The Travel Diaries – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Welcome back to The Travel Diaries podcast! I’m your host, Holly Rubenstein, and I’m so thrilled to be back with you for the first of three Christmas specials to bring bit of festive sparkle to your holiday season. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be bringing you conversations with some truly wonderful guests, and who better to start us off than the brilliant Sandi Toksvig?

Sandi is a comedian, writer, broadcaster, actor, activist, and, of course, a beloved TV presenter. You’ll know her from QI, where she made history as the first female host of a major British TV quiz show, from Channel 4’s Extraordinary Escapes, and from The Great British Bake Off.

Beyond her TV roles, Sandi has written numerous books, been a vocal advocate for equality and LGBTQ+ rights, and has a passion for adventure. Born in Copenhagen to a father who was a foreign correspondent, she spent her childhood living across the globe, from the African bush to NYC, sparking a lifelong love of travel. Her travel diaries today take us from the rivers of Africa to the Arctic Circle, the jungles of Costa Rica to her beloved Denmark —Sandi’s travels are as fascinating and varied as she is.

Sandi Claus Is Coming to 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.

Today's guest is truly beloved figure in British television - someone who many of us feel we already know so well - Monty Don. 

For over two decades, Monty has been the heart and soul of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, inspiring millions to embrace the joys and therapeutic benefits of gardening. His connection to nature has taken him all over the globe, all in search of the profound ways that different cultures engage with the land.

Alongside Gardeners’ World, Monty has brought us stunning travel series like Around the World in 80 Gardens, Monty Don’s Italian Gardens, Adriatic Gardens and most recently, Spanish Gardens. This latest series, which is accompanied by a beautiful book, delves into the country’s breathtaking historic and contemporary landscapes, from Moorish-inspired patios to vibrant urban greens paces, revealing the depth and diversity of Spanish garden design.

It was also fascinating to hear about Monty’s journey to TV stardom, and how he had a completely different and hugely successful career in the fashion world, before, somewhat by chance, getting a new break into gardening and TV.

From the gardens that stole his heart to the wild landscapes that left a lasting impression, here are Monty's travel diaries.

Destination Recap:

• Leominster, Herefordshire, 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.

Today we’re diving into the heart of the Island of Ireland, its Legends and Landscapes, where every cliff, hill and glen whispers stories from a time long past. To get there is just a short flight or ferry ride from Great Britain, and yet arriving can feel like stepping into another world of history, mystery and breathtaking beauty. 

As Halloween approaches, there's no better time to delve into Ireland's ancient traditions. Did you know that the Island of Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween? It originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter and even today the spirit of Samhain lingers, with festivals and celebrations that pay homage to the old ways.

To help us explore some more of Ireland’s incredible locations and the stories behind them, I’m joined by John O'Ceallaigh, one of our best loved travel journalists and editors, and an Ireland native from Galway on the west coast of Ireland. John’s deep connection to his country, and his experience writing about it, makes him the perfect guide for our journey today. We’re going to hear his Irish travel diaries today, from the wild beauty of Connemara and charming village of Roundstone to the Wild Atlantic Way’s luxurious coastal castles, and windswept islands, like Aran and Achill, taking in the sights, tastes and sounds along the way because of course Ireland is a feast for all senses. 

Brought to you in partnership with Tripadvisor and Tourism Ireland, whether you're planning your next adventure or simply dreaming of distant shores, let this episode be your gateway to Ireland’s legendary landscapes.

Destination Recap: 

• Connemara, Co. 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.

Today, I’m joined by the much loved actor and comedian, Sanjeev Bhaskar. Following a late arrival into comedy, Sanjeev was catapulted to stardom in the comedy series Goodness Gracious Me, and later The Kumars at No. 42, both bringing the British Asian experience to the masses to international acclaim. 

This success, which has led to decades of movie and TV roles, has taken Sanjeev all over the world. India, of course, is a big feature today - Sanjeev has filmed documentaries and written books about the country, where some of his family still live. From Delhi and Rajasthan to Shimla and Darjeeling, Sanjeev paints a wonderful picture of such a diverse and exciting country. 

He transports us to the American city he first fell in love with, his European all time favourite and we chat about the new season of his hit ITV show Unforgotten, which is back for its fourth season.

Destination Recap:

• Delhi, India
• Karnal, India
• New York, USA
• Amalfi, Italy
• Rajasthan, India 
• Shimla, India 
• Darjeeling, India 
• Ellora, India 
• Vesuvius, Italy
• Pompei, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• Australia 
• Paris, France 
• New Zealand

Unforgotten Season 4 airs on Monday nights on ITV at 9pm. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week.

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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

He’s the star of Downton Abbey, Paddington, Viceroy’s House and W1A. Today, I’m joined by one of Britain’s best loved actors - and part-time vaccine volunteer - Hugh Bonneville. 

Hugh stars in a new film called To Olivia where he plays the celebrated author Roald Dahl. We talk about that later on in the interview - and he was just so lovely to chat to on a very rainy gloomy lockdown day. I’ve interviewed Hugh a few times in the past and he never fails to make me laugh. He’s travelled so extensively both through his work and through being a really keen traveller himself, so we cover a lot of ground. 

