She’s the artist behind some of the biggest tracks of the early 2000s, including Who’s That Girl, Let Me Blow Ya Mind with Gwen Stefani, and Gangsta Lovin’. These are songs that defined an era and still feel just as fresh today. It is of course, Eve.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Eve, rose to global fame as part of the legendary Ruff Ryders crew, working alongside names like DMX and Dr. Dre, before carving out her own hugely successful solo career. She became the third female rapper in history to have a number one album on the Billboard 200, won a Grammy, starred in film and television, and has remained one of the most respected and trailblazing women in the industry.

But beyond the music, there’s a whole other side to Eve, one shaped by travel. As she told me, she still feels like that “little girl from Philadelphia who got to see the world because of her music” . In this episode, we explore exactly how that journey has unfolded.

I spoke to Eve a couple of weeks ago in person on the South Bank in London, in the beautiful Big Ben Balcony suite of the London Marriott County Hall, looking out over the houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge. 

From childhood trips to the Jersey Shore, to falling in love with Jamaica, to building a life here in London, which she now calls home, I know you’re going to love this one.

Holly’s Destination Recap:

 - Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Austria 

Eve’s Destination Recap:

• Jersey Shore, USA
• Kingston, Jamaica 
• Bob Marley Beach, Jamaica
• Negril, Jamaica
• London
• Ibiza 
• Es Vedra, Ibiza 
• New York, USA
• Slovenia
• Kasakhstan 
• Colorado, USA
• Oman

Eve's Scorpion 25th Anniversary Edition (Red and Black Splatter, 2LP) is out now here

This episode was recorded at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall.

With thanks to…

Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.co.uk/host

Saily - Download SAILY in your app store and use our code traveldiaries at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening. It really helps the podcast grow, allows me to keep bringing you these incredible guests - and it means you’re delivered a fresh dose of wanderlust each week 

And if you’d like a little more Travel Diaries in your life, you can find me on Instagram and TikTok @hollyrubenstein.

Thanks so much for listening, and I’ll see you next week.

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

My guest today is comedian, writer and broadcaster Dom Joly. You’ll of course know him from Trigger Happy TV - one of the most iconic comedy shows of the early 2000s - now celebrating its 25th anniversary, with Dom back on tour across the UK through to 2027.

But beyond comedy, travel has been a defining thread throughout Dom’s life. He’s visited 108 countries, and his story begins in Lebanon, where he grew up during the civil war, with what he describes as a “front-row view” of the conflict. His early experiences shaped a lifelong curiosity about the world, particularly places often misunderstood.

Dom is widely credited with bringing “dark tourism” into the mainstream, exploring destinations associated with history, conflict and tragedy, and we also talk about his concept of the “bad news gap”: the difference between how places are portrayed in the media and the reality on the ground.

In this episode, his travel diaries take us from Lebanon and Syria to North Korea, Cambodia, Iran, Canada and beyond.

I hope you love this one.

Destination Recap:

• Palmyra, Syria
• Lebanon
• Rome, Italy
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Cambodia
• Iran
• North Korea
• Rishikesh, India
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Muskoka, Canada
• Zermatt, Switzerland
• Morocco
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Swindon, England
• Weston-super-Mare, England
• Algeria

Dom is currently on tour with the Trigger Happy TV 25th Anniversary Tour across the UK until 2027. You can also find his latest book, The Conspiracy Tourist, at domjoly.tv.

This episode was recorded at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall.

With thanks to…

Saily - Download SAILY in your app store and use our code traveldiaries at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase

Sovereign - Visit sovereign.com to speak to a personal travel planner today to curate your perfect Sani holiday this summer

If you’re enjoying The Travel Diaries, don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode.

You can also follow me on Instagram @hollyrubenstein and on TikTok for more travel inspiration and behind the scenes.

See you next week!

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

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

Born in Swaziland, now known as Eswatini, in southern Africa, Richard grew up in a world of big landscapes, no television, and endless imagination. From there he moved to London in the early 1980s, and very quickly became unforgettable figure on stage and screen - from his iconic role in Withnail & I, all the way through to Gosford Park, Jackie, Star Wars, Saltburn, and his Oscar-nominated performance in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Throughout it all, running beneath the red carpets and film sets, there has been travel. He spent 33 summers at a beloved farmhouse in Provence with his late wife Joan, brocante shopping and watching the seasons change. He’s had close encounters with sharks while scuba diving off Mozambique, checked into seedy hotel suites in Las Vegas, and floated on the still waters of Lake Como.

And now, his travel stories  telling them in a new way. Richard is the co-host, of the brilliant new podcast Hotels with History with travel pr Jules Perowne - a series that dives into the scandals, intrigue, glamour and ghosts of some of the world’s most legendary hotels.

So, sit back, pour something festive, and join me as we step inside the seven travel chapters of Richard E. Grant.

Destination Recap:

• Eswatini (Formerly Swaziland) 
• London, England 
• Mozambique
• Provence, France 
• Masai Mara, Kenya and Tanzania 
• Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
• Ritz Paris, France 
• The Mark Hotel, Manhattan, New York, USA
• Mkhaya Game Reserve, Safari, Swaziland
• Israel
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Giza, Egypt 
• Space

Richard is co-host of the Hotels with History podcast, Season 1 out now 

I'll be back with a new season of the podcast in the Spring.

With thanks to...

Citalia - If you’re dreaming of your own Italian adventure, visit Citalia.com to start planning today.

Naturhotel Forsthofgut – if, like many of our guests, you’re dreaming of an alpine escape rooted in harmony with nature, visit forsthofgut.at to start planning today.

Beaverbrook Hotel - Escape the everyday and discover Beaverbrook for yourself, a truly indulgent country-house retreat just outside London. Find out more and book your stay at beaverbrook.co.uk.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to find out who is joining me next time, 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 165 episodes to keep you busy.

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

Rick is returning to the podcast for the first time in five years, and I can’t think of a better guest to bring a little culinary sparkle to our Christmas Special.

This year, Rick is celebrating the release of his beautifully personal and utterly joyful new book, Rick Stein’s Christmas - a treasure trove of festive recipes, stories, traditions, and reflections on what this time of year really means. In our conversation, we dive into his own Christmas rituals in both Cornwall and Australia, the dishes that embody comfort and nostalgia for him, the lessons he learned while cooking - and occasionally improvising - his way through last year’s festivities, and the deeply human side of the season that he weaves into the book.

We also travel far beyond the Christmas table, hearing about Rick’s recent adventures filming in the Australian outback, the food gems he uncovered there, his newest favourite destinations, and the UK restaurants he’s loving right now.

So pour yourself something warm and cosy, settle in, and enjoy this festive journey with the wonderful Rick Stein.

