Destination Unlocked

Travel journalist Kaye Holland joins Daniel Edward on Destination Unlocked to recap her inaugural sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world (up to 7,600 passengers). They discuss how the ship is designed as a “destination” with eight neighbourhoods, including the plant-filled Central Park, plus multiple pools and an adults-only hideaway to spread crowds...

Specialist travel agent Sandra Potter (Frontier Travel) joins Daniel to take a whistlestop tour of her favourite destinations in the United States of America, to celebrate the country's 250th Independence Day. https://www.destinationunlocked.com

We delve into the hidden treasures of Northern Greece, exploring the breathtaking regions of Epirus and Meteora. With Sofia Mastoridis from Natura Greca as our guide, we uncover the lush landscapes and rich cultural experiences that often go unnoticed by tourists who flock to the islands. From the stunning Vicos Gorge, home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, to the unique stone villages of...

Africa specialist and travel writer, Ian Packham, joins Daniel ahead of the updated Bradt Guide to Angola. Ian discusses first visiting during a 13-month, 31-country public-transport journey around Africa and returning to research guidebooks, describing Angola as a large, under-visited country often associated with civil war but rich in geographic diversity, coastline, wildlife, and culture. Highl...

In this episode, Vivian McCarthy of Acacia Adventure Tours, tells us all you need to know ahead of taking your first safari trip to Africa. Plus, he shares exciting news that teenagers (16+) can now join any of Acacia's safari trips for the first time. Ideal for a multi-generational family adventure. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable safari adventure as we dive into the enchanting world of A...

Juliet Rix - the go-to voice on Malta - shares her fascination for this small Mediterranean island nation to the south of Sicily. From prehistoric tombs to monumental cathedrals - Malta's story is one of conquest and defence. It has emerged as a wonderfully enriching destination to visit... plus it's rather beautifully sunny too.

Dylan Reynolds, the founder of Ride & Seek, unlocks the secrets to epic cycling adventures that go beyond just riding from point A to B. In our chat, we delve into his journey from childhood cycling escapades to leading epic tours like the Napoleon Tour, which retraces the historic march of Napoleon's army across Europe. We explore the blend of cycling with cultural immersion, discussing the i...

Accessible travel is a vital topic that transforms the way we think about exploring the world, and today, we dive deep into this subject with Matt Dennis from the Empowered Traveller. Matt shares his personal journey, highlighting how accessible tourism isn't just about wheelchair access; it's about creating opportunities for individuals with various abilities to enjoy the joy of travel. We discus...

Sarah Matilde Madiona joins Daniel to talk about the lesser-visited side of Tuscany. Yes, we've all heard of Florence and Pisa... but how about Maremma? The wilder side of Tuscany embraces nature and a slower pace of life. For an authentic visit to the Italian countryside, this is it.

Travel writer, Sam Baldwin, shares his love for Slovenia. Hot off the heels of heartbreak, Sam threw himself into a dream of renovating a mountain hut, where the snow would fall thick in the winter. In moving to Slovenia he found a country and culture that he intrinsically connected with and wrote the travel memoir Doormice & Moonshine: Falling for Slovenia to capture his admiration of this le...

Who better to introduce Seville than the person who wrote the guidebook? Paul Stafford has been writing the Seville pages of the Lonely Planet Guide to Andalucia since 2021 and has so much top notch insight to share in this conversation. He covers the must-see landmarks, areas that many visitors miss (but you shouldn't), top food tips, and regional highlights. This wide-ranging conversation draws...

Travel journalist Kaye Holland regales Daniel with stories from the inaugural cruise of NCL's newest ship, Norwegian Luna. Having previously sailed with NCL , Kaye shares advice for repeat and first-time cruisers. Plus, this time she stayed in The Haven - a luxurious enclave onboard the mega ship with exclusive amenities and facilities. Will she ever cruise any other way in the future?

World Record-holding adventurer Holly Budge joins Daniel on the Destination Unlocked podcast to share her inspirational story of turning the thrill of adventure into a force for good in the world. Holly is inspired by female empowerment and animal conservation - she's worked out a neat way of tying all of her interests and skills together... and says you have everything it takes to do it too. Link...

