks to the Langham Hotel for hosting the interview.*COMPETITION* Win a luxury 4-night stay for two at the newly refurbished Shangri-La Le Touessrok in sunny Mauritius. For details on how to enter, head to my Instagram @hollyrubenstein. The competition closes on December 30th. Good luck.With thanks to Bibury Farm Barns in the Cotswolds. These barns are perfection—there are five in total ranging from 3 - 5 beds, each thoughtfully designed and beautifully styled.The location is ideal, right in the heart of the Cotswolds, making it a fantastic base for exploring this stunning part of the country. We loved revisiting charming villages like Bibury, Burford, and Stow-on-the-Wold, with their honey-coloured stone buildings and rich history. But it was the little moments back at the barn that made it truly special: mornings by the fire, countryside walks straight from the door, late-night hot tub soaks, and that deep, peaceful quiet you only find in the countryside.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 TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 13 seasons to catch up on, that's over 140 episodes to keep you busy there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024
Monty Don
Today's guest is truly beloved figure in British television - someone who many of us feel we already know so well - Monty Don.For over two decades, Monty has been the heart and soul of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, inspiring millions to embrace the joys and therapeutic benefits of gardening. His connection to nature has taken him all over the globe, all in search of the profound ways that different cultures engage with the land.Alongside Gardeners’ World, Monty has brought us stunning travel series like Around the World in 80 Gardens, Monty Don’s Italian Gardens, Adriatic Gardens and most recently, Spanish Gardens. This latest series, which is accompanied by a beautiful book, delves into the country’s breathtaking historic and contemporary landscapes, from Moorish-inspired patios to vibrant urban greens paces, revealing the depth and diversity of Spanish garden design.It was also fascinating to hear about Monty’s journey to TV stardom, and how he had a completely different and hugely successful career in the fashion world, before, somewhat by chance, getting a new break into gardening and TV.From the gardens that stole his heart to the wild landscapes that left a lasting impression, here are Monty's travel diaries.Destination Recap:Leominster, Herefordshire, EnglandThe Black Mountains, WalesHydra, GreeceBudleigh Salterton, Devon, EnglandMevagissey, CornwallProvence, FranceLondon, EnglandAnnapurna, NepalNative Tree Fern Forests, New ZealandThe Amazon Rainforest, BrazilIranChileJapanSummer Palace, Beijing, ChinaGalicia, SpainNinfa Gardens, ItalyWollerton Hall, Shropshire, EnglandFinland through Eastern Europe to TriesteSpanish Gardens by Monty Don and Derry Moore, BBC Books, £39.99 out now.*COMPETITION* Head to my Instagram, @hollyrubenstein, for a chance to win a 3 night full board stay at one of the Maldives’ most luxurious hotels, Kuda Villingili. Good Luck!With thanks to Skyscanner - The full travel trends 2025 report is available on Skyscanner app/site and of course you can always look for your 2025 trip whether it’s flights, hotels or car hire on Skyscanner too.And to Airbnb - Your home could be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.co.uk/host.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 TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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.
Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024
Olivia Hammond, Content Creator - Family Travel Special
Welcome to this season's Family Travel Special. Having been thrust into the world of family travel a couple of years with the arrival of my daughter, I quickly realised that it’s an area that there could be a lot more helpful information about, it’s a huge market and I was scouring the internet for destinations and hotels that weren’t your typical all inclusive family resorts, and I really struggled. So I decided to integrate these into the travel diaries podcast lineup, to hopefully give you some travel inspiration, destination ideas, tips and tricks for travelling with children.And today, I’m joined by a very special guest who knows a thing or two about that. Olivia Hammond and I first met in our antenatal bump and baby group in South West London, and we were very lucky, we had such a lovely group and we became friends. When her gorgeous boy, Beau, arrived in November 2022, Olivia began documenting her daily life and travels on TikTok and Instagram, and almost immediately her honest and relatable videos led her to become one of the uk’s leading content creators in her field, with videos amassing hundreds of millions of views. It has been an astonishingly fast ascent to mum-fluencer stardom, but it’s no surprise to me because I think everyone can relate to her videos, they’re so watchable.So when thinking about who would be a good guest for this episode, Olivia was the obvious choice. She has been far more intrepid than me when it comes to travelling as a family. You’ll hear she flew to the other side of the world when Beau was just a month old, she’s flown with him countless times to Europe, the Caribbean, taken him travelling all around Sri Lanka and even camped with him at Glastonbury. And now, since we recorded this episode, beau has a beautiful little sister, called Lila, and Lila is about to embark on her first trip abroad, at only a few weeks old too.I hope this episode shows you that whatever age or stage, travel is not off limits with a family.Olivia's Destination Recap:Costa RicaAlgarve, PortugalHolly:Vila Vita Parc, Algarve, PortugalOliviaSigiriya, Sri LankaKandy, Sri LankaElla, Sri LankaUdawalawa, Sri LankaHiriketiya, Sri LankaAntonio’s, Algarve, PortugalSr Frango’s, Algarve, PortugalOlhão, Algarve, PortugalIlha do Farol, Algarve, PortugalIlha Deserta, Algarve, PortugalIlha Armona, Algarve, PortugalFuerteventura, SpainCape Town, South AfricaNicaraguaYou can follow all of Olivia’s adventures on her Instagram which is Olivia_Hammond and her TikTok is OliviaClaireM.Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe 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, follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok. If you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2024
Orlando Uncovered - Destination Special
Today we’re uncovering one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet - Orlando, Florida. Orlando is the most visited destination in the USA, and after listening to this episode, you’ll understand why.It’s the theme park capital of the world, home to seven of the world’s top theme parks. From Magic Kingdom to Universal Studios, there's something for everyone.And there’s a brand new theme park opening in May 2025, Universal’s Epic Universe. It’s set to feature over 50 attractions, entirely new lands, including the much-anticipated Super Nintendo World, where guests can step into the world of Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure.My first guest today knows a thing or two about these parks - Katie Ellison is a content creator who has visited Orlando countless times with her three children. She’ll take us on a whirlwind through her top picks of Disney’s parks. She’ll also share her favourite places to chill after a busy day at the parks - because as you’ll hear, Orlando isn’t just about the theme parks. It’s got beautiful green spaces, cute neighbourhoods, a really burgeoning food scene…and that’s where our next guests come in - travel content creators Ryan and Jade from Live the Dash. They recently took a trip to Orlando where they skipped the theme parks entirely, and focussed on everything else the city has to offer.They’ll show us just how diverse Orlando is as a destination, whether it’s zooming across the headwaters on an airboat ride or kayaking down crystal clear rivers, they tell us how they fell in love with Orlando’s natural beauty.So, whether you're planning a theme park-packed family trip or looking to discover the hidden gems of Orlando, this episode will shine a light on everything you need to know.Katie’s Destination Recap:Magic Kingdom ParkDisney’s Hollywood StudiosDisney’s Animal KingdomDisney’s BoardwalkDisney SpringsDisney’s Contemporary ResortUniversal Islands of AdventureUniversal Studios FloridaUniversal CityWalkUniversal Volcano BayWinter ParkCelebrationWonderWorksRyan & Jade’s:Walt Disney World Swan ReserveCourtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Marriott VillageDezerland ParkLakeridge Winery & VineyardsBoggy Creek Airboat RidesKennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Orlando Eye at ICON ParkThe Ravenous Pig, Winter ParkThe Greenery CreameryIf you’re inspired to explore more, head over to VisitOrlando.com where you’ll find all the travel tips, deals, and information you need to plan the perfect Orlando holiday. You can also make an appointment with an Orlando Vacation Planner for free, personalised holiday planning suggestions, via phone, email or Whatsapp.And if you’d like to hear even more about Orlando, tune in to my Fantastic Florida Destination Special from a couple of seasons back, where Orlando is a big focus too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024
Al Murray
Today, I’m thrilled to have comedian, history buff, and all-around legend, Al Murray, joining us on the show. Al is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, best known for his character ‘The Pub Landlord’ – a hilarious, patriotic pub owner who’s become an iconic figure in British comedy. His career has spanned over three decades, with award-winning comedy specials, TV shows, and even political satire where he actually ran for office in character!Beyond his comedy, though, Al has a real passion for history and travel – two themes that run deep through our conversation today.Together, we embark on a journey through some fascinating and surprising destinations that have left a mark on him. From the serene beauty of Alderney in the Channel Islands to the rugged coasts of Connemara in Ireland, and even the mystical temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia – Al’s love for adventure and curiosity about the past come through in each of his travel chapters. So let’s buckle up and get started.Destination Recap:Alderney, Channel Islands, EnglandGuernsey, Channel IslandsErvallagh, Connemara, IrelandRoundstone Bay and Island boat trips, Connemara, Ireland Osnabrück, GermanyGrottes de Gargas, FranceAngkor Wat, CambodiaSiem Reap, CambodiaPhnom Penh, CambodiaNormandy, FranceDubaiThe moonAnd I talk about Lesante Cape, Zakynthos, GreeceGuv Islandis currently on tour across the UK and Ireland, tickets are availablehere.Arnhem: Black Tuesdayis out nowThanks 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 TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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.
Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024
Washington DC's Wonders - Destination Special, Bonus Episode
On today’s bonus destination special episode we are bringing to life one of America’s most iconic destinations, its capital city and somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime - Washington DC.Now, when you think of Washington, DC, what comes to mind? The towering obelisk of the Washington Monument? The sprawling grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial? The iconic steps of the U.S. Capitol or the regal beauty of the White House, framed perfectly by the National Mall? These landmarks are like touchstones of American history, and all within walking distance. But they also offer a striking juxtaposition to what DC is today: a city that is constantly evolving, modernising, and embracing diversity at every corner.DC is a city bursting with energy. Colourful neighbourhoods like Georgetown with its cobblestone streets and boutique shops, and the trendy U Street Corridor, once known as 'Black Broadway,' where jazz music still pulses in the air are wonderful to stroll around.And it’s really grown into a bit of a culinary hub,too. From Ethiopian spots in Adams Morgan to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing boundaries in neighbourhoods like Shaw, DC has become a real food lover's city.For those travelling on a budget, there are so many free experiences on offer in the city. Whether you’re exploring the Smithsonian museums, taking a stroll along the National Mall, or taking in the city's beautiful green spaces, DC will leave you with unforgettable memories, without draining your wallet.DC will hostWorldPride 2025 and the city will become a global hub of celebration, inclusivity, and pride, welcoming visitors from around the world. To help guide us through the city, I’m joined today by Ryan Bos, head of the Capital Pride Alliance. Even if you’re listening after the glitter of WorldPride has settled, don’t worry—this episode is packed with tips and insights that will make your visit to DC memorable at any time of year.Destination Recap:Smithsonian Museums The White House Capitol Building National Air and Space Museum National Museum of American History National Gallery of Art National Museum of Natural History Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse ThreeFifty Bakery and Coffee Bar Ben’s Chili Bowl – The original Ben’s Chili Bowl is located at 1213 U Street NW, in the U Street Corridor area of the Northwest quadrant.National ZooThomas Jefferson MemorialNational Arboretum If you enjoyed this episode and feel inspired to visit DC, then head towashington.org5 Nights Washington DC from £1,439ppTravelbag offers 5 nights staying at the 4* Washington Hilton from £1,439pp including direct return flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. Selected Departures in May and June 2025. Book by 30th November 2024. Price based on two adults.To book,Call Travelbag on0203 393 9620orvisitwww.travelbag.co.uk.All packages subjectto availability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2024
Dwayne Fields, from inner city to the ends of the Earth - Epic Adventures
Today is the second of a new kind of episode within the podcast called Epic Adventures, where guests have achieved remarkable feats in the world of travel and adventure - and their life journey serves as an inspiration for others.Explorer and adventurer, Dwayne Fields, was born in Jamaica, and lived a wild and beautiful life surrounded by nature before moving to inner city London at the age of 6. The years that followed were really challenging, with his environment often pushing him toward dangerous paths. There was a pivotal moment—a life-altering near-death incident where his path could have gone in a very different direction—which served as a wake-up call that would ultimately inspire a transformation, seeing him trade city streets for wide-open spaces. Fast forward to today, and Dwayne is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. He’s an explorer who’s conquered some of the most extreme environments on Earth, including becoming the first Black Briton to walk over 400 miles to the magnetic North Pole. His passion for nature and adventure has also led him to champion causes close to his heart, like encouraging young people from disadvantaged communities to step out into the wild, build resilience, and experience the transformative power of the great outdoors.In this episode, we’ll hear about Dwayne’s incredible journey, from life-threatening moments to breathtaking expeditions, and how he’s using his platform today to inspire the next generation of adventurers. Dwayne’s story is sure to leave you motivated and uplifted.Destination Recap:Tanzania trainZambiaKenyaJamaicaThree Peaks ChallengeMagnetic North PoleBen Nevis, ScotlandGalapagos, Ecuador 7 Toughest Days is streaming now on Disney+.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 TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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.
Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2024
Gordon Buchanan, Wildlife Cameraman returns - Safari Special
Today’s bonus episode is a real treat, because we're going on safari! Whether you've dreamt of spotting the Big Five - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo - or exploring the more hidden gems of the wild, there's so much to uncover. And what better way to do it than with one of the world’s top wildlife filmmakers, making his return to the podcast - it’s Gordon Buchanan.A safari is more than just a holiday—it’s a journey into nature, where you can see some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring animals up close, in their natural habitats. When we think of safaris, some of the most iconic destinations immediately come to mind. There's Kenya’s Maasai Mara, famous for its open savannahs and incredible amount of wildlife. It’s in Kenya that you can witness one of nature’s most jaw-dropping spectacles—the Great Migration, when every year typically between July and October, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make a perilous journey from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in Kenya, searching for fresh grazing lands. It’s the perfect time to witness dramatic river crossings and heart-stopping predator-prey interactions. In Tanzania, the Serengeti offers a similar view, with endless plains stretching to the horizon, while Botswana’s Okavango Delta gives you a different kind of safari experience, with its winding waterways and lush landscapes where you can spot animals like hippos and crocodiles.But as Gordon and I discuss on the episode today, you don’t need to go to Africa to enjoy an incredible safari. Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is a fantastic place to see leopards, elephants, and even sloth bears—Gordon has had some great encounters there. In India, you can track the majestic Bengal tiger through dense jungles, and in Madagascar, you’ll find unique species like lemurs and chameleons. And don’t forget other African countries like Namibia, Zambia, and even beyond to South America’s Pantanal in Brazil, where jaguars are the stars of the show.The great thing about safaris is that they can be tailored to all kinds of budgets. In South Africa, for instance, Kruger National Park has everything from luxury lodges to more affordable self-drive options, where you can explore at your own pace. In Kenya, you can choose between high-end tented camps or simpler, yet comfortable lodges. So, whether you’re after a five-star experience or a more back-to-nature adventure, there’s something out there for everyone.Gordon’s here to share his expert tips on where to go and what to see on safari, as well as some unforgettable moments from his travels. Plus, I’m really excited because he’s also going to tell us all about his latest project, the fantastic BBC show Big Cats 24-7.Destination Recap:SerengetiOkavango Delta, BotswanaMaun, BotswanaYala National Park, Sri LankaColombo, Sri LankaWild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri LankaEllesmere Island, Canadian ArcticBig Cats 24-7 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.With thanks to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club for their support of today’s episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2024
Dawn O'Porter
Today, I’m joined by the multi-talented Dawn O'Porter. Dawn’s had an extraordinary career, starting in TV production before making a name for herself presenting hard-hitting documentaries, where she travelled the world exploring fascinating topics like polygamy, size zero culture, and the geishas of Kyoto, Japan. But she’s best known now as a bestselling author, with nine incredible books under her belt, including The Cows, So Lucky, and her latest novel, Honeybee, which is already a huge hit.Dawn grew up in the Channel Islands on the beautiful island of Guernsey, a place she now cherishes for its breathtaking cliffs and sweeping beaches, though as a teenager, she yearned for big city life. After living in LA for 16 years with her husband, Bridesmaids actor Chris O'Dowd, and their two boys, she recently made the big move back to London. During her time in California, she uncovered her ultimate hidden gem that we’ll hear all about today, and her travel diaries today take us from Ibiza to Italy, Scotland to Japan and much more.Holly’s recommendation: Porto Zante, Zakynthos, GreeceDestination Recap:Guernsey, EnglandIbiza, SpainSt Martin, Guernsey, EnglandFermain Bay, Guernsey, EnglandHerm, Guernsey, EnglandSark, Guernsey, EnglandLoch Lomond, ScotlandLos Angeles, California, USAMayfair, London, EnglandMarylebone, London, EnglandKyoto, JapanOjai, California, USAThailandRome, ItalySienna, ItalyParis, FranceThe MaldivesHONEYBEE byDawnO’Porter is published by HarperCollins and is out nowThanks 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 TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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.
Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024
Ranvir Singh
I’m so excited to be joined by the journalist and TV presenter Ranvir Singh today. You’ll have seen Ranvir as a regular face on Good Morning Britain on ITV, where she’s known for handling everything from breaking news to tough political interviews and also presenting the Lorraine show when Lorraine herself is on her holidays, and beyond journalism, Ranvir showed a completely different side of herself on Strictly Come Dancing, a few years back. As we chat about on the episode, I used to work on Good Morning Britain as a producer alongside Ranvir, although our paths didn’t really cross especially much as I was handling the showbiz side of things, but I always felt her warm and friendly energy in the office, and you’ll hear today what I mean by that. I was really touched by how open and real Ranvir was in this interview, as a mother, a single parent, an advocate for diversity, and I’m sure many of you will relate to the emotions that her travel diaries hold for her, because they are some of her most treasured memories.And she is one of the most passionate guests I’ve had on the podcast when it comes to travel. She explains how it fuels her, and gets her through the everyday grind. I loved also hearing about the insider side of politics and political journalism - how she travelled on an RAF flight with the PM, and sat with former President Trump, it was fascinating.Ok, let’s buckle up and get started, here’s Ranvir.Holly's mention:Son Brull, MallorcaRanvir's Destination Recap:IndiaCalifornia, USABlackpool, EnglandLancaster, EnglandAntiguaRagdale Hall, Leicestershire, EnglandDubai, UAEAbu Dhabi, UAETresind studio, Dubai, UAESEVA, Dubai, UAEMadikwe Lodge Game Reserve, South AfricaIcelandJordanGolden Temple, Amritsar, IndiaShimla, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaSalou, SpainJapanQuito, EcuadorGalapagos Islands, EcuadorJason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes Series 2, a 10-part series, is airing on ITV1 every Saturday and is available to watch on ITVX depending on when you listen to this.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 TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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.
Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024
Enchanted Ireland: Legends and Landscapes Destination Special with John O'Ceallaigh - Bonus Episode
Today we’re diving into the heart of the Island of Ireland, its Legends and Landscapes, where every cliff, hill and glen whispers stories from a time long past. To get there is just a short flight or ferry ride from Great Britain, and yet arriving can feel like stepping into another world of history, mystery and breathtaking beauty.As Halloween approaches, there's no better time to delve into Ireland's ancient traditions. Did you know that the Island of Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween? It originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter and even today the spirit of Samhain lingers, with festivals and celebrations that pay homage to the old ways.To help us explore some more of Ireland’s incredible locations and the stories behind them, I’m joined by John O'Ceallaigh, one of our best loved travel journalists and editors, and an Ireland native from Galway on the west coast of Ireland. John’s deep connection to his country, and his experience writing about it, makes him the perfect guide for our journey today. We’re going to hear his Irish travel diaries today, from the wild beauty of Connemara and charming village of Roundstone to the Wild Atlantic Way’s luxurious coastal castles, and windswept islands, like Aran and Achill,taking in the sights, tastes and sounds along the way because of course Ireland is a feast for all senses.Brought to you in partnership with Tripadvisor and Tourism Ireland, whether you're planning your next adventure or simply dreaming of distant shores, let this episode be your gateway to Ireland’s legendary landscapes.Destination Recap:Connemara, Co. GalwayRoundstoune, Co. GalwayAran Islands, Co. GalwayPuca Festival, Co. Meath - around the time of Samhain each year (October 31)Ballynahinch Castle, Co. GalwayAshford Castle, Co. MayoWild Atlantic Way driving routeCounty KerryCarrauntoohil, County KerryKerry to Cork, Wild Atlantic Way driving routeBeara Peninsula, CorkEnglish Market, Cork CityBallymaloe House Hotel, Co. CorkAdare Manor, Co. LimerickPark Hotel Kinmare, Co. KerryKai, Co. GalwayArd Bia at Nimmos, GalwayAniar, GalwayLignum, GalwaySkellig Michael, Co. KerrySkellig Beag, Co. KerryAchill Island, Co. MayoWexford, Co. WexfordRock of Cashel, Co. TipperaryNewgrange, Co. MeathIf you'd like to find out more about the Island of Ireland and source some more inspiration for a future trip, then head over to Tripadvisor's Ireland page - it has some brilliant guides on landscape, culture and gastronomy.Thanks so much for listening today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024
Jay Rayner
Today’s guest needs little introduction in the world of food and travel journalism, a renowned restaurant critic, a writer whose words can make your mouth water, and a familiar face on TV—many of you will recognise him from his appearances as a judge on MasterChef. It is of course Jay Rayner.Jay’s is a name synonymous with gastronomic excellence. As a long-time food critic for The Observer, he's sampled and critiqued some of the best, and worst, dining experiences around the globe. Beyond his razor-sharp reviews, he’s a celebrated author, his books like "The Man Who Ate the World" and "My Dining Hell” offering a deeper look into the intersections of food, culture, and travel. And he’s back with a new book, “Nights Out at Home, Recipes and Stories from 25 years as a restaurant critic". And he reflects on these years, and the 1000s restaurants he’s visited on today’s episode. I interviewed him a few weeks ago on the South Bank in London and I loved getting a glimpse into the world of reviewing restaurants, how it works, his tips on what to order when travelling, and the culinary destinations that have stood out to him, lots of restaurant recommendations as you might expect, so don’t forget they’re all included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and on the podcast website too.Holly’s Destination Recap:- Son Bunyola, Mallorca, SpainJay’s Destination Recap:Cromer, Norfolk, EnglandKnoll House Hotel, Studland Bay, EnglandErst, Manchester, EnglandGloriosa,Glasgow, Scotland Tayyabs, London, EnglandBentley’s, London, EnglandFallow, London, EnglandOtto’s, London, EnglandThe Dining Room, The Ritz Hotel, EnglandTakahashi, London, EnglandGood Old Days, Reading, EnglandCubo, Birmingham, EnglandGreece & Turkey backpackingSyros, GreeceNew York, USARuss & Daughters, NY, USAThe Fat Duck, Bray, EnglandWheelers, Whitstable, EnglandWhitstable, EnglandJulian, California, USASteamboat, Oregon, USASylvia Beach Hotel, Oregon, USACastle Elvira, Puglia, ItalyThe Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, FranceMoscow, RussiaNew ZealandAustralia“Nights Out at Home, Recipes and Stories from 25 years as a restaurant critic” 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 week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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.
Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024
Alexander Armstrong
Welcome to Season 13 of The Travel Diaries! I’m so excited to be kicking it off with the multi-talented presenter, actor, comedian, singer, and writer, Alexander Armstrong.Most of you will know Alexander as the host of the long-running BBC quiz show Pointless, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. He’s had an incredible journey through comedy, starting with his breakout role in Armstrong and Miller, the comedy duo sketch show that gave us some unforgettable characters. He’s a classically trained singer with several albums under his belt. He’s fronted many fascinating travel documentaries. For the parents listening, you probably recognise his voice from iconic children’s shows like Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig and Ben & Holly. He’s now a children’s author too, with his novel Evenfall: The Golden Linnet, out now. We spoke a few weeks back in a suite at the beautiful Kensington Hotel and he couldn’t have been more charming. Relentlessly positive and so passionate about travel.Destination Recap:Magilligan, Northern IrelandAlnick, Sonnet, Dunstanburgh Castle, Wooler - Northumberland, EnglandFlorence, ItalyReykjavik, IcelandEdinburgh, ScotlandSri LankaGalle, Sri LankaJaffna, Sri LankaDatai Langkawi, MalaysiaSt LuciaAdriatic boat trip"Evenfall: The Golden Linnet" by Alexander Armstrong is out now.*COMPETITION* - I’ve partnered with the stunning Eliamos hotel in Kefalonia to offer you a two-night stay in one of their gorgeous one-bedroom villas, with breakfast included and a spa treatment included for each guest. For your chance to win, just head over to my Instagram, @hollyrubenstein, where all the details are waiting for you!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 - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’s My Place Worth ToolIf 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 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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 week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024
Lisa Faulkner
Hello and welcome to today’s summer season finale of The Travel Diaries.Today, we have a very special guest joining us, the lovely Lisa Faulkner, a multi-talented actress, presenter, and chef, who has graced our screens for over two decades.Born in London, Lisa’s journey into the limelight began at the tender age of 16 when she was scouted by a modelling agency. Her career quickly transitioned from modelling to acting, where she built a reputation for her compelling and versatile performances in shows like Holby City and Eastenders, before winning the hearts of viewers as the champion of "Celebrity MasterChef" back in 2010. Not only did the show see Lisa reinvent herself as a TV chef and author of several best-selling cookbooks - she also met her now husband, Masterchef judge, and former guest of The Travel Diaries John Torode, and together they are now the hosts of John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV.Lisa is an avid traveler with a deep love for exploring new cultures and cuisines. Her travels have taken her to the far corners of the globe, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the wild landscapes of Western Australia. Uncovering hidden culinary gems and soaking in the rich history of her favourite destinations, Lisa’s travel diaries take us from Paris and Greece, to Japan, Vietnam, Australia and beyond.Destination recap:Ikos Resort, Thessaloniki, GreeceParis, FranceJapanKyoto, JapanHo Chi Minh, City, VietnamWestern AustraliaMargaret River, Western AustraliaAlberta’s, Busselton, Western AustraliaDubai, UAEWesterns Laundry, London, EnglandNashville, Tennessee, USAYou can catch Lisa exploring Western Australia on John and Lisa’s Food Trip Down Under - the full series is now available to watch on ITVX.And that’s a wrap for Season 12. I'll be back towards the end of September with Season 13, and lots more brilliant guests, and destination specials!To celebrate today’s season finale, I also have a fabulous competition running on my Instagram page @hollyrubenstein where you can win a 2 night stay at Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall, one of the most unique hotels in England. Good luck!Wishing you all a fantastic rest of your summer (or winter, depending on where you are listening!) and wherever you’re heading, safe travels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2024
Ed Jackson, from tragedy to triumph, one step at a time - Epic Adventures
Today is the first of a new kind of episode. Just like my destination specials are a slightly different format, today is the first in a series of "Epic Adventures" where my guest may not necessarily be a household name, but has achieved remarkable feats in the world of travel and adventure. Ed Jackson is the perfect guest to kick this off, as someone whose story is bound to leave you inspired and in awe.Once a professional rugby player, Ed's life took a dramatic turn in 2017. He’s here in part to talk about his new documentary film, "The Mountain Within Me," which chronicles his journey from the rugby field to the mountaintops. The film isn't just about physical challenges; it's about the mental and emotional mountains we all face and how we can overcome them. In this episode, we'll dive deep into Ed's story, exploring the highs and lows of his recovery, his newfound passion for mountaineering, and the profound lessons he's learned along the way, as well as touching on some of his travel diaries chapters in the latter half of the episode, too.From tragedy to triumph, one step at a time, here are the epic adventures of Ed Jackson.Holly’s Destination Recap:Papaioannou. Mykonos, GreeceCali Mykonos, GreeceEd’s Destination Recap:FijiMt Snowdon, WalesNepalMatterhorn, Switzerland Primošten, CroatiaMontepulciano, ItalyPatagonia, ArgentinaThe Mountain within me is in UK cinemas from 23 August, with Preview Q&A Screenings from 19 AugustYou can find out more about Ed’s charity, at https://www.millimetres2mountains.org/With thanks to Skyscanner - Visit skyscanner.net/carhire or download the Skyscanner app for free to start comparing car hire prices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024
Amazing Austria with Marina Fogle - Destination Special
Today, we’re embarking on an enchanting journey to amazing Austria.Picture lush Alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers under a clear blue sky, the invigorating scent of pine forests, the gentle sound of cowbells ringing in the distance. Now, imagine a winter scene, where pristine slopes invite skiers of all ages and levels, and charming villages twinkle with festive lights and the aroma of mulled wine. Austria’s beauty is truly a year-round spectacle.Today, we are diving deep into the soul of Austria, exploring not just its stunning sights but also its unique Lebensgefühl which translates in english as “the sense of life” - that unmistakable feeling of joy and contentment that is so integral to the Austrian way of life. From relaxing in world-class spas and thermal baths to hiking through majestic Alpine pastures, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and music scene, to outdoor activities that cater to every age, Austria’s Lebensgefühl will be our guiding theme today.To help us uncover the many layers of this extraordinary country, we have two fantastic guests. First, I’m thrilled to welcome Marina Fogle. Marina is the co-founder of The Bump Class, a renowned antenatal class provider, and the voice behind The Parent Hood Podcast. She is also the wife of TV presenter Ben Fogle. Marina has a special connection to Austria, spending many holidays there with her family, thanks to her Austrian heritage. She brings a wealth of personal anecdotes and insider tips that promise to give us a heartfelt glimpse into Austrian life.Our second guest is Becki Enright, a distinguished travel journalist and Austria expert, whowrote the Vienna chapter of the Austria’s Lonely Planet guide and who calls Vienna her home. Becki’s extensive travels and deep-rooted knowledge of Austria make her the perfect guide to introduce us to the country’s hidden gems, cultural highlights, and must-see regions.So, settle in and get ready to be transported to Austria, a land where natural beauty meets cultural richness, and every moment is infused with the joy of living.Destination Show notesMarina Fogle -Schlenken mountain, SalzburgSchmittenstein mountain, SalzburgSalzkammergut, SalzburgLake Fuschl, SalzkammergutArlberg MassifSalzburgBecki Enright -ViennaLiechtensteinklamm, St. Johann im PongauEisriesenwelt, WerfenArea 47, TirolSalzkammergut, SalzburgHallstatt, Upper AustriaAttersee, Upper AustriaWolfgangsee, Upper AustriaTraunsee, Upper AustriaAquadome, TirolRogner Bad Blumau,Styrian Wine RoadBad Ischl, Salzkammergut, Upper AustriaBregenzerwald, VorarlbergFor more information about Austria head to austria.infoThanks 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 and TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 11 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 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.
Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024
Andi Oliver
It’s Season 12! And today’s guest is a truly special season opener - someone whose vibrant personality, culinary expertise, and passion for storytelling has made her a beloved figure on both sides of the Atlantic. Of course we are joined by the fabulous, Andi Oliver.Andi is a multi-talented dynamo who has worn many hats throughout her illustrious career. She’s a renowned chef, a charismatic TV presenter, and a celebrated musician. From her early days as a punk rock singer in the band Rip Rig + Panic alongside the legendary Neneh Cherry, to her captivating presence on shows like "The Great British Menu" and "Beat the Chef", to working as a restauranteur and writing best selling cookbooks, and hosting her fantastic podcast Stirring it Up with her daughter Miquita, Andi’s life has truly had many many chapters.We discuss her Antiguan heritage, her special connection to the island and what that has meant to her over the years, as well as, on a more serious note, the challenges she has faced being a woman of Caribbean descent in the UK. We’ll delve into the stories behind her favourite dishes, her culinary inspirations, and much more.So, buckle up and join us as we get started with Andi.Destination Recap:Holly -Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, MykonosAndi -Limassol, CyprusSuffolk, EnglandAntiguaThe Pepperpot Rum Shop, AntiguaNew York City, NY, USAModena, ItalyMexicoMexico City, MexicoPlaya del Muerte, MexicoKenyaSoldier Bay, AntiguaBarbudaNobu BarbudaNorthcote Hall, Blackburn, EnglandPlates London - Plant-Based Restaurant & Food Studio, London, EnglandPuerto RicoSan Antonio, Texas, USASpainJapanWith thanks to Curtain Bluff hotel in Antigua who are supporting today’s episode.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 and TikTok - 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.
Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024
Tim Peake, Astronaut
It’s the Season 11 finale and to celebrate we’ve got a cosmic treat for you as we rocket into the mesmerising realm of space with the legendary British astronaut Tim Peake. A Space Destination Special, if you will - though we do cover some destinations here on planet earth, too, of course!Tim honed his skills as a test pilot and helicopter pilot in the British Army Air Corps. After nearly 18 years of military service, he spotted an ad from the European Space Agency (ESA) to become an astronaut. After a rigorous selection process with over 8,000 hopefuls, Tim was chosen as one of ESA's astronauts in 2009, marking the beginning of his journey to the stars.Fast forward to 2015, and Tim's dream of spaceflight became a reality as he launched aboard a spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). During his six-month mission he conducted over 250 scientific experiments and became the first British astronaut in history to perform a spacewalk.It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to interview an astronaut, and there was so much I wanted to ask Tim, specifically about space, that I’ve cut down the chapters format this week, we’re going through the five chapters of his travel diaries.This was one of the most fascinating interviews I’ve had the pleasure of hosting on the podcast. Among many things we cover the claustrophobic Subterranean cave training in Sardinia that prepared him for life on the space station, we deep dive into his take on the existence of extra terrestrial life, he shares his views on the future of space tourism, and the innovations that are just around the corner taking place on the space station that could revolutionise healthcare, but most interesting I found was his view of the earth and how that in turn has fuelled his wanderlust. I really hope you enjoy this one.Destination Recap:Briançon, South of FranceSardinia, ItalyAlaska, USAPrince William Sound, Alaska, USADenali National Park, Alaska, USAInternational Space StationSahara DesertPatagoniaMadagascarBahamasSpaceNepalIndonesiaFancy seeing Tim live? He is heading on tour with his show Astronauts: The Quest To Explore Space which will bring the awe and wonder of space travel past, present and future to 25 venues across England, Scotland and Wales this autumn.As thank you to you my lovely listeners, I have one more rather epic competition for you to enter. This is to win a stay at one of the most iconic British hotels, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in the beautiful New Forest in England. Head over to my Instagram @hollyrubenstein to find out how to win an irresistible Eat, Sleep, Retreat overnight stay with a spa treatment, lunch, three course dinner, and breakfast the next morning. I’m so excited for this one, good luck.With thanks to my sponsors today -Airbnb - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’s My Place Worth Tool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2024
Magnificent Malta - Destination Special, Bonus Episode
On today’s bonus Destination Special episode, we are heading to the sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago that is Magnificent Malta.Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, about 3 hours direct flight from England, Malta is a stunning island nation with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Imagine rugged cliffs overlooking crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches framed by ancient fortresses, and bustling towns adorned with colourful balconies and cobblestone streets.Geographically, Malta is composed of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Each island has its own distinct character which we discover on our episode today with the help of someone who is perfectly placed to bring Malta to life. Uwern Jong is a journalist, editor and inclusive-tourism advocate, who co-founded OutThere magazine, a luxury travel magazine and essential resource for LGBTQ+ travellers, nearly 15 years ago.We head on a journey from the bustling capital city of Valletta with its UNESCO-listed fortifications to the tranquil countryside of Gozo and the serene beaches of Comino. Whether you're a film aficionado, a foodie, an adventurer, or simply looking to soak up the sun on a stunning beach, Malta has something for everyone. So join us as we uncover the hidden gems, local secrets, and unforgettable experiences that make this island nation truly magnificent.Destination Recap:Cugo Gran Macina Malta hotelVallettaThree CitiesSt. Julian'sGozoThe Blue LagoonCominoIniala Harbour House hotelIon at Harbour Houserestaurant Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Malta, GozoThirtyseven hotel, GozoSeafood Beach Shack, MġarrMdinaRabatAncient Ruins, Gozo and Malta islandIf you’re now desperate to find out more about Malta, don’t forget all of your favourite travel publications will have guides online, as will the tourist board website, which is always a great resource, which is visitmalta.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2024
Yolanda Edwards, Travel Editor - YOLO Journal
On today’s episode I’m joined by a titan of the travel industry, Yolanda Edwards.Formerly the creative director ofCondé Nast Travelerin the US, Yolanda went on to launch the critically acclaimed Yolo Journal, a quarterly travel lifestyle magazine, which showcases real finds from interesting people around the world, not just industry insiders. Its accompanied by aweekly newsletter, which is a huge favourite among in the know travel lovers.She also has the prestigious title of US and Canada Academy Chair for the World’s 50 Best Hotels which we discuss a bit on this episode - as a hotel enthusiast it was really fascinating to hear which properties stand out to her.The story behind Yolanda falling in love with travel is a really interesting one that I didn’t know before this chat. She had a sheltered childhood where travel really wasn’t on the agenda, and it was a transformative cultural immersion program on a remote Greek island where Yolanda’s innate curiosity and love for travel was truly ignited. And the rest you could say was history, as nowadays Yolanda is non stop travelling the globe.Her travel diaries today take us on a grand tour around Europe through the highlights and hidden gems of Italy, France and Greece. So fasten your seatbelts as we explore the fascinating life and career of a true travel trailblazer.Destination Recap:Rome, ItalyMilan, ItalyMykonos, GreeceKalymnos, GreeceMedoc, FranceIl Pelicano, Port Ecole, ItalyLa Colombe D’Or, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, FranceCap Ferret, FranceLynch-Bages, FraneTulum, MexicoPalazzo Durazzo, Genoa, ItalyIndiaCheck out YOLO Journal and follow Yolanda on Instagram here.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 - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’s My Place Worth Tool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2024