Destination Recap: 

• Thailand
• Australia
• The Niagara Café, Gundagai, NSW, Australia
• Île de Ré, France, France
• Riva, Barnes, London, England 
• Riley’s Fish Shack, Tynemouth, England
• Porto, Portugal
• Douro Valley, Portugal 
• Laigueglia, Liguria, Italy, Italy 
• Hotel Windsor, Laigueglia, Liguria, Italy
• Trieste, Italy 
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Argentina
• Peru
• Brazil
• Lake Como, Italy 

If you’d like to explore more of Rick’s stories, tips and recipes, his new book Rick Stein’s Christmas is out now. I

I’ll be back in a couple of weeks, on the 30th, with a very special guest to close out the year - actor and national treasure Richard E. Grant.

Until then, have a cosy, joyful Christmas, and thank you so much for listening to The Travel Diaries.

With thanks to...

Citalia - If, like Rick, you’re dreaming of your own Italian adventure, visit Citalia.com to start planning today.

Naturhotel Forsthofgut – if, like many of our guests, you’re dreaming of an alpine escape rooted in harmony with nature, visit forsthofgut.at to start planning today.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 15 seasons to catch up on, that's over 160 episodes to keep you busy.

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

This Destination Special is a love letter to a place that casts a lifelong spell. In the first half, you’ll hear unforgettable memories from past guests - Sir Michael Palin, Anya Hindmarch, Lyn Hughes, Sir Richard Branson, The Hairy Bikers, Amar Latif, and Jacqui Gifford - each sharing the moments that made Morocco magical for them: the colours of Marrakech, the silence of the Sahara, the scent of a tagine in the Atlas Mountains. Together, their voices weave a vivid tapestry of this extraordinary land.

And it’s no wonder UK visitor numbers are soaring. Morocco is that rare combination - just a short flight away, yet a complete change of pace: immersive, sensory, unforgettable.

Then, in the second half, I’m joined by travel writer and Morocco expert Paula Hardy, who splits her time between the UK and Morocco. With over 15 years of experience, she takes us beyond the usual hotspots, from the Mediterranean feel of Tangier and Tetouan, to desert oases near Skoura, coastal towns like Asilah, and hidden Berber mountain villages. We dive into Morocco’s traditions - crafts, cuisine and culture - and its exciting evolution, with high-speed trains, striking new architecture, and preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

Whether you’ve visited before or it’s been on your bucket list for years, this episode will open your eyes to a Morocco you may not yet know, and remind you why so many travellers return again and again.

Destination Recap: 

Northern Morocco - Sir Michael Palin on why Morocco is his all-time favourite journey

Marrakech – Designer Anya Hindmarch and Wanderlust editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes on the city of artisans, colour and contrasts

Atlas Mountains - Sir Richard Branson, The Hairy Bikers, and blind adventurer Amar Latif on Berber villages, snow-topped peaks and mountain escapes

Ouarzazate (the “door to the desert”) - Travel & Leisure Editor Jacqui Gifford on this cinematic frontier town

Paula’s Destination Recap:

• Tangier 
• Villa Mabrouka, Tangier
• Asilah
• Tetouan 
• Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay 
• Dar Ambrosia, Asilah 
• Mimi Calpe, Tangier
• M’Hamid
• Erfoud 
• Iriki 
• Taroudant 
• Dar Ahlam, Ouarzazate
• Skoura
• Marrakech
• Oualidia 
• Riad Mina, Marrakech 
• Berber Lodge, Marrakech 
• Riad L’Atelier, Marrakech
• Rosemary, Marrakech 
• Tribalista, Marrakech 
• The Memory Road

Thanks so much for listening today. I'll be back with some fabulous Christmas specials in December. In the meantime, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. Remember there’s the first 15 seasons to catch up on, that's over 160 episodes to keep you busy.

And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything else podcast-related.

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

Si and Dave were my very first duo on the podcast, and what a joy they were. For more than two decades, they entertained Britain with their infectious humour, foodie expertise and shared love of motorbikes. Their travel and food shows from Asian Adventure to Mediterranean Adventure and Route 66 inspired countless viewers to see the world through flavour and friendship.

When I spoke to them, Dave was in the middle of undergoing cancer treatment. He joined me the night before a round of chemo, having travelled down to London especially, which made their generosity of time and spirit all the more moving. Listening back now, after Dave’s passing earlier this year, it feels particularly poignant to hear his warmth, wit and passion for life come through so vividly. This episode is a celebration of both Bikers’ deep love of travel, of each other, and of the extraordinary journeys they shared with us all.

In this archive chat, we travel together from Namibia to India, Argentina to Estonia, with countless adventures in between.

Destination Recap:

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

With thanks to...

Titanic Belfast - Discover the world’s most authentic Titanic story at Titanic Belfast - where history, heritage and experience come alive.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 15 seasons to catch up on, that's over 160 episodes to keep you busy.

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

And more recently, he’s found himself in a rather unexpected new role - that of travel presenter - as the host of The Reluctant Traveler, which is now in its third season on Apple TV+. I’m sure you’ve seen it everywhere over the last couple of weeks, because on one of the episodes, he interviews British royalty, interviewing Prince William.

I spoke to Eugene last week while he was here in London, in Soho in one of those classic junket hotel setups, a bit like the Notting Hill Horse & Hound moment, if you know what I mean. So we had less time than usual, back in the day this would have been what I’d call a short haul episode - so we cover his 6 travel chapters today, but I still jumped at the chance to sit down with him and hear about the destinations that have made a lasting impression on him, particularly while filming his new show, and of course to ask him about the prospect of a Schitt’s Creek reunion, which, I have to say, I think he was pretty positive about - let me know if you agree? Fingers crossed!

From the Maldives to Seoul, Utah to Italy, here are the travel diaries of Eugene Levy.

Destination Recap:

• Kudadoo, The Maldives
• Venice, Italy 
• Utah, USA
• The Grand Canyon 
• Italy 
• Seoul, Korea
• Louisiana, USA
• Kruger National Park, South Africa 

Season 3 of The Reluctant Traveler is out now on Apple TV+. 

With thanks to...

Titanic Belfast - Discover the world’s most authentic Titanic story at Titanic Belfast - where history, heritage and experience come alive.

Citalia - If, like Eugene, you’re dreaming of your own Italian adventure, visit Citalia.com to start planning today.

The Family Suite - Start planning your next family getaway with The Family Suite, the new platform curating the world’s most beautiful luxury hotels that truly welcome families, without compromise.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 15 seasons to catch up on, that's over 160 episodes to keep you busy.

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

At just 26, with no formal scientific training, she moved from England to Tanzania and began observing chimpanzees in the wild. Her discovery that they used tools to feed themselves changed science forever and propelled her to international fame. That study - still running today - remains the world’s longest continuous wildlife research project.