He transports us to the deserts of Utah and to pockets of serenity among the chaos of India. We visit the pristine coves of the Costa Brava and the campsites of France. And he reveals what is on the cards for Downton Abbey and Paddington, if you’re a fan of either (or both like me) you’ll be very happy with what Hugh has to say!

Destination Recap:

• France 
• Tamariu, Costa Brava, Spain
• Aigua Xelida, Spain
• Aigua Blava, Spain 
• Sherbourne, Dorset, England 
• Road trip through Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya
• Nile River Boat, Sudan
• Juba, Sudan
• India
• Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
• Amangiri, Utah, USA
• Mihir Garh, Jodphur, India
• Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
• South America

To Olivia, a Sky Original film, is out on Sky Cinema and NOW TV right now. 

If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to hit subscribe on your podcast app so that you’re updated with a new episode each week. And if you can't wait til next week, remember there's the first three seasons to catch up on from Michael Palin and Rick Stein to Dev Patel, Richard Branson and Poppy Delevingne. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. Share your own travel diaries using the hashtag #thetraveldiaries I’ll be re-sharing your own hidden gems, recommendations and all time faves on my Instagram and here on the podcast. 

Thank you to Fujifilm for their support for today’s episode. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here.

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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

Today, I'm joined by the nation’s favourite maitre d’ and TV personality, Fred Sirieix. Having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in both France and the UK, Fred rose to fame back in 2013 on Channel 4’s BAFTA-winning matchmaking show First Dates, greeting nervous daters with his warmth, charm and philosophical musings (of which you’ll hear many coming up), putting them at ease before they sit down to eat in the First Dates restaurant. Now, he’s become known for his TV globetrotting too, as the presenter of Remarkable Places to Eat on the BBC, and spending months at a time travelling with his pals Gordon Ramsay and Gino D’Acampo on ITV’s Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip series.

Fred’s travel diaries take us from Italy to Monaco, and Paris to Peru. He reminisces about life growing up in Limoges, France and how he became the ultimate Anglophile. He reveals which Caribbean island he escapes to every year, what it felt like plunging into an ice well in Lapland, and he uncovers what goes on behind the scenes with the making of First Dates - how do they match these couples so perfectly? I really wanted to know. All that and more coming up on The Travel Diaries. 

Destination Recap

• Lapland 
• Limoges, France
• Eymoutiers, France 
• Massif-Central, France 
• Monte Carlo, Monaco
• Macchu Pichu, Peru
• Sandals, Negril, Jamaica
• Paris, France 
• Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy 
• Chez Black, Positano, italy 
• Hilton, Dubai
• Australia
• Thailand 

Teen First Dates starts on 22nd Feb 10pm on E4.

Thank you Fujifilm for their support for today’s episode. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here. 

And thank you to Lanserhof at The Arts Club for their support for today’s episode. Find out more about that, and the rest of Lanserhof’s fantastic hotels here.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. Share your own stories using the hashtag #thetraveldiaries - I’ll be re-sharing your own hidden gems and all time faves on my Instagram and here on the podcast. 

And there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Raymond Blanc, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Rick Stein. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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

This week, I’m so excited to say that business mogul and perfumer Jo Malone makes a return to the podcast, transporting us to the Middle East in this Dubai Destination Special. For avid listeners you might remember that back in Season 2 when Jo joined me as a guest, she talked about Dubai with such love, picking it as one of her all time favourites, she spends about a month each year out there, so I could think of no one better to join us today as we uncover her Dubai travel diaries, her favourite spots, hidden gems and recommendations as someone who knows the city so well. 

And later, we’ll be joined Dubai-based travel journalist Sarah Hedley-Hymers, who has her finger on the pulse of everything that is worth knowing about Dubai, and together they both really evoke the sights, the scents, and vibrancy of this Emirati city, and really get under its skin - beyond its glamorous and shiny first impressions, they really reveal its heart and heritage too.

So, from desert nights under the stars to the heady aromas of the spice market, abra boat rides across the historic Dubai creek to its beaches and luxury hotels, let’s head to Dubai. 

Destination Recap: 

Jo Malone

• Dubai desert
• Satwa
• Dubai Creek
• Spice Market
• The One & Only The Residence 
• Fish Beach Taverna, Le Meridien 
• W Hotel
• Musandam Peninsula, Oman 
• Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Sarah Hedley-Hymers 

• Perfume House
• Abra rides at Dubai Creek
• Dubai Fountain 
• Burj Khalifa
• Dubai Mall Aquarium
• The Pointe Fountain 
• Food District, The Pointe
• Jumeriah Beach Residence 
• Jumeriah Lake Towers
• Streetery, Dubai 
• Vietnamese Foodies, Dubai 
• Pitfire Pizza, Dubai 
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve 
• Al Maha Desert Resort 
• Sonara Camp

For more information and inspiration to plan your holiday to Dubai visit www.visitdubai.com or follow them on Instagram

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

Today, I’m joined by the chef, broadcaster, food writer and campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. We first got to know Hugh through his much loved River Cottage TV series and books, filmed at his River Cottage Estate on the Devon-Dorset border. His uncompromising commitment to seasonal, ethically produced food and his concern for the environment, inspired a vast and loyal fanbase.