Trevor Nelson's Saint Lucia - Destination Special
On today’s destination special, we are embarking on a journey to the jewel of the Caribbean, just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, adorned with a tapestry of turquoise waters, golden beaches, and emerald-green rainforests. The enchanting island of Saint Lucia.Having visited many Caribbean islands myself, Saint Lucia is one that truly sets itself apart, in part because of its enormously diverse landscape. The famous Piton mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, frame a lush rainforest that cascades down to meet the powdery sandy shores below.And let's talk about the warmth of its people. St Lucia isn't just a destination; it's a welcoming embrace from the moment you arrive. With easy year-round access from the UK, including daily flights from London Gatwick and seasonal options from London Heathrow, getting there is a breeze.You're spoiled for choice with accommodation. From the unparalleled luxury of Jade Mountain, featured on BBC's Amazing Hotels, to the romance-infused retreats of Sandals, and an array of cosy boutique hotels and villas, there's something for every traveller's taste and budget.And let's not forget the vibrant culture pulsating through St Lucia's veins, with events like the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival and Carnival adding rhythm and colour to the calendar year-round.And our guest today knows a thing or two about the music scene. I am truly honoured to be joined on today’s episode by an institution of British music culture, Trevor Nelson.Trevor’s parents are both from St Lucia and though he grew up in the London, he has travelled there throughout his life, and has a home there where he spends a lot of time.Not only does he help bring his favourite island to life, we also get to hear all about his illustrious life and career along the way.So let's get ready to set sail for paradise. Here’s Trevor Nelson’s St Lucia.Destination RecapReduit BeachThe Landings Resort & SpaJade Mountain ResortCap EstateCabot Golf CourseThe Coal Pot Restaurant, CastriesThe Pink Plantation House, CastriesRodney BayPigeon IslandMarigot BaySulphur SpringsFor more information about St Lucia visit StLucia.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2024
Susannah Constantine
Susannah Constantine first burst onto our TV screens in the late 90s, alongside her partner-in-style, Trinny Woodall. Together, they revolutionised the way women approach fashion with their ground-breaking show 'What Not to Wear’, as the iconic duo Trinny & Susannah. The series not only garnered international acclaim but also became a cultural phenomenon, empowering women to embrace their bodies and dress with confidence, taking them all over the world from The Oprah Winfrey Show to the Oscars red carpet.This, we discuss, was just one chapter in Susannah’s fascinating life. In her 20s she was in a long-term relationship with Viscount David Linley, the son of Princess Margaret, and we chat today about her travels with Princess Margaret and how she viewed her very much as a mother figure in her life.Susannah is also a bestselling author, and a very successful podcaster - her podcast, My Wardrobe Malfunction, has had 9 seasons, and the most incredible guest lineup from Elizabeth Hurley to Nile Rodgers.Travel quite clearly means a lot to Susannah and she evokes the destinations in her travel diaries today, from Cornwall to Canada, Pakistan to Antarctica, so vividly, and emotively.Destination Recap:Holly -Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon, PortugalSusannah -AntarcticaGassin, FranceSt Tropez, FranceOlhão, PortugalMustiqueVancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaClinton, British Columbia, CanadaPakistanHelford Passage, CornwallCairngorms, ScotlandSoverato, Calabria, ItalyNairobi, KenyaAntarcticaSusannah was on a Viking cruise to Antarctica, and Viking provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes across all seven continents and destination-focused expeditions in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes. And you can find Susannah’ podcast my wardrobe malfunction wherever you get your podcasts.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 want 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024
Phil Rosenthal
Phil Rosenthal first gained international recognition by creating the iconic TV sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which won 16 Emmys and as we discuss on the episode today, 30 years later is still a mainstay on both US and UK TV. A self-described foodie, he has always been an ardent supporter of restaurants and food culture and his favourite saying is that “food is the great human connector”. Now he is living out his dream, travelling the world and exploring different cultures one bite at a time on his hit Netflix show, “Somebody Feed Phil” which is going into its 7th season, this time featuring Orlando, Scotland, Kyoto, Dubai, Washington D.C. and more. More than anything in this episode Phil is just such an advocate for travel for the positive power that travelling can have in broadening our perspectives on life, and he transports us today from Florence to Florida, Paris to Taipei and much more.Destination Recap:Holly --Vila Vita Parc, Algarve, PortugalQuinta da Comporta, Comporta, PortugalLisbon, PortugalPhil --New York, USACape Cod, Massachusetts, USAAtlanta, Georgia, USADisneyworld, Florida, USAOrlando, Florida, USAFlorence, ItalyKyoto, JapanParis, FranceItalyTaipeiShanghaiAustraliaVenice, ItalyYou can watch the new season of Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix now. He also has published a children’s book that he co-created with his daughter Lily,called JUST TRY IT.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 - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’s My Place Worth Tool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2024
Julia Bradbury
Today we are joined by a name synonymous with adventure, exploration, and a deep passion for the great outdoors.Julia Bradbury's love affair with nature began at a young age, nurtured by family hikes and camping trips in the rugged landscapes of the Peak District.She started her career as a show business reporter for breakfast TV in Los Angeles, becoming a household name as the presenter of BBC’s Countryfile alongside co-host Matt Baker - her boundless enthusiasm for the countryside endeared her to audiences across the UK. She is perhaps best known for turning her lifelong passion for walking into prime-time TV, with shows including Britain’s Best Walks, Cornwall and Devon Walks with Julia Bradbury and Wainwright’s Walks in the Lake District.But Julia's thirst for adventure extends far beyond the borders ofBritain, and over the years, she’s embarked on countless adventures to some of the world's most remote and awe-inspiring destinations. Her travel diaries today take us from Greece to South Africa, Iceland to Costa Rica.I also really enjoyed talking to Julia about health and wellbeing, she has a huge wealth of knowledge that she accumulated while writing her Sunday Times Bestseller Walk Yourself Happy, and also because of the lifestyle shift she herself adopted after being diagnosed with breast cancer for which she underwent a mastectomy in 2021. I think that you’ll find this an inspiring, energising and wanderlust-inducing conversation.Destination Recap:Agia Marina, Athens, GreeceChios, GreeceSkiathos, GreeceSkopelos, GreeceSouth AfricaPeak District, England - Stanage Edge, Buxton, Mam TorLandmannalaugar trail, IcelandCosta RicaLake District, EnglandSouth AmericaWalk Yourself Happy is available from all good bookshops and online, and you can book her Lake District retreat, which is called Walk Yourself Happy Wellbeing Retreat on theOutdoorGuide.co.uk here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2024
Alex Jones