From there, Jane built a global movement, dedicating her life to protecting animals, ecosystems and inspiring future generations. She was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace and made a Dame of the British Empire. But beyond the accolades, she was a tireless advocate, traveling and teaching right up until the end.

It was the ultimate honour to speak with her on this podcast. In her memory, I’m re-releasing that conversation today. I hope her voice - full of humility, wisdom and hope - resonates with you as deeply as it did with me.

Destination Recap:

• Bournemouth 
• Serengeti
• Gombe 
• Germany
• Cape Town 
• Tanzania
• Nebraska
• Malaysia 
• Tendaguru, Tanzania 
• Lubbock ,Texas
• Auschwitz 
• Haiti 
• Death 

If you want to get involved or find out more about Jane’s work, visit www.janegoodall.org.uk and www.rootsnshoots.org.uk

The documentary, Jane, is currently available on Netflix and is a fantastic watch.

With thanks to...

The Family Suite - Start planning your next family getaway with The Family Suite, the new platform curating the world’s most beautiful luxury hotels that truly welcome families, without compromise.

Titanic Belfast - Discover the world’s most authentic Titanic story at Titanic Belfast - where history, heritage and experience come alive.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 15 seasons to catch up on, that's over 160 episodes to keep you busy.

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

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.

Holly's travel diary: Heckfield Place, Berkshire, England

Joanna's Destination Recap:

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

Thank you so much for listening today. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you’re on Apple Podcasts, tap follow, so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week.

To be the first to know who’s joining me next week, follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @hollyrubenstein. I’d love to hear from you.

And if you can’t wait until then, there are already 15 seasons to catch up on, with more than 160 episodes to keep you busy. You’ll also find all the destinations mentioned by my guests in the episode show notes and on my website: thetraveldiariespodcast.com.

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

And who better to take us by the hand and guide us through Oman’s many wonders than my guest today, Dina Macki. Dina is a rising star of the culinary world - you may know her from the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen - and she’s a chef and food writer whose work is a vibrant celebration of Omani cuisine and culture. British-born with Omani heritage, Dina divides her time between the UK and Oman, giving her a rare and intimate perspective on the country, not just through its flavours, but through its landscapes, its people, and its soul. She’s experienced Oman from coast to canyon, from ancient souks to sleek modern resorts, making her the perfect person to lead us through her Omani travel diaries.

In this episode, Dina whisks us from the misty, monsoon-swept hills of Salalah in the far south, where coconut palms line the shore and the air is thick with frankincense, to the rugged peaks of Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, with its rose gardens, deep wadis and sky-high plateaus. Along the way, she shares her favourite hotels, from cliffside hideaways to city sanctuaries; her go-to local restaurants, hidden gems and insider tips that only someone who calls Oman home could reveal.

Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, a nature lover, or simply dreaming of a winter sun getaway or an off-the-beaten-track summer escape, Oman promises something unforgettable for everyone.

Destination Recap:

• Salalah
• Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Salalah
• Alila Hinu Bay, Mirbat 
• Hawana Salalah 
• Mandarin Oriental Muscat 
• Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Muscat
• Nizwa
• Jebel Akhdar 
• Alila Jebel Akhdar
• Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Jebel Akhdar
• DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, in Oman
• Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa by IHG
• Daymaniyat Islands
• Al Mandoos Restaurant, Muscat 
• Rozna Restaurant, Muscat 
• Al-Ahli Restaurant, Old Muscat
• Ali Thani Restaurant, Old Muscat 
• The Chedi Hotel, Muscat 
• Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat
• Wadi Mibam, Al Sharqiyah 
• Khasab, Musandam 
• Six Senses Zighy Bay, Musandam 
• Wahiba Desert Sands
• Bar al Hickman

To start planning your journey, head to experienceoman.om.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 15 seasons to catch up on, that's over 160 episodes to keep you busy.

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

Stephen is a natural storyteller, and in this conversation we really get to go on a journey. From long, cassette-filled car trips back to his family’s roots in wild, windswept County Mayo - where he has 53 first cousins! - to body surfing in the Atlantic with his kids, sleeping under the redwoods in California, living on £4 a day while interrailing across Europe, and living in an ultra luxury hotel in Grenada for a month - Stephen has truly embraced travel in all its forms.

Destination Recap:

• County Mayo, Ireland 
• Sonoma County, California, USA
• Beltane Ranch, Sonoma, USA
• Derwent Water, Lake District, UK
• Falkirk Wheel, Scotland 
• Grenada
• India
• Bhutan 
• Morocco
• Japan

The Fortune Hotel S2 continues Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August on ITV1 and ITVX. You can also catch up on the first two episodes of the series on ITVX now.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to find out who is joining me next time, 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.

I'm now on maternity leave for a few months but keep an eye out for some special episodes dropping into your feed from time to time.

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

She's a James Beard Award winner, long-time Sunday Telegraph columnist, and author of bestselling books like Crazy Water, Pickled Lemons, How to Eat a Peach, and Around the Table, a new audio collection of essays spanning decades of food, travel and life.

As you’ll hear, Diana’s wanderlust was born not from glamorous holidays, but from imagination. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, she escaped into books and encyclopaedias, dreaming of faraway places long before she ever had the chance to visit them.

In this episode, we trace her journeys from Dublin to the Dordogne, Spain to Maine. We talk about foraging for mushrooms in France and eating cod’s heads in Iceland, She shares why she reads restaurant menus for fun, and the deep emotional connection she feels to the places she’s travelled, through taste.

I spoke to Diana last month, and although we hadn’t met before, I instantly warmed to her. I loved the way she speaks about travel, through a different lens, shaped by flavour and feeling. I think you’ll really enjoy this one.

Holly's recap: Beaverbrook Hotel, Surrey, England

Destination Recap:

• Dublin, Ireland 
• Dordogne, France 
• Colombey les Deux Églises, Haute-Marne, France 
• Spain 
• Le tonneau, Normandy, France 
• New York, USA
• Union Square Cafe, New York, USA
• ABC Kitchen, New York, USA
• Estela, New York, USA
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Lofoten Islands, Norway
• Iceland
• Nebo Lodge, North Haven, Maine, USA
• Morocco
• Japan

Around the Table - 52 Essays on Food & Life, Mitchell Beazley is available now in audiobook and will be published in hardback on 2nd October.

To win a holiday to Trisara, in Phuket, Thailand, head over to my Instagram page here.

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.

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

From the soft snow and candlelit calm of the Norwegian night trains to the fairy-tale villages of Transylvania, glimpsed at sunrise through the window of a creaky couchette on the Dacia Express. Or to the pastel-painted streets of Savannah, Georgia, in the US, reached on Amtrak’s Silver Meteor. She takes us high into the Andes too, aboard the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer from Cusco to Arequipa, where the train carves through deserts and towering peaks, so close to everyday life you feel like you could touch it. And back in Britain, she celebrates her mum’s 70th aboard the Royal Scotsman, sipping whisky in the observation car as the Highlands go past.