Alongside more than 20 cookery shows, he’s also tackled powerful issues in his documentary campaigns, like obesity, illegal wildlife trade, fishing and the war on plastic. He’s the author of numerous best-selling cookbooks and he’s back with a new one - Eat Better Forever. 

We talk about that, his life-changing trip to Africa which shaped his food philosophy; what it was like travelling around India for 4 months with his young family; how a close shave while filming nearly left him in a Vietnamese jail, the power of wild swimming throughout the freezing winter months, and his favourite staycation spots . All that and more coming up on the travel diaries. 

Destination Recap:

• Aegina, Greece
• Port Quin, Cornwall, England 
• Epphaven Cove, Cornwall, England 
• Southern Africa
• Gloucestershire, England 
• India
• Bharatpur bird sanctuary, Rajasthan, India
• West End Hotel, Mumbai, India 
• River Cottage, Devon, England
• The Bull Inn, Totnes, England 
• Vietnam

Hugh’s new book Eat Better Forever is out now. 

Thank you Fujifilm for their support for today’s episode. Book in your free trial with the Fujifilm X-S10 here. 

And thank you to Lanserhof at The Arts Club. Find out more about that, and the rest of Lanserhof’s fantastic offerings here.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Dev Patel. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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

Today, I’m joined by multi BAFTA & Emmy-winning wildlife cameraman, Gavin Thurston. Over the last 37 years, Gavin has worked on some of the most famous nature documentaries ever made, like Planet Earth and Blue Planet, most often with his long time collaborator, Sir David Attenborough. 

Gavin, ordinarily, spends most of the year travelling, and he’s covered every corner of the globe - its deserts, polar ice caps and deepest sea.

He’s a fantastic raconteur, so this had to be a “long haul” feature length episode. 

We talk about his incredibly close shave while filming gorillas in the Congo, what it’s like to be the very first person to see and film previously undiscovered new species of wildlife and film them, the terrifying time his submersible failed at 1000m deep below sea level, and what it’s like spending so much time working with the legend that is Sir David Attenborough.

Destination Recap:

• Durdle Door, Dorset, England
• Devon Coast, England
• Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo
• Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA
• Sumatra, Indonesia
• Costa Rica
• Antarctica
• Turkmenistan
• England

Gavin’s book ‘Journeys in the Wild - The Secret Life of a Cameraman’ is out now. You can follow him on Instagram @thegavinthurston. 

Thank you to The Nautilus Maldives, your luxury bohemian hideaway in the Maldives, for their support today. A highly personalised, immensely private ultra-luxury island resort with just 26 beach and ocean houses and residences, where every experience is tailored to you. Where nothing is fixed and anything is possible. Where you are free to set your own beat; free to do – and to be – as you please.

You can find out more about The Nautilus Maldives here.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they are released just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Poppy Delevingne to Raymond Blanc. 

Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll be back next week. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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

We’re back for Season 4 with the award-winning author, writer, and documentary maker, Jon Ronson. Jon is the author of many best-selling books, including So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, Them: Adventures with Extremists, The Men who Stare at Goats which was adapted to become a movie starring George Clooney and Ewan McGregor, and The Psychopath Test which is the first book of Jon’s that I read, and was hooked ever since.

He’s an acclaimed screenwriter, most recently co-writing the 2017 Netflix film, Okja, with Bong Joon-Ho, the South Korean director of Parasite, last year’s Best Picture winner at the Oscars. 

And if you’re not already familiar with Jon’s work, I’d suggest checking out one of his recent podcast series, which have been huge hits around the world - The Butterfly Effect and The Last Days of August both look at the effects of the porn industry. Both are fascinating, disturbing and addictive to listen to.

Jon’s now based in the US, so we spoke online as per usual these days, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

Destination Recap:

• Marlborough College, Wiltshire, England
• Avebury, Wiltshire, England
• Cardiff, Wales
• South Africa
• QE2 ship
• Queen Mary ship
• Rhodes, Greece
• Manhattan, New York, USA
• Union Hall, Brooklyn, New York, USA
• The Bell house, Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant, New York, USA
• Barney Greengrass, New York, USA
• Inns of Aurora, Fingerlakes, New York, USA
• Hudson, New York, USA
• Forte Village Resort, Sardinia, Italy
• Forte dei Mami, Tuscany, Italy 
• Pacific High Way One, California, USA
• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Florida, USA
• New Zealand
• Iceland 

A big thank you to Citalia for their support for today’s podcast. You can discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK’s leading Italian holiday specialists.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, then it would wonderful if you could leave a rating or a review - it really makes a big difference because it helps other people to discover the podcast. 

To hear future episodes as soon as they’re available just search for The Travel Diaries on your podcast app of choice, and hit subscribe. 

To find out who’s joining me on next week’s episode, come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. 

If you can’t wait until then, there’s always the first three seasons to catch up on, from Michael Palin to Rick Stein, and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Simon Reeve. 

Today’s episode was recorded during the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown. It was produced by Holly Rubenstein.

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