The Travel Diaries

Today we’re diving into the heart of the Island of Ireland, its Legends and Landscapes, where every cliff, hill and glen whispers stories from a time long past. To get there is just a short flight or ferry ride from Great Britain, and yet arriving can feel like stepping into another world of history, mystery and breathtaking beauty.  As Halloween approaches, there's no better time to delve in...

Today’s guest needs little introduction in the world of food and travel journalism, a renowned restaurant critic, a writer whose words can make your mouth water, and a familiar face on TV—many of you will recognise him from his appearances as a judge on MasterChef. It is of course Jay Rayner. Jay’s is a name synonymous with gastronomic excellence. As a long-time food critic for The Observer, he's...

Welcome to Season 13 of The Travel Diaries! I’m so excited to be kicking it off with the multi-talented presenter, actor, comedian, singer, and writer, Alexander Armstrong. Most of you will know Alexander as the host of the long-running BBC quiz show Pointless , but this is just the tip of the iceberg. He’s had an incredible journey through comedy, starting with his breakout role in Armstrong and...

Hello and welcome to today’s summer season finale of The Travel Diaries. Today, we have a very special guest joining us, the lovely Lisa Faulkner, a multi-talented actress, presenter, and chef, who has graced our screens for over two decades. Born in London, Lisa’s journey into the limelight began at the tender age of 16 when she was scouted by a modelling agency. Her career quickly transitio...

Today is the first of a new kind of episode. Just like my destination specials are a slightly different format, today is the first in a series of "Epic Adventures" where my guest may not necessarily be a household name, but has achieved remarkable feats in the world of travel and adventure. Ed Jackson is the perfect guest to kick this off, as someone whose story is bound to leave you inspired and...

Today, we’re embarking on an enchanting journey to amazing Austria. Picture lush Alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers under a clear blue sky, the invigorating scent of pine forests, the gentle sound of cowbells ringing in the distance. Now, imagine a winter scene, where pristine slopes invite skiers of all ages and levels, and charming villages twinkle with festive lights and the aroma of...

It’s Season 12! And today’s guest is a truly special season opener - someone whose vibrant personality, culinary expertise, and passion for storytelling has made her a beloved figure on both sides of the Atlantic. Of course we are joined by the fabulous, Andi Oliver. Andi is a multi-talented dynamo who has worn many hats throughout her illustrious career. She’s a renowned chef, a charismatic TV pr...

It’s the Season 11 finale and to celebrate we’ve got a cosmic treat for you as we rocket into the mesmerising realm of space with the legendary British astronaut Tim Peake. A Space Destination Special, if you will - though we do cover some destinations here on planet earth, too, of course! Tim honed his skills as a test pilot and helicopter pilot in the British Army Air Corps. After nearly 18 year...

On today’s bonus Destination Special episode, we are heading to the sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago that is Magnificent Malta. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, about 3 hours direct flight from England, Malta is a stunning island nation with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Imagine rugged cliffs overlooking crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches framed by a...

On today’s episode I’m joined by a titan of the travel industry, Yolanda Edwards. 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 newsl...

On today’s destination special, we are embarking on a journey to the jewel of the Caribbean, just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, adorned with a tapestry of turquoise waters, golden beaches, and emerald-green rainforests. The enchanting island of Saint Lucia.  Having visited many Caribbean islands myself, Saint Lucia is one that truly sets itself apart, in part because of its enormously dive...

Susannah Constantine first burst onto our TV screens in the late 90s, alongside her partner-in-style, Trinny Woodall. Together, they revolutionised the way women approach fashion with their ground-breaking show 'What Not to Wear’, as the iconic duo Trinny & Susannah. The series not only garnered international acclaim but also became a cultural phenomenon, empowering women to embrace their bodi...

Phil Rosenthal first gained international recognition by creating the iconic TV sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which won 16 Emmys and as we discuss on the episode today, 30 years later is still a mainstay on both US and UK TV. A self-described foodie, he has always been an ardent supporter of restaurants and food culture and his favourite saying is that “food is the great human connector”. Now...

Today we are joined by a name synonymous with adventure, exploration, and a deep passion for the great outdoors. Julia Bradbury's love affair with nature began at a young age, nurtured by family hikes and camping trips in the rugged landscapes of the Peak District. She started her career as a show business reporter for breakfast TV in Los Angeles, becoming a household name as the presenter of...

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

Today’s episode has a particular focus on family travel, and I’m joined today by Jessica Gee, the matriarch of one of the most well known travelling families in the world, The Bucket List Family, who I’m sure many of you follow on Youtube and social media.  The Bucket List Family’s story began back in 2015 when Jess and her husband Garrett decided to sell everything and leave home with their...

Welcome to Season 11! Kicking us off in style, we’re joined by a dazzling duo who are set to waltz their way into your hearts, stars of Strictly Come Dancing, and heading into a second season of their much loved travel show Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures, it’s Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice.  I spoke to Anton and Gio in London a couple of weeks ago, at a dance studio which was like somet...

Today we are embarking on a sun-soaked journey to the Sunshine State - Fantastic Florida. From the magical world of theme parks in Orlando to the laid-back vibes of the Florida Keys, we’ll be chatting about some of the State’s best known spots as well as uncovering its hidden gems that may not yet be on your radar. For example, did you know that Florida is a foodie’s paradise? My first guest today...

Sir Michael Palin - where do you start! He’s a legendary comedian, part of pop culture history as one of Monty Python. He’s a BAFTA-winning actor, a best-selling author, and one of our most loved travel documentarians and travel writers. His journeys across the world, beginning with Around the World in 80 Days, followed by Pole to Pole, Full Circle, Sahara, Himalaya, Brazil and more, were a key pa...

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

Sophie Morgan is a TV presenter, Conde Nast Traveller columnist and disability advocate. When she was 18, on the night she received her A level results, Sophie crashed her car, and was left instantly paralysed from the chest down. Everything she had dreamed for her life was instantly forgotten and her journey to rediscover herself and build a different life began. “I want to go to some extraordina...

Today, we're diving into the awe-inspiring world of high-altitude adventure. Our subject is a man whose name is synonymous with daring expeditions and summit triumphs, the legendary climber and adventurer, Kenton Cool. With 17 successful ascents of the mighty Mount Everest to his name, along with many other mountain peaks around the globe, including the ‘seven summits’ – the highest mountains on e...

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

Today we are heading to a sun-soaked slice of heaven. The place I chose as my all time favourite destination when I answered my own travel diaries here on the podcast. The Golden State. It is of course, California.  I have been so excited to work on this episode for you, bringing to life a destination so close to my heart - so close in fact, that I even got married on one of its many golden s...

Growing up around farms and wildlife, TV presenter Kate Humble has always had a fascination for nature. After leaving school, she travelled solo to Africa; working her way from Cape Town to Cairo. On her return to the UK she began working for TV production companies, as a runner, then researcher on ‘The Holiday Programme’. It was on her second day in the Holiday office when she was asked by the pr...