Susie Bowers, from Visit Bristol, joins Daniel to talk about the largest city in the southwest of England. A city of 'five Bs', as she says... though, as the conversation develops the list of 'B's associated with Bristol grows and grows, which just goes to show how much there is to enjoy on a visit to Bristol. An ideal city break for engineering buffs, cycling fans, hot air balloon adventurers and...

Shiv Singh, founder of Iron Curtain Sports, joins Daniel to talk about Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. Shiv runs sport and adventure themed trips to the region, ranging from professional boxing bootcamps in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan to reclusive retreats in a remote hideaway, totally detached from technology. In this conversation, Shiv sets the scene of what to expect on your first vi...

This week, we're exploring the coastal town of Lymington in the New Forest with Catherine Gosney - founder of Club Thirty Three Luxury Travel Club . Lymington, on the UK's south coast, is where the New Forest meets the sea. 90 minutes from London, Lymington is an ideal escape from the hectic pace of the city; an opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the charm of a historic market town tha...

Jazz musician and lifelong "Perthian", Emily Gelineau, introduces her city; the capital of Western Australia. With plenty of insights into the food and music scene as well as some incredible daytrip ideas, this conversation sets you up for the best trip to Perth and Australia's lesser visited West Coast. Connect with this episode's guest, award-winning jazz musician Emily Gelineau: https://www.ins...

Editor of Mountains Magazine, Olly Beckett, joins Daniel to chat about the world's greatest peaks, tips for enjoying the best mountain holidays, and insight into launching a new national magazine. To read or order a print copy of Mountains Magazine, visit: www.mountains-magazine.com

Carly Singer joins us to share her expert insights on the stunning landscapes and rich experiences to be found in Cape Town and the Garden Route of South Africa. From breath-taking hikes up Table Mountain to the vibrant atmosphere of the V&A Waterfront, Carly paints a vivid picture of the region's must-see spots and hidden gems. We dive into the luxury travel experiences she curates, emphasizi...

Tess Bettison, development manager at Just a Drop, talks about ethical travel and how to use travel and tourism as a force for good. In this conversation, Tess tells Daniel about how her interest in international development was sparked as a child on family holidays. She shares how her career has developed so far, and we talk about some of the projects that Just a Drop delivers around the world on...

Today, we’re diving deep into the delectable region of Emilia Romagna with Francesco Casale from Cyclo Holidays, and trust me, you’re going to want to pack your bags after hearing this! Emilia Romagna is a hidden gem in Italy, celebrated not just for its rich culinary delights—think Parma ham and Bolognese sauce—but also for its stunning landscapes perfect for cycling. Francesco shares his persona...

Get ready to unlock the vibrant and bustling city of Istanbul in this episode! We're joined by Dilek Orubegarcia from Orubes Travel Club, who shares insider tips on navigating this historical metropolis that straddles two continents. From must-see landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the unique culinary delights, Dilek dives into what makes Istanbul a must-visit destination. You'...

Today, we're unlocking the vibrant and complex city of Vancouver with our guest, Will Woods, founder of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours. We dive into the city's unique blend of stunning natural landscapes and a rich, sometimes dark history shaped by migration and hidden stories. From the breathtaking views of Stanley Park to the fascinating tales of prohibition and crime that lurk beneath the ci...

Exploring Jerusalem with Leontine Cohen: History, Food, and Culture Unveiled In this episode of 'Destination Unlocked', host Daniel Edward chats with Leontine Cohen, a seasoned tour guide in Jerusalem. Leontine shares her insights on the must-see attractions, cultural nuances, Shabbat experiences, and culinary delights of Jerusalem. From the iconic Wailing Wall to the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market...

Join host Daniel Edward on Destination Unlocked, the chatty travel podcast, as he interviews Holly Axelrad, a luxury family travel planner. Together, they discuss the emerging family travel trends for 2026, including the rise of multi-generational trips, early booking habits, and the shift towards nature and adventure-focused holidays. Discover top destinations like South Africa, Thailand, Costa R...