The Top Travel Destinations with Kevin Flanagan

Want to discover a real hidden Greek gem? Join Kevin Flanagan as he talks with intrepid traveller and podcaster extraordinaire, Fergal O'Keeffe of Travel Tales with Fergal . Here, Fergal reveals three fabulous destinations in one place: Halkidiki. And we get a whirlwind tour of Porto Koufo, Sithonia and Mount Athos. “I found Fergal’s enthusiasm infectious,” says Kevin, “and the Halkidiki regio...

Want to be a billionaire? Who doesn’t! But if that only seems a distant possibility, you can certainly enjoy the lifestyle of a billionaire for a day or two. Join Kevin Flanagan as he tours the crazy world of Airbnb and finds his own billionaires palace! But Kevin doesn’t stop there and you can join him on a whirlwind tour that ends up in possibly the most exotic place in the world! Listen to the...

Join Kevin Flanagan as he visits one of the most legendary travel destinations in the world - Goa. This Indian state boasts beaches that have been voted among the world’s best. While the wildlife and the rocking nightlife are second-to-none!  Goa has undergone challenging changes since the pandemic, making it now a fabulous place to visit without the incredible crowds of old. Join Kevin on his tri...

Inspired by a Slovenian flower shop that turned into an Airbnb rental at night, Kevin went in search of weird and wonderful Airbnb rentals and was not disappointed. From converted nuclear bunkers to a giant potato you never need to get bored on a vacation ever again! Listen to the episode now to find out more and don’t forget to follow and rate the podcast!  And why not listen back to The Top Trav...

Kevin Flanagan visits one of the true hidden gems of Europe, Slovenia, and finds incredible spas, majestic mountains, fabulous local food and wine and some of the best views in the world! While the capital Ljubljana, provides travellers with a true Renaissance and Baroque masterpiece.    Kevin also shares his recommendations on where to stay, eat, drink, and explore in Slovenia. Listen to the epis...

Kevin’s love affair with travel began when he was just 13 years old and he signed up for the school trip abroad. And so began an adventure that took in a Channel crossing, a visit to Paris, a ride on the Orient Express (very different from the posh, modern one) and chanting football slogans on the Grand Canal.  But something else awakened in the young man’s soul, something that grew to fruition ye...

Kevin Flanagan takes you on an express visit to the smallest state in the world with the biggest reputation - Vatican City. Home to the Pope and some of the greatest art on the planet this travel destination challenges and at times fills visitors with awe. But it also has downsides - queues that can stretch literally for miles. So Kevin gives you invaluable insider knowledge that will allow you to...

A short journey from the lively city of Kracow is the world’s largest concentration camp, crime scene and cemetery - the Nazi death camp of  Auschwitz. And Kevin finds himself asking the question: why visit a place where indescribable horrors had taken place? As he tours the site with the camps curator and an attending Sky News TV crew, he finds the answer in the encroaching darkness. And it is an...

Krakow is one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance towns in Europe. And in the Old City’s square (the biggest square in Europe) Kevin finds marvels that delight the eye while taking him back in time to wander at what life was like. Kevin also discovered the wonders of the local cuisine (the Pierogi was unforgettable!) as were the local beers and spirits. But it is the young and welcoming...

There is an old saying “See Rome and die.” Kevin Flanagan’s mother had put off visiting the Eternal City for just that reason until late in her life, when in poor health Kevin took her on a trip that would affect both their lives in unimaginable ways. In this podcast, Kevin shares what happened on those three miraculous days in Rome. Listen now and follow us on social media!  Instagram: @thetoptra...

Kevin Flanagan visits what is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world - Lake Garda in Northern Italy. And here, he shares the experiences that greet the lucky visitor to this Italian gem. From cruising on the vast waters of the lake, to standing in awe of the soaring mountains.  Kevin also enjoys the unique pleasures of visiting medieval towns that have not change...

While Kevin loved everything about the Laos city of Luanprabang, he found one thing in the market that stopped him dead in his tracks - dead rats on skewers ready for cooking. Further exploration revealed that rat is an Asian delicacy and a reliable source of protein. But could he bring himself to try this Asian delicacy? Listen to find out . . . And follow us on social media!  Instagram: @thetopt...

