Explore every episode of the podcast The Travel Diaries
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa Faulkner | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:47:52 | |
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 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:
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. | |||
| Ed Jackson, from tragedy to triumph, one step at a time - Epic Adventures | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:48:17 | |
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 in awe. 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:
Ed’s Destination Recap:
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. | |||
| Julia Bradbury | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:56:07 | |
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 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:
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| James Cracknell | 11 Aug 2020 | 00:42:34 | |
Today, I’m joined by the sportsman, adventurer and double Olympic gold medallist, James Cracknell. We first got to know James as part of the coxless four rowing team, alongside Steve Redgrave, that won gold at the Sydney Olympics. Several world titles later, James went on to take part in countless feats of endurance, from becoming the highest ever placed Brit to run the Marathon des Sables, the hottest hardest race in the world, to rowing the Atlantic in a two man boat, and racing to the South Pole with his friend Ben Fogle, who you might have heard on the podcast earlier this season. Then, in 2010, James’s life was turned upside down. While cycling in a race across America, he was struck by a lorry and experienced a serious brain injury that left him in a coma. As we discuss, his journey to recovery has been anything but straightforward, but his story is one of sheer determination and resilience, ultimately leading him to return to university - Cambridge, no less - where he became the oldest ever winner of the famous Oxbridge boat race. Travel has been hugely important to James. Of course he’s spent a lot of time on some of the world’s most beautiful lakes and rivers - and I love being by the water, so I really enjoyed hearing about those. And his Slovenian hidden gem is a spot that I’ve now added to my travel wish list, and I’m sure you might do too. Destination Recap:
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. 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. To find out more about Lanserhof at the Arts Club and Lanserhof Sylt, visit https://www.lanserhof.com/en This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Wanderlust Magazine's Lyn Hughes | 04 Aug 2020 | 00:38:17 | |
Today, I’m joined by Lyn Hughes, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of one of the UK's best-loved travel magazines, Wanderlust. In the early nineties Lyn and her late husband were bored on a flight to South America, so they schemed out their dream travel magazine on the back of a sick-bag. The idea stuck and, returning to the UK a few months later, they launched Wanderlust magazine from their spare bedroom, with Lyn as editor and her husband, Paul, as publisher. The magazine gradually grew through word of mouth, and now, years later, it’s one of the UK’s leading travel magazines. Of course, through her work with the magazine, Lyn has travelled all around the world, and has her finger on the pulse of what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to travel. I particularly love her hidden gem in this episode and along with her travel diaries we cover wildlife travel, future travel trends, and of course a little bit of travel during Covid - it’s hard to escape it at the moment. As usual, though, the plan is to transport you far away from all those worries, so from New Zealand and Borneo, to Macedonia and Morocco here are the travel diaries of Lynn Hughes. Destination Recap:
Wanderlust Magazine is available in all good newsagents as well as online at wanderlust.co.uk 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. 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. To find out more about Lanserhof at the Arts Club and Lanserhof Sylt, visit https://www.lanserhof.com/en This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Giles Coren | 28 Jul 2020 | 00:50:03 | |
This week, I’m joined by the food writer and TV presenter, Giles Coren. Giles has been a restaurant critic and columnist for The Times for 17 years and alongside chef Monica Galetti, he is the presenter of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, which sees him travel the globe, visiting some of the world’s most incredible hotels, rolling up his sleeves to work alongside their staff. As well as some fabulous hotels, stay tuned for some fab foodie recommendations too. I loved chatting to Giles - his take on travel amused me from start to finish. I hope you enjoy it too! Destination Recap:
Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby is out now on BBC 2, and is also available on BBC iPlayer. 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. 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. | |||