She reminds us what makes train travel so unique: the romance, the community, and the chance to simply sit by the window and watch the world roll by.

Destination Recap: 

• Oslo to trondheim, Trondheim to Buda, Norway
• Transylvania, Romania 
• Finland
• Peru - Belmond Andean Explorer - Cusco to Arequipa
• Belmond Royal Scotsman 
• Caledonian Sleeper Train, London to Edinburgh 
• Cornish Riviera train
• Silver Meteor - Orlando, Florida to Savannah, Georgia
• Savannah, Georgia, USA

Moonlight Express: Around the World by Night Train by Monisha Rajesh is published by Bloomsbury (28 August).

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.

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

Chris first made his name back in the 1980s as a presenter on The Really Wild Show, a programme that inspired a whole generation of children - myself included - to get out into nature. But before that, he was actually behind the camera, working as a wildlife cameraman after studying zoology. And it’s that deep understanding of animals, ecosystems and science that still underpins everything he does.

Since those early days, Chris has become a fixture on British television. You’ll know him from Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch, from his BBC documentaries like The Walk That Made Me and Inside Our Autistic Minds, and from his powerful activism, whether he’s leading anti-hunting campaigns, protesting HS2, or calling out the destruction of biodiversity in the UK and beyond.

He’s won multiple awards for his environmental work and was awarded a CBE for services to nature conservation. But he’s also never been afraid to challenge the establishment, and I think that’s one of the reasons so many people connect with him. 

In today’s episode, we explore the places that have shaped him, from Kathmandhu to Kashmir, Mauritius to Marrakech. He talks about the awe and purpose he finds in travel, the power of experiencing landscapes that tell stories - whether it’s battle sites like Little Bighorn in Montana or the brutalist war memorials of the Balkans - and the importance of discomfort, of being challenged by a place.

We talk about being neurodivergent and how that shapes the way he sees the world when he travels - and also the places he’ll never return to. Spoiler: it’s not a great day for Dubai or Vegas.

Destination Recap:

• White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA
• Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
• Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
• Zion National Park, Utah, USA
• New Forest National Park, Hampshire, England 
• Honduras
• Borneo
• Scotland
• Arles, France 
• Mauritius
• Seville, Spain
• Kathmandu, Nepal 
• Kashmir, India
• Antarctica
• Galapagos, Ecuador
• Marrakech, Morocco 
• Bar of sand nr Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
• Little Big Horn, Montana, USA
• Dubai
• Las Vegas, USA
• Philippines Rainforest
• The ‘Stans - Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan 
• Finding the Spomeniks 

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.

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It’s been a five years since Simon last joined me on the podcast, and in that time, so much has changed - not just in the world of travel, but in the way we think about where we go, how we get there, and why we travel in the first place. So today’s episode is something of a global catch-up. From discovering the ancient cities of Algeria and the wild islands of the Antarctic, to cycling the Danube and family holidays on the beaches of Poland, Simon shares his latest discoveries, surprising favourites, and some underrated gems that might just change your next holiday plans.

We’ll talk about the rise of slow travel and destinations that deserve the spotlight. Plus, he’ll be offering his signature no-nonsense travel tips, and sharing the far-flung destinations still lingering on his bucket list. 

Destination Recap:

• Borneo
• Antarctica
• South Georgia
• Algeria
• Constantine, Algeria
• The Azores
• Lebanon
• Socotra, Yemen 
• Cape Verde 
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Ghana
• Sierra Leone 
• Sopot, Poland
• Gdansk, Poland 
• Cycling the Danube River, Regensburg, Germany to Vienna, Austria
• Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
• Co. Donegal, Ireland
• Nepal
• Madagascar
• Ukraine
• Le Marche, Italy 

Simon discusses his top tips for summer holidays after new research from Tesco Travel Money found 2 in 5 travellers are being caught short of cash abroad. You can find out more about Tesco Travel Money by visiting https://www.tescotravelmoney.com/ 

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.

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

It was during these epic adventures that Dan’s curiosity about longevity began to take shape. And that curiosity eventually led to one of the most fascinating and impactful projects of our time: The Blue Zones. Working alongside National Geographic and a team of medical researchers and demographers, Dan set out to discover the secrets of the world’s longest-lived people. What he found were five extraordinary regions, in Japan, Costa Rica, Italy, Greece and a religious community in California - now famously known as the Blue Zones - where people weren’t just living longer, they were thriving into their 90s and 100s. 

What’s so remarkable is that these individuals weren’t pursuing health - they were simply living in environments that naturally supported well-being. Think: plant-based diets, daily movement, strong social ties, and a deep sense of purpose. 

His findings became international bestsellers and his Netflix documentary Live to 100 introduced Blue Zones to a worldwide audience. and He’s back this summer with a new cookbook, Blue Zones Kitchen: One Pot Meals, to help us all cook like the world’s healthiest people.

His travel diaries today take us from the jungles of the Congo, and the plains of the Sahara, to the lakes of Guatemala, and the islands of Japan. There was so much to cover, and I was so fascinated by all of Dan’s insights, that we actually lost track of time, and so we’re going to have to do a part 2 one day to find out his worst travel experience and hear a little bit more about his Mexican hidden gem. But nevertheless, I can’t wait to dive into his story with you, let’s buckle up and get started. 

Destination Recap:

• Boundary Water Canoe Area between US and Canada
• Alaska, USA
• Cycling from Alaska to Argentina
• Cycling from Minneapolis, Minnesota to St Paul, Minnesota, around the world 
• Cycling Tunisia to South Africa
• Sahara Desert, Africa 
• Siberia, Russia
• The Congo, Africa
• Okinawa, Japan 
• Oaxaca, Mexico 
• Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
• Chetumal, Mexico 
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia 

Dan's new book Blue Zones Kitchen One Pot Meals is out on September 2nd in the US, and September 8th in the UK. 

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.

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Now having just wrapped the filming for its final season, Outlander has not only shaped Sam’s life and career - it’s also driven record-breaking tourism to Scotland as fans follow in the footsteps of its characters. Even if you’ve never watched the show, its cultural impact is impossible to ignore. Outlander has become one of the most-watched dramas worldwide - bringing Scottish history, folklore and scenery to millions - and transforming Sam into one of the most recognisable faces on television.

You’ll hear today that in a way, travel has shaped every part of his story: from his childhood in rural Dumfries and Galloway to filming across Scotland and trekking as far as Mt Everest. Whether it’s sipping coffee in Cape Town, diving with sharks in New Zealand, or discovering secret beaches in Sydney and Hawaii, Sam’s passport is as well-stamped as they come. He's an author, entrepreneur and adventurer. He hosted a hit travel series Men in Kilts, wrote a travel memoir, Waypoints, and he's the driving force behind his award-winning spirits brands The Sassenach Whisky and Sassenach Gin. His brand-new book The Cocktail Diaries, a collection of recipes and stories inspired by his favourite drinks and places, is out this September.