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, ItalyMallorcaPembrokeshire, Wales, UKSolva, Wales, UKNewport, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UKSorrento, ItalyCapri, ItalyMagaluf, SpainArizona, USAOgmore, Wales, UKBerlin, GermanyGothenburg, SwedenPembrokeshire, WalesIle de Re, FranceLe Marche, ItalyBelgiumSonnwies, The Dolomites, Italy (Holly)JapanWith 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 - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’s My Place Worth Tool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2024
Jessica Gee, The Bucket List Family - Family Travel Special
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 tofulfil 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 RecapTongaSwallow’s Cave, TongaRwandaRwanda Genocide Memorial Building, RwandaSoneva Fushi, MaldivesSoneva Jani, MaldivesMiavana, MadagascarDominicaRosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, DominicaNew ZealandAntiguaBelizeAlaska, USATordrillo Mountain Lodge, Alaska, USAAnchorage, Alaska, USAHomer, Alaska, USABorneoAntarcticaThe ArcticSouth GeorgiaThe Falkland IslandsHawaii, USAKona, Hawaii, USAMaui, Hawaii, USAHonolulu, Hawaii, USAKauai, Hawaii, USATahiti, French PolynesiaRangiroa, French PolynesiaJess’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 @thebucketlistfamilyWith thanks to my sponsors today -Airbnb - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2024
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 DolomitesAnton & Gio’s Destination Recap:Sciacca, Sicily, ItalyTaormina, Sicily, ItalyPalermo, Sicily, ItalyHungaryGalicia, SpainBilbaoSan Sebastian, SpainBenidorm, SpainBologna, ItalyThailandMaldivesPacific Highway 101, California, USACarmel, California, USASeville, SpainRonda, SpainMadrid, SpainDoncaster, England, UKBangkok, ThailandPortofino, ItalyBuenos Aires, Argentina, South AmericaNew York, USAEpisode 1 ofAnton& Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Mon 18thMarch 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 - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’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.comSee you next Tuesday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2024
Fantastic Florida with Jimmy Doherty - Destination Special
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-hostingJamie 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 DohertyUniversal Studios, OrlandoUnion Public House, PensacolaDat Cajun Place, Panama City BeachThird Wave, New Smyrna BeachThe CURRENT Hotel, TampaWaterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Anna Maria Island, Gulf CoastThe Florida Aquarium, TampaLittle Havana, MiamiThe Ball and Chain Restaurant, Little Havana, MiamiColumbia Restaurant, TampaBusch Gardens, Tampa BaySand Bar, Anna Maria IslandThe Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, BradentonPeebles BBQ, Polk County, Central FloridaWestgate River Ranch, Lake Wales, Central FloridaEverglades National Park, MiamiSimon VenessCapa, Four Seasons, OrlandoGulf CoastOverseas Highway, Florida KeysCasa Morada, Isla MoradaKey LargoFlagler BeachSt AugustineEvermore Orlando Resort, OrlandoResort Collection, IslamoradaSt Regis, Longboat KeyEpic Universe, Universal OrlandoIndian River Lagoon, Atlantic CoastManatee swimming, Crystal River, Gulf CoastDeep Sea Fishing, Florida KeysFlorida PanhandleAmelia Island, Nassau CountyGulfport, St PetersburgDon’t miss Jimmy’s Taste of Florida on ITV. For more Florida travel inpso, head to Instagram @hollyrubenstein and visitflorida.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2024
Sir Michael Palin - From the archives
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, EnglandNorfolk, EnglandSolden, AustriaVenice, ItalyBarbadosMoroccoMauritaniaChinguetti,MaliPersian gulf to Indian Ocean dhow boat tripWest coast of Scotland including GlencoeAberfeldy, ScotlandNew York, USAIstanbul, TurkeyKolkata, IndiaPongo de Mainique, PeruNorth KoreaAlgiersVietnamGulag camps, Kolyma, RussiaMongolia and the 'StansAltai MountainsWalking in the Dolomites, ItalyWith thanks to #mindbodysoul at worlddutyfree.com @worlddutyfreeukfor 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2023
Monica Galetti
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:SamoaNew ZealandVanuatuSri LankaItalyAshford Castle, IrelandBorgo Egnazia, Puglia, ItalyThe Brando, French PolynesiaCeylon Tea Trails, Sri LankaJOALI, MaldivesCroatiaJ Sheekey Restaurant, LondonSabor Restaurant, LondonScotlandJapanA 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.comLots of love everyone, Happy holidays, and i’ll speak to you soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2023
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 tohost 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 campaignRights On Flightswhich 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, USAFrench AlpsBiking trip across the USAWyoming, USAIdaho, USACotignac, FranceScotlandCaliforniaXimuwu, Greater Kruger, South AfricaSeville, SpainNicaraguaAntarcticYou can read Sophie’s Conde Nast Traveller column 'Beyond Barriers’ in magazines and online now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023
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 ledSir Ranulph Fiennes up the North Face of the Eiger andto 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:AlaskaHubbard Glacier, AlaskaSkagway, AlaskaWest Wales, Cardiganshire and PembrokeshireThe Presili Hills, PembrokeshirePakistanMt EverestNepalPeshawar, PakistanBhutanColorado, USACape Town, South AfricaEuropean Alps in SummerMegeve, SwitzerlandSouth AfricaAntarctic PeninsulaNorth side of EverestDarjeeling, IndiaTibetan PlateauYou can find out more about their performance initiatives here:www.incoolcompany.comThanks 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2023
Greater Palm Springs Perfection Destination Special - Bonus Episode
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 tramwayCoachella ValleyThe Indian CanyonsAgua Caliente Cultural PlazaPalm Canyon TrailKorakia PensioneL’Horizon HotelJoshua Tree National ParkJoshua Tree rock climbing schoolBarker Dam trail, Joshua Tree National ParkRyan Mountain, Joshua Tree National ParkJohannes restaurantSol y Sombra restaurant, Paloma ResortCabot’s Pueblo MuseumBox Canyon, MeccaMojave DesertKelso DunesWell, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023
California Calling - Destination Special
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 RubensteinCalifornia Road Trip -Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, MontecitoPoppy Delevingne - Chateau Marmont Hotel, Hollywood, LASir Trevor McDonald - Shutters on the Beach Hotel, Santa MonicaEd Gamble - Madonna Inn, San Luis ObispoJon Ronson - Pacific Highway Route 1, Hearst Castle, Los AngelesBrian Chesky - Walt Disney Museum, San FranciscoMichel Roux Jr - Pacific Highway Drive, Wine Region, San Francisco, Spago Restaurant, Chez Panisse, BerkeleyGregory Porter - Yosemite National ParkChef Nancy SilvertonLos AngelesAnajack Thai, Sherman OaksKato, Los AngelesDowntown Los AngelesBaroo, Los AngelesOjaiOjai Valley Inn, OjaiSolvangThe Watts Towers, Los AngelesOlvera Street, Los AngelesYosemite National ParkPalm SpringsSan FranciscoBerkeleySan Juan CapistranoChez Panisse, BerkeleySan Ysidro Ranch, Santa BarbaraFerry Plaza, San Francisco EmbarcaderoBuvette, San FranciscoBlue Bottle, San FranciscoFarmer’s Market, San FranciscoBoonville Hotel & Restaurant, Mendocino CountyTo discover more about California head to visitcalifornia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2023
Kate Humble
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 abeloved mainstay of British television,having presentedsome of our most iconic shows, includingSpringwatch&Autumnwatch,Countryfile,Lambing Live, and many, many more.We spoke at The Chelsea Townhouse, a new opening byIconic 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, UKCorfuGuatemalaMexicoSouth AfricaCameroonTimbuktu, MaliSaharan Desert, MaliLimousin National Park, FranceBorneoTsingy de Bemaraha National Park, MadagascarWakhan Corridor, AfghanistanSiberia, RussiaWalking across JapanGlyndŵr's Way, WalesPolandRomaniaAlbaniaKate 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2023
Gino D'Acampo
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, ItalyAritzo, Sardinia, Italy (Blue Zone)Palinuro, Calabria, ItalyTorre del Greco, Naples, ItalyGuildford, Surrey, EnglandCosta Smeralda, Sardinia, ItalyPositano, ItalyTurkeyHawaii, USAYou 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 - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’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.
Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2023
Beverley Knight
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, TurkeyIstanbul, TurkeyNew York City, USATea and Sympathy, New York City, USASylvia’s, Harlem, New York City, USASalvador, Bahia, BrazilJamaicaLondonHarbour Island, BahamasChicago, USAThe Far East - Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, ChinaBeverley’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.
Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2023
Monisha Rajesh, Train Travel Special
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 brilliantAround 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:SwitzerlandIndiaMandovi Express, from Mumbai to Goa, IndiaUS AmtrakDelhi, IndiaCannes to Ventimille Train, France to Italian borderCanadian railway Vancouver to TorontoEuropean Sleeper Brussels, Belgium to Berlin, GermanyRome to Palermo, Italy trainNorway midnight sun train Oslo to Trondheim and Trondheim to BodøSkeena Train, Jasper to Prince Rupert, CanadaTransmongolian RailwayThe Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, FinlandWith thanks to my sponsors today …Airbnb - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’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.
Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023
Captain Sandy Yawn
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, GreeceCaptain Sandy:The Florida Keys, Florida, USALittle Palm Island, The Florida Keys, Florida, USADisneyworld, Florida, USASuwannee River, Florida, USAStepping Stones, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, USABarcelona, SpainBarceloneta Spanish and Mediterranean Tapas Restaurant and Bar, SpainSiesta Key, Florida, USASt Petersburg, Florida, USAThe Don CeSar, St Petersburg, Florida, USAThe BahamasAspen, Colorado, USADenver, Colorado, USAOuray, Colorado, USAThunderball Cave, Staniel Cay, The Exumas, BahamasTreasure Cay, The Abacos, BahamasLong Island, BahamasCote D’Azur, FranceAlabama Jack’s, Key Largo, FloridaMiami, FloridaPortofino, ItalyAlaska, USAWatch Captain Sandy on the brand-new season of Below Deck Mediterranean onHayu, now.With thanks to my sponsors today …Airbnb - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’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.
Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2023
Shaggy
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, USAJamaicaKingston, JamaicaJapanNorth Carolina, USAIraqItalySardinia, ItalyPort Antonio, JamaicaZimbabweShaggy’s In The MoodEP is out nowWith thanks to my sponsors today …Airbnb - VisitAirbnb.comand find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through theWhat’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.
Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2023
Dame Joanna Lumley
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, IndiaHong KongMalaysiaBatu Caves, Selangor, MalaysiaMadagascarDelhi, IndiaUzbekistanTash Rabat, KyrgzystanSienna, ItalyBanda Islands, IndonesiaSudanRomaniaJoanna 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.
Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2023
Ben Fogle - From The Archives
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, ScotlandLake Chemong, Ontario, CanadaBritish Columbia, CanadaAlgonquin Park, Ontario, CanadaLatin AmericaQuito, EcuadorAntigua, GuatemalaBoliviaPitcairn Island, South PacificPleistocene Park, SiberiaThe Atlantic OceanMt Everest, NepalCornwall, EnglandEthiopiaLalibela, EthiopiaAyia Napa, Mallorca, SpainHaitiThe Great Wall of China, ChinaThe North PoleThe South PoleThank 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.
Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2023
Simon Reeve - From The Archives
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, EnglandIstanbul, TurkeyHagia Sophia Grand Turkey, Istanbul, TurkeyGabonMadagascarBangladeshSomalilandWest Country, EnglandJapanNew ZealandSenegalMaliThe ArcticThe AntarcticParaguayThank 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.
Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2023
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, PanamaThe MaldivesZhangjiajie National Forest Park, China?ScotlandIcelandNew ZealandSnowdonia, WalesNewborough Beach, WalesBlack Rock Sands, WalesMongoliaLlŷn Peninsula, WalesTibetAntarcticaAlaska, USAYou 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.
Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2023
Clive Myrie
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, CliveMyrie’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:JamaicaItalyVerona, ItalyPuglia, ItalyMatera, ItalyTokyo, JapanHokaido, JapanUkraineWest Coast of USAEast Coast of USAHome Counties, EnglandCape Town, South AfricaVenice, ItalyWashington DC, USAAfghanistanSt Petersburg, RussiaSri LankaA huge thank you to Clive. What an interesting life he has led. CliveMyrie’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.
Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2023
Sam Branson
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 IslandsNecker Island, British Virgin IslandsMenorcaAnegada, British Virgin IslandsThe Willy T, Norman Island, British Virgin IslandsAustraliaByron Bay, AustraliaArctic expeditionBali, IndonesiaUluwatu, Bali, IndonesiaUbud, Bali, IndonesiaKomodo Island, IndonesiaSri LankaChamonix, FranceMont Blanc, FranceMentawai Islands, Sumatra, IndonesiaUnder 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.
Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2023
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 RecapGreeceMonastery Estate Retreat, Crete, GreeceCaserio del Mirador, Alicante, SpainAlmyra, CyprusDaios Cove, Crete, GreecePuglia, ItalyIkos ResortsMartinhal, Sagres, PortugalMartinhal, Lisbon, PortugalMarbella Club, SpainCretan Malia Park, Crete, GreeceCosta RicaCasa Pineta, Elba Island, ItalyAustraliaWith 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 paradiseThanks 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.
Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2023
Alex Polizzi
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. Hermother, 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, UKDona Filipa Hotel, Algarve, PortugalCambodiaHong KongHotel Endsleigh, Devon, England, UKVenice, ItalyBelmond Cipriani, Venice, ItalyProvidenciales, Turks + CaicosTorcello, Venice, ItalyMurano, Venice, ItalyThe Coral House, Providenciales, Turks + CaicosVilla Igiea, Palermo, Sicily, ItalyPompeii, Naples, ItalyIschia, ItalyMasseria Torre Maizza, Puglia, ItalyLecce, Puglia, ItalyOtranto, Puglia, ItalyThe Priory Hotel & Restaurant, Caerleon, WalesIndiaJapanWith 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.
Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2023
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