WHY I LOVE LAOS - often overlooked by visitors and backpackers alike, who tend to prioritise Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Laos in general and Luanprabang in particular, are serious contenders for the Title “The Hidden Gems of Asia.” With a wealth of things to see, do, eat, drink and taste (especially its coffee culture) Kevin Flanagan had the time of his life visiting and you will too! From one...

Kevin takes on one of the most important pilgrimage routes in Italy, the Via Francigena. A route that travels from the Great San Bernardino Pass in Northern Italy to Rome. But on his very first day, he almost becomes a cropper when he is asked to walk 24 km in 7.5 hours, in 30-degree heat (and the last 10km with no water!). Will he make it? Listen to discover the true pain of the pilgrim… Listen t...

Kevin Flanagan visits a true Italian gem. A city that the modern-day visitor finds, due to the Black Plague and civic bankruptcy, in much the same condition as a 15th-century local. Kevin shows you how to savour this fabulous city, the local delicacies and fine wines while viewing some of the wonders of the Renaissance world including the stunning Piazza del Campo where the legendary Palio - the m...

Kevin Flanagan visits the remote holy temple of Angkor Wat, discovered by a real-life Indianan Jones in the 1800s and made famous in the Hollywood blockbuster Laura Croft -Tomb Raider. And here he finds a beauty and peace that is, as he says, “Really of another world. I have never visited a destination like it and would love you to share its sublime majesty.” Listen to the episode now and follow u...

Kevin Flanagan visits Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and luxuriates in its French Colonial-style architecture, while enjoying the fabulous Kyhmer street food. He also visits the genocide museums of The Killing Fields and asks the question - should one witness the atrocities of man? And, if so, what can you take away from such experiences? Overall, Kevin found Phnom Penh to be one of the most...

We have all seen the movie. The business mogul arrives in his or her limo to be greeted by the pilot of their private jet. They, and their entourage, are then escorted aboard to sip Champagne while reclining in their leather chairs and being served by the attentive staff. But what is it really like to fly on a private jet? Does it live up to all the hype?  Kevin Flanagan steps aboard the private j...

Have you ever flown for 12 hours non-stop, sitting bolt upright and surrounded by screaming kids? Have you glanced enviously at the pampered folk in Business Class, sleeping on their flat beds, surrounded by luxury and one-on-one service? Kevin Flanagan certainly has slogged it out on long-haul flights sitting in Economy many times in his travels.  But Kevin has also tasted the luxury of Business...

From artists to rock bands to eccentric millionaires - mega-stars have lived in hotels since time immemorial. But what about everyone else? Would life lived 24/7 with a concierge and room service suit everyone? On a recent visit to Bangkok, Kevin Flanagan found that life lived in a hotel, namely The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok, had plenty of pluses and few minuses. And for a travel writer that...

As U2 finishes its spectacular and ground-breaking residency in the Sphere in Las Vegas, Kevin Flanagan looks back on another tour and the week he spent with the band in Boston in 2006. And he gives unique insights of his first-hand experience of what life on the road with the world’s greatest rock band was really like. Plus, Kevin shares some top tips on travelling in Boston. For more information...

Imagine the scene: Kevin Flanagan has lost his 11-year-old son Ciaran among the tens of thousands of fans leaving New York’s legendary Giant’s Stadium following a World Cup football match. Panic replaces euphoria as he scours desperately for his missing child. It is their first visit to the Big Apple, and things seem spiralling out of control… Listen to the episode to find out more and follow us o...

Award-winning travel writer Philip Nolan knows Orlando and its theme parks and rides like no other. Join him as he shares his expert knowledge on Orlando, Florida with podcast host Kevin Flanagan - Philip shares his top tips on the theme parks to visit and where to eat, drink, shop and explore in the wider Orlando area. Philip also shares his knowledge of the many cruises you can take and places o...

How would you feel coming face to face with the worlds greatest predator that weighs over ONE TONNE and is almost SEVEN metres in length?! Well let me tell you what this experience was like for me when I did it in the freezing waters of South Africa for the first and LAST time! And follow us on social media! Instagram:  @thetoptraveldestinations X:  @becreativkev   Facebook: The Top Travel Destina...

Hermanus - Top Travel Destination Guide with Special Guest Debbie O'Donnell In this episode, Kevin Flanagan speaks to Debbie O'Donnell, who is best-known for her work on Xpose, an entertainment, fashion and beauty programme that aired on Irish television from 2007 to 2019. Debbie has made a significant impact in the world of Irish television. Through her work as both a producer and an inde...