I caught up with Sam halfway across the world to talk about the places that matter most to him.

Destination Recap:

• Sydney, Australia
• Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland 
• Edinburgh, Scotland 
• Isle of Eigg, Scotland 
• Hemel Hempstead, England 
• San Francisco, USA tour 
• Scotland, Outlander shooting locations 
• The Green Welly, Glencoe, Scotland 
• The King House Hotel, Glencoe, Scotland 
• Mt Everest, Nepal 
• Hawaii, USA
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Deluxe Coffeeworks, Cape Town, South Africa
• Willoughby & Co, Cape Town, South Africa
• Babylonstoren, Western Cape, South Africa 
• Tamarama Beach, Sydney, Australia
• New Zealand 
• Santa Cruz, California 
• Bali, Indonesia 
• Indian Himalayas

Sam’s new book, “The Cocktail Diaries” is out in September and is available to preorder now. 

You can discover The Sassenach, Unique Spirits, here. 

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to 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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.

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Joining me is someone who knows the country inside and out - the brilliant comedian and actor, Ardal O’Hanlon. You’ll know Ardal, of course, from TV's Father Ted, where he stole the show as the endlessly lovable Father Dougal - and from the extremely popular BBC series Death in Paradise, where he swapped windswept clifftops for tropical crime-solving in the Caribbean. He’s also an incredible writer, stand-up, and most recently, travel presenter, in The Emerald Isles, his BBC series which explored Ireland’s lesser-known islands, uncovering their culture, music, and wild beauty.

In this episode, Ardal shares the places in Ireland that have stayed with him, from childhood summers in Galway and Donegal to his all time favourite destination, a lunar landscape in County Clare, and my favourite part of the episode, his hidden gems, which really bring to life some of the wild islands off the mainland that he visited while making his TV series - a lot to add to your bucket list. We talk about the joy of slowness, the quirks of island life, and his new tour - Not Himself - which he’ll be taking across the UK and Ireland soon.

So whether you’re planning a trip to Ireland, dreaming about one, or you’re just here for the stories - settle in and enjoy!

Destination Recap:

• Crockwell, Galway, Co. Galway
• Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
• Magheragallan Beach, Gweedore, Co. Donegal
• Errigal Mountain, Co. Donegal
• The Burren, Co. Clare 
• Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry
• Great Blasket, Co. Kerry 
• Tory Island, Co. Donegal 
• Rathlin, Co. Antrim 
• Sligo, Co. Sligo
• Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford 

Visit Ireland.com for more inspiration planning your trip.

Ardal is heading back on tour this autumn with his brand new stand-up show, Not Himself. You can find all the tour dates and ticket info at ardalohandlon.com.

Thanks so much for listening today. I’ll be back with a brand new season - Season 15 - in a couple of weeks! In the meantime, come and follow me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and you’ll also find me on TikTok.

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Now, Jon’s back on home turf - though the country he’s returned to isn’t quite the Britain he left behind. In his brilliant new book Strangeland, Jon turns his razor-sharp eye on post-Brexit Britain, peeling back the layers of a nation that feels unfamiliar even to someone who grew up here. It’s part political memoir, part social commentary, and entirely unputdownable.

These days, you’ll know Jon as one-third of the brilliant trio behind The News Agents, one of the UK’s most popular news podcasts, which he co-hosts with Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall. It’s completely redefined how many people consume the news - and it’s an absolute must-listen if you don’t already.

In this episode, we dive into the shifting political landscapes of both the UK and the US and of course, we set off on Jon’s Travel Diaries - from his long stint in Washington D.C. to the sun-drenched Riviera, the energy of Rio, and the beauty of Sydney.

Holly’s Destination Recap:

• Puente Romano Hotel, Marbella, Spain 

Jon’s Destination Recap:

• New York City, USA 
• French Riviera, France
• St Paul de Vence, France 
• La Colombe D’or, St Paul de Vence, France 
• Paris, France
• Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris, France
• Jardin du Ranelagh, Paris, France 
• Andia (formerly Restaurant La Gare), Paris, France 
• Afghanistan 
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 
• Tokyo, Japan 
• Sydney, Australia 
• Noosa, Queensland, Australia 
• Blackberry Farm, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA
• Maine, USA
• Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA
• Shelter Island, New York, USA
• Costa Rica
• The Galapagos 
• Rwanda

Strangeland: Is This Britain’s New Normal? By Jon Sopel is out in paperback on 29th May (Penguin £10.99).

With thanks to my sponsors - 

UPPAbaby -The new UPPAbaby Minu V3 is available to pre order at all UK stockists nationwide now.

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

Saily - Download the SAILY app and use our code TRAVELDIARIES at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase.

Thanks so much for listening 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.

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Raised in Birmingham, Reeta spent part of her teenage years in Calcutta, India - an experience that would later shape her global perspective both as a journalist and a writer.

Her career has taken her all over the world, from covering the war in Ukraine from Lviv, to reporting on the 70th anniversary of Indian and Pakistani independence and most recently, covering the Pope's funeral from Rome. She began her career behind the scenes in radio before making the leap to become a correspondent, and finally landing in the iconic BBC News presenting chair - at the age of 49, no less. Proof that there’s no one path to success and it’s never too late to pivot.

Her travel diaries today take us from Italy to Chile, Greece to India and much more.

Destination Recap:

Holly -

• Cothelstone Manor, Somerset, England

Reeta -

• Calcutta, India 
• Rome, Italy 
• St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy 
• Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome, Italy 
• Lahore, Pakistan 
• Santiago, Chile
• Valparaiso, Chile
• France
• Lviv, Ukraine
• Paris, France
• Taj Mahal, Agra, India 
• Amorgos, Greece
• Brazil
• Argentina

Finding Belle by Reeta Chakrabarti, published by HarperFiction, out in hardback, ebook and audio on 8th May

*COMPETITION*

For your chance to win a 3 night all inclusive stay at LUXME hotel on the Greek island of Kos, head to my Instagram @hollyrubenstein. The winner will be announced on May 20th, T&Cs apply!

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

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

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

Saily - Download the SAILY app and use our code TRAVELDIARIES at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase 

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.

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Gaby is also a passionate traveller, with a deep-rooted sense of wonder about the world. In this episode, she takes us from the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, a country close to her heart, to the timeless beauty of Rome and Florence in Italy, and the rhythm and soul that captivated her in Havana, Cuba.

So let’s dive into the travel diaries of Gaby Roslin.