| Ed Stafford | 21 Jul 2020 | 00:45:25 | |
On today’s episode, I’m joined by the explorer and survivalist Ed Stafford. In 2010, Ed became the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River, a feat that took 860 days and put him on the map as one of our most prominent and exciting adventurers. From there here’s gone on to present and self film more massive challenges, like living in complete isolation on a desert island for 60 days without food, clothes or equipment, or being left for dead in various extreme environments around the world from Madagascar to Mongolia. These became incredible TV series that I’ve watched religiously and couldn’t recommend more. Ed is someone I’ve wanted to interview for the very beginning but like so many of my dream guests he’s normally always travelling so I was lucky to finally get this time to speak with him and I hope you enjoy what I think is a really raw and honest account of the spiritual and emotional development that comes with travel - as well as hearing about some inspiring destinations along the way. Destination Recap:
Ed’s new podcast, Dangerous Minds, is out now 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. And don't forget to hit subscribe so that 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. Huge thanks to The Lygon Arms hotel for their support for today’s episode - you can follow them here This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sir Michael Palin | 14 Jul 2020 | 00:56:11 | |
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 part of how many of us discovered the world growing up, through his eyes, and through his warmth and curiosity with whoever he encountered along the way. 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:
Michael Palin’s North Korea Journal is out now, and available from all good bookshops. 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. | |||
| Beautiful Destinations founder, Jeremy Jauncey | 07 Jul 2020 | 00:42:10 | |
Jeremy Jauncey is the founder and CEO of the world’s largest online travel community, Beautiful Destinations, which has a combined social following of over 25 million people. The jaw-dropping photos on Beautiful Destinations’s Instagram feed have provided me with endless travel inspiration and undoubtedly influenced some of my travel choices. And what was once a passion project has become a global business, with Beautiful Destinations offices based out of the US, UK and Asia. While it might look like Jeremy spends most of his time being photographed in some of the most epic locations around the world - meditating on North Island in the Seychelles, hugging giant pandas in China, posing on a horse rearing in front of a pyramid in Egypt - most of the time he is actually consulting with major travel brands and tourist boards, helping them to tell inspiring stories through social first content. This conversation gives a deep insight into the business of travel and travel marketing, of the power of imagery, and the power of human connection. From New Zealand and Japan to the Philippines and Norwegian Fjordland, these are the travel diaries of Jeremy Jauncey. Destination recap:
You can follow Jeremy on Instagram @jeremyjauncey and of course @beautifuldestinations, too. Thank you also to CV Villas - you can browse and book their stunning villas around the world, here If you’ve enjoyed this episode today then don’t forget to subscribe and leaving a review or a rating really helps others to discover the podcast. And to find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein - I’d love to hear from you. Thanks so much for listening and I’ll see you again next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Fabulous France - Destination Special | 01 Jul 2020 | 00:42:40 | |
Bonjour! As quarantine-free travel is soon to be announced between France and England, here is a bonus episode celebrating Fabulous France to whet your appetite and inspire your future travel plans. As well as hearing from some of my favourite guests from the past two seasons, today’s show is introduced by Nicola Williams, France expert for The Telegraph and Lonely Planet. She shares her experience of living in France during lockdown and her top tips and hidden gems to visit across the country now that we can travel freely again. Destination Recap:
Nicola Williams on…
Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating or a review, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and I’d love to hear from you. And to delve into the back catalogue, visit thetraveldiariespodcast.com Don’t forget you can listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Castbox, Stitcher and pretty much all other podcast apps. Hit subscribe so that each new episode lands magically into your feed. See you next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ben Fogle | 30 Jun 2020 | 00:58:31 | |
It’s the start of Season 3, and who better to join me to celebrate than Ben Fogle? Ben is not only an award-winning broadcaster, fronting many of our most loved TV shows - he is also 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, Here, are the travel diaries of Ben Fogle. Destination Recap:
The Wilderness Collection for Barbour by Ben and Marina Fogle is available from www.benfogle.com 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. 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. | |||
| Hidden Gems - Bonus Episode | 14 Apr 2020 | 00:23:55 | |
Surprise! I’m back with bonus episode number two, as we could all do with a bit of armchair travel right now. This week we’re uncovering the best ‘Hidden Gems’ from the past 23 episodes, from guests including Nadiya Hussain, Dan Snow and Levison Wood. Stay tuned for those secret spots that you want to keep to yourself because they’re that wonderful, but you also want to shout from the roof top because…they’re that wonderful! I hope they transport you to somewhere far, far away and provide some inspiration for your future travel plans. Destination Recap:
Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star 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. To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related. This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Best of British - Destination Special | 31 Mar 2020 | 00:27:29 | |
Today we celebrate the Best of British, where a selection of guests from Season 1 & 2 will transport you to some of their favourite places in the British isles - all from the safety of your own home. From the Isles of Scilly to the Island of Rum; Shropshire, Yorkshire, Kent, London and much more, here’s a taster of some of the very best of what Britain has to offer. Destination recap:
Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star 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. To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related. This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Alex Jones | 26 Mar 2024 | 01:02:52 | |
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 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:
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. | |||
| Lonely Planet founder, Tony Wheeler | 24 Mar 2020 | 00:42:22 | |
Today, I’m joined by a legend of the travel world. Back in 1972, Tony Wheeler and his wife Maureen, decided to drive from London through Asia, and all the way to Australia on what was known as the Hippie Trail. Along the way, they realised there was a real shortage of information about the countries they were visiting, and so they decided to write a guidebook together. That was the now seminal Southeast Asia on a Shoestring, and from there, Lonely Planet was born. Lonely Planet went on to become the world’s largest travel guidebook publishers, selling hundreds of millions of books. I’m sure all of us have a well leafed Lonely Planet guide on our shelves, that has been a trusty companion on our travels. Tony and Maureen now live in Melbourne, Australia, so I was very lucky to grab some time with Tony when he was over in London at the beginning of the month. We spoke before the Coronavirus became a global pandemic - although you’ll hear that it had impacted his travels on the way to get here. It’s a very frightening time for all of us across the globe, a time when travel suddenly feels so out of reach. I hope this episode acts as a bit of escapism, some light relief, that will transport you to the weird and wonderful corners of the world that make up Tony’s travel diaries. From Bulgaria and Turkmenistan, to Armenia and…The Maldives. I hope you enjoy it. Destination recap:
Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star 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. To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related. This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Poppy Delevingne | 17 Mar 2020 | 00:50:45 | |
Supermodel and actress Poppy Delevingne is making her podcast debut today on The Travel Diaries. Poppy - and her sister, Cara Delevingne - are two of fashion’s most recognisable names. Poppy has been the face of Louis Vuitton, Burberry, the muse for designer Matthew Williamson, and the brand ambassador of Chanel. But as you’ll hear in this episode, it was acting that was Poppy’s first love, and having starred in blockbusters like Kingsman and King Arthur, Poppy is now a series regular on Sky Atlantic’s hit series, Riviera. I spoke to Poppy in her beautiful west London home in a rare moment when she was back in the UK - travelling is not only an integral part of her career - you’ll soon hear that Poppy clearly has the travel bug, too. From Argentina to Antarctica, Japan to Positano, this is a glimpse into the glamorous life of Poppy Delevingne. Destination Recap:
You can catch up on Riviera Season 1 & 2 on Sky Atlantic now. Season 3 will be released this summer. Follow Poppy on Instagram here. Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star 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. To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related. This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sophy Roberts, Travel Author | 10 Mar 2020 | 00:52:05 | |