Holly's Destination Recap:

• Ikos, Andalusia, Spain

Gaby's Destination Recap: 

• Zimbabwe 
• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Rome, Italy 
• Florence, Italy 
• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
• San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
• Alonissos, Greece
• Havana, Cuba
• No 15 Guesthouse Hotels, Bath, England 
• Thailand
• India
• Himalayas, Nepal
• The Nest, The Treehouse Hotel, London, England 

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

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

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

Saily - Download the SAILY app and use our code TRAVELDIARIES at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase 

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.

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

Born and raised in South Africa, Prue moved to London in the swinging Sixties and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. She founded Leith’s - a hugely successful restaurant in Notting Hill that went on to earn a Michelin star - and later opened Leiths School of Food and Wine, which has trained generations of top chefs and food writers.

Over the decades, she’s written best-selling cookbooks and novels, been a newspaper columnist, a judge on the Great British Menu, and has sat on countless boards and advisory panels, all while campaigning tirelessly for better food in schools, hospitals, and prisons. Her impact on British food culture is hard to overstate. And now, at 85, she’s showing no signs of slowing down. She’s back on our screens in the new season of her wonderfully warm and personal ITV series, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, filmed in her beautiful country home, where she shares family recipes, chats with friends, and brings a bit of sunshine to our screens.

If you thought Prue’s adventures were limited to the kitchen, though, you can think again. From the deserts of Turkmenistan and the ancient silk roads of Uzbekistan to beach drives in Western Australia and mountain drives in Bhutan, her travel diaries are as rich and surprising as her legendary glasses collection.

So settle in for a deliciously inspiring chat with a woman whose life has been anything but ordinary.

Destination Recap:

Holly:

• Elkstones, Chipping Campden, England (Part of Simon Escapes' collection)

Prue:

• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan
• Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Ipswich, England
• Paris, France
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Perth, Western Australia
• Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
• Lucky Bay, Western Australia
• Core by Clare Smyth, London, England
• Cotswolds, England
• Bhutan
• Amir Temur Mausoleum, Gur-e Amir Complex, Uzbekistan
• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
• The Kimberley, Australia

Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen continues on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Saturday 19th April 2025

With thanks to Wexas, Airbnb and Saily for their support of today's episode - Download the SAILY app and use our code TRAVELDIARIES at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase 

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.

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That’s why I knew I had to bring on the ultimate budget travel expert - someone who has made it her mission to help people travel smarter, stretch their money further, and still enjoy incredible experiences, Chelsea Dickenson, aka the Cheap Holiday Expert.

Chelsea has built a huge following all thanks to her easy-to-follow, no-nonsense travel hacks. You’ve probably seen her viral videos on how to snag the best hotel upgrades, fly for less, or even go on an amazing holiday for under £100. And if you’re a fan of This Morning, you’ll recognise her as their go-to expert for low-cost travel. She’s also the co-host of Passports Please, the travel podcast that helps you hack your holidays. 

Now, I know budget travel is something so many of you are interested in, and you’ve sent in loads of brilliant questions on Instagram for this one. We’re covering everything, from whether five-star hotels are actually worth it to the best destinations where your money goes furthest, plus Chelsea’s ultimate flight-booking hacks that will save you time and money. 

So, whether you’re planning your next getaway or just love hearing about the best travel tricks out there, this episode is packed with useful tips and plenty of fun stories too.

Destination Recap:

• Berlin, Germany 
• Krakow, Poland 
• Wroclaw, Poland
• Gdansk, Poland 
• Budapest, Hungary
• Kozmo, Budapest, Hungary
• Vilnius, Lithuania 
• Seville, Spain
• Turkey 
• Nidum Casual Luxury, Innsbruck, Austria 
• Vietnam 
• Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
• Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
• Koh Lanta, Thailand
• Dubai
• Iceland
• Chill out hostel, Zagreb, Croatia 
• South Korea
• Uzbekistan 

Today's episode was produced by Alexandra Calder.

With thanks to Visit Guernsey and Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 13 seasons to catch up on, that's over 145 episodes to keep you busy there.

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But Charlotte’s journey didn’t stop there. These days, she’s also the founder of The Dreaming, a magical retreat space in rural Wales dedicated to healing, creativity, and connection. Throughout the year, The Dreaming hosts a range of immersive retreats - some focused on families, others on music and self-discovery, including Charlotte’s own deeply personal Song of the Soul retreat. It even celebrates ancient traditions with gatherings around the folkloric calendar, from the Spring Equinox to Halloween.

Charlotte’s travel diaries take us from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the wild beauty of Dominica, the savannahs of Kenya, and, of course, the rolling green hills of Wales, her home. Her outlook on life is truly unique - spiritual, alternative, and deeply connected to nature and the world around her. So, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started - here’s Charlotte. 

Holly's Destination Recap:

• Homewood, Bath, England
• Calcot & Spa, Tetbury, England via PoB hotels

Charlotte's Destination Recap:

• Brazil 
• Lake Geneva, Switzerland 
• Los Angeles, California
• Tokyo, Japan 
• The Dreaming, Elan Valley, Wales 
• Kenya
• Elan Valley, Wales 
• St David’s, Pembrokeshire, Wales
• Llanidloes, Wales
• Anglesey, Wales 
• The Gower, Wales
• Merthyr Mawr, Wales
• Dominica 
• Pittsburgh, USA
• Peru
• Japan
• Yellowstone National Park, USA
• Costa Rica

You can find out more about Charlotte's retreats at The Dreaming.co.uk

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 13 seasons to catch up on, that's over 145 episodes to keep you busy there.

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Beyond his music, Nile’s life is an incredible story of resilience, of reinvention, and creativity. His journey from the streets of New York to the biggest stages in the world is filled with extraordinary moments which he shares with us today. And since we recorded, Nile has had even more reason to celebrate, because at the Grammys, Beyoncé officially made history by winning Country Album of the Year - Nile worked with Beyoncé on the record which we discuss on the episode today, and he’s long been an advocate for breaking boundaries in music, so I can only imagine how much joy that moment brought him. 

We spoke in December at the stunning Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, in a beautiful suite overlooking the rooftops of the city. If you’re new to the podcast, this interview is not how my voice typically sounds, I was ill and could barely speak unfortunately, but that didn’t get in the way of what I look back on as a magical conversation. 

Destination Recap:

• New York city, New York, USA
• Sao Paolo, Brazil 
• Power Station Recording Studio, New York, USA 
• Los Angeles, California, USA 
• Japan
• Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 
• Iceland 
• Montana, USA
• Kazakhstan

Nile and CHIC will be touring across the UK and Europe this summer, bringing the good times (literally!) to a stage near you.

With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.

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 wait until then, remember there’s the first 13 seasons to catch up on, that's over 145 episodes to keep you busy there.

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

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, Vancouver 
• Tofino, Vancouver Island
• Cathedral Grove Forrest, Vancouver Island
• Hot Springs Cove, Vancouver Island
• Wolf in the Fog, Vancouver Island
• Alert Bay, Cormorant Island
• Alert Bay Lodge, Cormorant Island

If 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

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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 -

• Riyadh 
• Diriyah Gate, Riyadh 
• National Museum, Riyadh
• AlUla
• Nabatean Tombs, Hegra 
• Jeddah 
• Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Royal Reserves 
• Wadi Disah 
• Banyan Tree Hotel, AlUla

Isabella Craddock -

• NEOM
• The Line 
• AlUla 
• Habitas, AlUla 
• Maraya, AlUla
• Asir 
• Trojena Ski Resort 
• Banyan Tree, AlUla
• Dar Tantora The House, AlUla 
• Aman, Diriyah 
• Jeddah Edition, Jeddah 
• AL-Balad, Jeddah 
• Sindalah, NEOM 

You 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 is another 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.

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 Town is 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 from royalalberthall.com)

Destination Recap: 

• Copenhagen, Denmark 
• Zimbabwe
• Zambezi River, Africa
• Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica 
• Lofoten Islands, Norway 
• Henningsvær, Lofoten, Norway 
• Sudan
• Copenhagen, Denmark:
• Host Restaurant
• Restaurant Grøften /Tivoli Gardens
• The Round Tower
• The Kissing Bench
• Eilean Sionnach, Scotland
• Wolf Lodge, Norway 
• Nebraska, USA
• The Oregon Trail, USA
• Aarhus, Denmark 
• Villa Provence, Aarhus, Denmark 
• Sydney, Australia
• Japan

With 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.

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, England
• The Black Mountains, Wales
• Hydra, Greece 
• Budleigh Salterton, Devon, England 
• Mevagissey, Cornwall 
• Provence, France
• London, England
• Annapurna, Nepal 
• Native Tree Fern Forests, New Zealand
• The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
• Iran
• Chile
• Japan
• Summer Palace, Beijing, China 
• Galicia, Spain
• Ninfa Gardens, Italy
• Wollerton Hall, Shropshire, England
• Finland through Eastern Europe to Trieste

Spanish 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.

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 Rica 
• Algarve, Portugal

Holly:

• Vila Vita Parc, Algarve, Portugal 

Olivia

• Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
• Kandy, Sri Lanka 
• Ella, Sri Lanka 
• Udawalawa, Sri Lanka
• Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka
• Antonio’s, Algarve, Portugal
• Sr Frango’s, Algarve, Portugal 
• Olhão, Algarve, Portugal 
• Ilha do Farol, Algarve, Portugal 
• Ilha Deserta, Algarve, Portugal 
• Ilha Armona, Algarve, Portugal 
• Fuerteventura, Spain
• Cape Town, South Africa 
• Nicaragua 

You 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.

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 Park
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Disney’s Boardwalk
• Disney Springs
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Universal Islands of Adventure
• Universal Studios Florida
• Universal CityWalk
• Universal Volcano Bay
• Winter Park
• Celebration
• WonderWorks

Ryan & Jade’s:

• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Marriott Village
• Dezerland Park
• Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards 
• Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Orlando Eye at ICON Park
• The Ravenous Pig, Winter Park
• The Greenery Creamery

If 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.

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, England 
• Guernsey, Channel Islands 
• Ervallagh, Connemara, Ireland 
• Roundstone Bay and Island boat trips, Connemara, Ireland
• Osnabrück, Germany
• Grottes de Gargas, France 
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia 
• Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
• Normandy, France 
• Dubai
• The moon

And I talk about Lesante Cape, Zakynthos, Greece

Guv Island is currently on tour across the UK and Ireland, tickets are available here.

Arnhem: Black Tuesday 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.

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 host WorldPride 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 Zoo
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• National Arboretum

If you enjoyed this episode and feel inspired to visit DC, then head to washington.org 

5 Nights Washington DC from £1,439pp

Travelbag 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 on 0203 393 9620 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk. All packages subject to availability.

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

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 train 
• Zambia
• Kenya
• Jamaica
• Three Peaks Challenge 
• Magnetic North Pole 
• Ben Nevis, Scotland 
• Galapagos, 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.

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:

• Serengeti 
• Okavango Delta, Botswana 
• Maun, Botswana
• Yala National Park, Sri Lanka 
• Colombo, Sri Lanka 
• Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka 
• Ellesmere Island, Canadian Arctic 

Big 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.

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, Greece

Destination Recap:

• Guernsey, England
• Ibiza, Spain 
• St Martin, Guernsey, England
• Fermain Bay, Guernsey, England 
• Herm, Guernsey, England 
• Sark, Guernsey, England 
• Loch Lomond, Scotland 
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Mayfair, London, England 
• Marylebone, London, England 
• Kyoto, Japan
• Ojai, California, USA
• Thailand
• Rome, Italy 
• Sienna, Italy
• Paris, France 
• The Maldives

HONEYBEE by Dawn O’Porter is published by HarperCollins and 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.

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, Mallorca

Ranvir's Destination Recap:

• India
• California, USA
• Blackpool, England
• Lancaster, England 
• Antigua
• Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire, England 
• Dubai, UAE
• Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Tresind studio, Dubai, UAE
• SEVA, Dubai, UAE
• Madikwe Lodge Game Reserve, South Africa
• Iceland 
• Jordan 
• Golden Temple, Amritsar, India 
• Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India 
• Salou, Spain
• Japan
• Quito, Ecuador 
• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Jason 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.

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. Galway
• Roundstoune, Co. Galway
• Aran Islands, Co. Galway
• Puca Festival, Co. Meath - around the time of Samhain each year (October 31) 
• Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway 
• Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo 
• Wild Atlantic Way driving route
• County Kerry
• Carrauntoohil, County Kerry
• Kerry to Cork, Wild Atlantic Way driving route 
• Beara Peninsula, Cork 
• English Market, Cork City
• Ballymaloe House Hotel, Co. Cork 
• Adare Manor, Co. Limerick 
• Park Hotel Kinmare, Co. Kerry 
• Kai, Co. Galway 
• Ard Bia at Nimmos, Galway
• Aniar, Galway 
• Lignum, Galway 
• Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry 
• Skellig Beag, Co. Kerry 
• Achill Island, Co. Mayo
• Wexford, Co. Wexford
• Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary 
• Newgrange, Co. Meath 

If 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.

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, Spain

Jay’s Destination Recap:

• Cromer, Norfolk, England
• Knoll House Hotel, Studland Bay, England
• Erst, Manchester, England 
• Gloriosa, Glasgow, Scotland
• Tayyabs, London, England 
• Bentley’s, London, England 
• Fallow, London, England 
• Otto’s, London, England 
• The Dining Room, The Ritz Hotel, England 
• Takahashi, London, England 
• Good Old Days, Reading, England 
• Cubo, Birmingham, England 
• Greece & Turkey backpacking 
• Syros, Greece 
• New York, USA
• Russ & Daughters, NY, USA
• The Fat Duck, Bray, England 
• Wheelers, Whitstable, England 
• Whitstable, England             
• Julian, California, USA
• Steamboat, Oregon, USA
• Sylvia Beach Hotel, Oregon, USA
• Castle Elvira, Puglia, Italy         
• The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France 
• Moscow, Russia 
• New Zealand
• Australia

“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.

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 Ireland
• Alnick, Sonnet, Dunstanburgh Castle, Wooler - Northumberland, England
• Florence, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland 
• Edinburgh, Scotland 
• Sri Lanka 
• Galle, Sri Lanka 
• Jaffna, Sri Lanka
• Datai Langkawi, Malaysia 
• St Lucia
• Adriatic 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 - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool

If you'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.

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, Greece
• Paris, France
• Japan
• Kyoto, Japan
• Ho Chi Minh, City, Vietnam
• Western Australia 
• Margaret River, Western Australia 
• Alberta’s, Busselton, Western Australia 
• Dubai, UAE
• Westerns Laundry, London, England 
• Nashville, Tennessee, USA

You 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.

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, Greece 
• Cali Mykonos, Greece 

Ed’s Destination Recap:

• Fiji
• Mt Snowdon, Wales 
• Nepal
• Matterhorn, Switzerland
• Primošten, Croatia 
• Montepulciano, Italy 
• Patagonia, Argentina

The Mountain within me is in UK cinemas from 23 August, with Preview Q&A Screenings from 19 August

You 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.

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, who wrote 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 notes 

Marina Fogle -

• Schlenken mountain, Salzburg
• Schmittenstein mountain, Salzburg
• Salzkammergut, Salzburg 
• Lake Fuschl, Salzkammergut
• Arlberg Massif
• Salzburg

Becki Enright - 

• Vienna 
• Liechtensteinklamm, St. Johann im Pongau
• Eisriesenwelt, Werfen
• Area 47, Tirol 
• Salzkammergut, Salzburg 
• Hallstatt, Upper Austria
• Attersee, Upper Austria
• Wolfgangsee, Upper Austria
• Traunsee, Upper Austria
• Aquadome, Tirol
• Rogner Bad Blumau, 
• Styrian Wine Road 
• Bad Ischl, Salzkammergut, Upper Austria
• Bregenzerwald, Vorarlberg

For more information about Austria head to austria.info

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 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.

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, Mykonos

Andi - 

• Limassol, Cyprus 
• Suffolk, England
• Antigua
• The Pepperpot Rum Shop, Antigua
• New York City, NY, USA
• Modena, Italy
• Mexico 
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Playa del Muerte, Mexico 
• Kenya
• Soldier Bay, Antigua 
• Barbuda 
• Nobu Barbuda 
• Northcote Hall, Blackburn, England
• Plates London - Plant-Based Restaurant & Food Studio, London, England 
• Puerto Rico 
• San Antonio, Texas, USA
• Spain
• Japan 

With 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.

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 France 
• Sardinia, Italy 
• Alaska, USA
• Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA
• Denali National Park, Alaska, USA
• International Space Station
• Sahara Desert
• Patagonia
• Madagascar 
• Bahamas
• Space
• Nepal
• Indonesia 

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

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

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 hotel 
• Valletta 
• Three Cities 
• St. Julian's
• Gozo
• The Blue Lagoon 
• Comino
• Iniala Harbour House hotel
• Ion at Harbour House restaurant
• Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Malta, Gozo 
• Thirtyseven hotel, Gozo
• Seafood Beach Shack, Mġarr
• Mdina 
• Rabat 
• Ancient Ruins, Gozo and Malta island 

If 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 

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Formerly the creative director of Condé Nast Traveler in 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 a weekly 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, Italy 
• Milan, Italy 
• Mykonos, Greece 
• Kalymnos, Greece 
• Medoc, France 
• Il Pelicano, Port Ecole, Italy
• La Colombe D’Or, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
• Cap Ferret, France 
• Lynch-Bages, Frane 
• Tulum, Mexico 
• Palazzo Durazzo, Genoa, Italy 
• India

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

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

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 Recap 

• Reduit Beach
• The Landings Resort & Spa
• Jade Mountain Resort
• Cap Estate
• Cabot Golf Course
• The Coal Pot Restaurant, Castries 
• The Pink Plantation House, Castries 
• Rodney Bay
• Pigeon Island 
• Marigot Bay 
• Sulphur Springs 

For more information about St Lucia visit StLucia.org.

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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, Portugal

Susannah - 

• Antarctica
• Gassin, France 
• St Tropez, France 
• Olhão, Portugal 
• Mustique
• Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
• Clinton, British Columbia, Canada
• Pakistan
• Helford Passage, Cornwall 
• Cairngorms, Scotland 
• Soverato, Calabria, Italy 
• Nairobi, Kenya
• Antarctica 

Susannah 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.

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, Portugal
• Quinta da Comporta, Comporta, Portugal
• Lisbon, Portugal

Phil --

• New York, USA
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
• Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Disneyworld, Florida, USA
• Orlando, Florida, USA
• Florence, Italy
• Kyoto, Japan
• Paris, France 
• Italy 
• Taipei
• Shanghai
• Australia
• Venice, Italy 

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

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

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 of Britain, 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, Greece
• Chios, Greece 
• Skiathos, Greece 
• Skopelos, Greece 
• South Africa
• Peak District, England - Stanage Edge, Buxton, Mam Tor
• Landmannalaugar trail, Iceland 
• Costa Rica 
• Lake District, England
• South America 

Walk 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.

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap

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

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

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

Holly:

• COMO Alpina Dolomites 

Anton & Gio’s Destination Recap:

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

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

With thanks to my sponsors today - 

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

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

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

See you next Tuesday!

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

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

Destination Recap: 

Jimmy Doherty

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

Simon Veness

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

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

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

Destination recap:

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

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

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

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

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

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

This episode was recorded at Cliveden House.

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

Holly Rubenstein

California Road Trip - 

Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Montecito

Poppy Delevingne - Chateau Marmont Hotel, Hollywood, LA

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

Ed Gamble - Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo

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

Brian Chesky - Walt Disney Museum, San Francisco

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

Gregory Porter - Yosemite National Park 

Chef Nancy Silverton 

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

To discover more about California head to visitcalifornia.com

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

With thanks to today's sponsors:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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.

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

Destination Recap:

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

Captain Sandy: 

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

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

With thanks to my sponsors today …

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

Shaggy’s In The Mood EP is out now

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.

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Destination Recap: 

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

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

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

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

This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein

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

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

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

Destination Recap:

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

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

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

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Destination Recap:

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

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

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