Today, I’m joined by one of the world’s leading travel authors and journalists, Sophy Roberts. Formerly the editor-at-large of Conde Nast Traveller, and Departures Magazine, as well as a columnist at the Financial Times, Sophy’s focus now is primarily on remote parts of the world, reporting on fragile cultures, wildlife conservation and threats to eco-systems. I hope this episode grabs you and transports you to the wild and wonderful ends of our planet. It’s a long haul, feature length episode and a love letter to travel, which will take you to some truly far flung locations from deepest Siberia and wild Papua New Guinea, to the deserts of Chad and the lakes of Kashmir. I really hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Destination Recap:
‘The Lost Pianos of Siberia’ by Sophy Roberts, is out now. You can follow Sophy’s travel on Instagram here. Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star 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. To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related. This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Jo Malone | 03 Mar 2020 | 00:51:56 | |
Jo Malone's superhuman sense of smell took her from life on a council estate, leaving school with no qualifications, and catapulted her into becoming one of the world’s most successful businesswomen, creating two globals brands- first Jo Malone London, and now Jo Loves. Her name may conjure the smell of lime, basil and mandarin or the citrusy scent of pomelo - but what you might not know is how these scents are in many ways inspired by the travels that Jo has been on, and in this is episode she evokes so vividly the many destinations that have shaped her life. Destination recap:
You can visit the Jo Loves store on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia, or shop online. Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star 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. To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related. This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Simon Calder, Travel Editor | 25 Feb 2020 | 00:40:32 | |
Today, I’m joined by the travel writer and broadcaster, Simon Calder. He’s TV’s travel guru, and the travel editor at the Independent newspaper, where he’s known as “the man who pays his way” because he doesn’t accept any freebies from the travel trade - and in this episode, he gives some great tips for travelling on a budget. Simon’s got a great story because his first job was at Gatwick airport, cleaning planes and working on security, and the notion of simply travelling abroad while working there felt like a distant dream. Now of course, he spends his life travelling the world - and this episode includes such a variety of fascinating and unusual locations that this had to be a ‘long haul’ feature length episode. Make sure you stay tuned for his all time favourites and hidden gems - there are some really interesting ones in there - I’m already dreaming up some travels from those. Here’s a recap of the destinations mentioned:
You can follow Simon’s travels on his Twitter page, @Simoncalder - and tune in to his podcast which is on Soundcloud, it’s called Escape podcast. Thank you so much for listening today. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star 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. To find out who’s on next week’s show come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein I’d love to hear from you. And visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com for everything podcast-related. This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dan Snow | 11 Feb 2020 | 00:46:50 | |
Today I’m joined by the historian and broadcaster, Dan Snow. You’re probably already a fan of his podcast, Dan Snow’s History Hit. Following in the footsteps of his journalist parents, Dan is now a mainstay on our TV screens, often presenting programmes linked to his love of history - and history and travel of course come hand in hand. I enjoyed this chat with Dan so much that it had to be a “long haul” feature length episode. As well as bringing to life so many far flung destinations (check out that list below!) Dan’s insights into the meaning of travel, and the impact of travel, I found to be fascinating. I hope you do too! Destination Recap:
You can listen to Dan’s brilliant podcast, Dan Snow’s History Hit here. And check out his online history channel, HistoryHit.TV too. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dynamo | 04 Feb 2020 | 00:33:48 | |
Today I’m joined by one of the most prolific magicians of all time - Dynamo. 250 million viewers around the world tuned in to watch his award-winning TV shows, as he levitated in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro; and seemingly walked on water down London’s River Thames. 750,000 attended his last stadium tour, with famous fans from Jay Z and Snoop Dogg, to Gwyneth Paltrow and Ed Sheeran. And then, at the very peak of his success, he had to step away. As you’ll hear on this episode, Dynamo became so ill from the affects of Crohn’s disease that he spent months in hospital, thinking he would never be able to perform magic again. Now, 5 years later, having come close to death, Dynamo’s resilience and determination mean he’s back. He’s been working on a new show which will take viewers on a magical journey across the globe. From Bradford to Japan, and Syria to Australia, these are the travel diaries of Dynamo. Destination recap:
Dynamo new show Beyond Belief is on Sky One now. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Tom Kerridge | 28 Jan 2020 | 00:42:56 | |
Today I’m joined by the much loved chef, restauranteur and TV presenter, Tom Kerridge. Tom’s worked in food since he was 18 years old, but he rose to fame when his pub in Buckinghamshire, The Hand and Flowers, went on to become the only pub in Britain with two Michelin stars. I, like many, got to know and love him on the BBC’s Great British Menu show, where he was the first chef to cook at the banquet two years in a row and he’s since gone on to release several best selling cook books and many popular TV shows. More recently, he’s made headlines with his dramatic 12 stone weight loss. As well as chatting a bit about that, Tom takes us on a journey across the UK, Europe, Asia and the US with his travel diaries, and lots of foodie recommendations along the way. This is what I call a “long haul” episode - you’re getting a bit more this week because Tom is so lovely and we just couldn’t stop chatting. I hope you’ll really enjoy it. Destination recap:
Tom’s new book, Lose Weight and Get Fit, is out now, and you can watch the accompanying BBC 2 series on Wednesday nights at 8.30pm. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dev Patel - Short Haul | 21 Jan 2020 | 00:18:12 | |
BAFTA winner and Oscar nominee, Dev Patel, is one of Britain’s finest young actors. He first graced our screens in the seminal teen drama, Skins, before going on to make his movie debut in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, which picked up eight Oscars, including Best Picture. He’s gone on to star in many more critically acclaimed films, including The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Lion, for which he won a BAFTA, and received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. Now, he’s taken the lead role in Armando Ianucci’s adaptation of The Personal History of David Copperfield, which is already a critic’s favourite. Like in Season One, this episode I’ve called a "short haul" episode, because I didn’t have quite as much interview time as I normally do. The way that it tends to work with movie stars is you meet up in a hotel - in this case it was the Soho Hotel in London, which is a real celeb haunt - and you’re given quite a tight time slot before the next interviewer comes in. If you’ve seen Notting Hill, it’s like when Hugh Grant interviews Julia Roberts for Horse & Hound! Despite literally just getting off a flight from LA, Dev was as warm and down to earth as he seems on screen, and having shot movies and travelled all around the world in some fascinating locations, I really hope you’ll enjoy hearing his travel diaries. Destination recap:
Dev’s new movie, The Personal History of David Copperfield is out now. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rick Stein | 14 Jan 2020 | 00:34:52 | |
Today I’m joined by international treasure and culinary royalty, Rick Stein. He’s graced our screens, and lined our bookshelves for over 25 years, cooking up cuisine from all over the world. Fish is his great love, served in his restaurant empire from Padstow, Cornwall to Sydney, Australia. Along with his travel diaries, we talk about the very surprising career path he originally pursued that had nothing to do with food; how the loss of his father led him on a real voyage of self discovery; and he reveals which destinations he’s tipping for this year’s culinary hit list. All that and more, coming up. Destination recap:
Rick Stein’s Secret France is out now and his accompanying TV series is on BBC iPlayer. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Jessica Gee, The Bucket List Family - Family Travel Special | 19 Mar 2024 | 01:03:30 | |
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 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
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Raymond Blanc | 15 Oct 2019 | 00:31:50 | |
On today’s season finale, I’m joined by one of the world’s greatest chefs, Raymond Blanc. Raymond had a very humble start to life in rural France and his journey to opening Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, the internationally-renowned Cotswolds country house hotel where he’s been the chef patron since it opened in 1984 is nothing short of extraordinary. For half of his life he’s held two Michelin stars - the only chef in the UK to have retained two stars for so long. And of course in time, with his success, he has travelled the world, and has many stories to tell. I spoke to Raymond at the Cheval Three Quays apartments, looking out at the London skyline. I don’t think I’ve ever met somebody overflowing with as much passion and joie de vivre as Raymond. It came as no surprise to hear that 34 of his protégés have gone on to win their own Michelin stars, including Marco Pierre White and Michael Caines. His passion is infectious. Destination recap:
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons celebrates 35 years this year. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Condé Nast Traveller's Melinda Stevens | 08 Oct 2019 | 00:38:08 | |
Today I’m joined by one of the world’s most influential and multi-award winning travel writers, the global editor in chief of Condé Nast Traveller UK and US, Melinda Stevens. She’s a trend setter, taste maker and considered by many to be travel royalty. After beginning her writing career at Vogue Magazine, Melinda went on to become a columnist for the Sunday Times and Evening Standard, and the travel editor at Tatler, before taking the helm at Condé Nast Traveller. Reading Condé Nast Traveller - the way the writers would transport me to far flung places with the power of their words - was my inspiration for becoming a travel writer. So heading to its offices in the heart of London’s Mayfair, where the walls were lined with its iconic covers, was really thrilling. Unsurprisingly, Melinda has her finger on the pulse of the hottest destinations, which we of course discuss, as well as reflecting on some of the all time greats. And she gives a real insight into the makings of a top magazine. This is wanderlust guaranteed. Destination Recap:
Condé Nast Traveller magazine is available in all good newsagents. You can follow Melinda's Instagram here, as well as the magazine here, for all the travel inspo you could ever need. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Gyles Brandreth | 01 Oct 2019 | 00:24:56 | |
Today, I’m joined by Gyles Brandreth. Summing up the life and career of Gyles is no easy feat. He’s a prolific broadcaster, actor, journalist, novelist, biographer and podcaster, and he was formerly an MP and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury. You'll have seen him on Celebrity Googlebox; Countdown's Dictionary Corner hundreds of times, as well as on numerous TV panel shows. He's even the President of the Association of British Scrabble Players! Through all these different jobs Gyles has travelled the world several times over, from Sri Lanka and Dubai to former Soviet Russia and East Germany. As you’ll hear, though, it’s the British seaside staycation that Gyles loves most. Destination recap:
‘Dancing by the Light of the Moon - over 250 poems to read, recite and relish’ is out now. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| James Lohan, Founder of Mr & Mrs Smith | 24 Sep 2019 | 00:44:32 | |
Today I’m joined by James Lohan, the co-founder - and the Mr - of Mr & Mrs Smith, the much-loved boutique and luxury hotel booking service and travel club. It all began when James and his wife Tamara (aka Mrs Smith) decided to go about creating their own boutique hotel guidebook, travelling the UK to dine the best spots for a luxurious weekend break. The book was a huge success, and the business has since grown to include a popular online booking service, and its membership programme now has more than a million global members. In 2014, James and Tamara received MBEs for their services to the travel industry, and when I asked James how many hotels he’s visited, he estimated a whopping 2000. As soon as we started chatting, I knew this had to be a long haul feature length episode. As a bit of a hotel junkie myself, this was just so much fun, listening to James zig zag across the globe from one extraordinary destination to the other. Whatever you’re dreaming about, if you’re thinking of a weekend staycation or a mega honeymoon, I guarantee you’ll get some great inspiration from James. Destination recap:
You can find Mr & Mrs Smith online and on Instagram @mrandmrssmith Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ella Eyre | 17 Sep 2019 | 00:27:54 | |
Singer-songwriter Ella Eyre burst onto the music scene back in 2013 when she featured on the number one single, Waiting All Night, with Rudimental - which went on to win the BRIT award for best British single. She’s since toured the world, releasing hits like If I Go, Gravity, Came Here for Love and Just Got Paid and is now back with new material, most of which was written and recorded in Jamaica. We talk about her Maltese and Jamaican heritage, her obsession with Asian cuisine, the time she nearly became a professional swimmer, and her once in a lifetime performance on Richard Branson’s private island. Destination Recap:
Ella Eyre's fabulous new single, Mama is out now on Island Records. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Levison Wood | 10 Sep 2019 | 00:31:40 | |
Today I’m joined by Levison Wood, the British explorer, photographer, best selling author, and TV presenter. You probably know him from his incredible walking expeditions, which he’s documented on TV. He’s walked the length of the River Nile, through Central America from Mexico to Colombia, and the length of the Himalayas from Bhutan all the way to Afghanistan. We talk about the time he hitchhiked from Nottingham to India - and his adventures along the way; what it was like driving an ambulance from London to Malawi in Southern Africa through 27 countries, and about his most recent and maybe most ambitious expedition yet, which was a 5000 mile circumnavigation of the Arabian Peninsula from Iran to Lebanon. Destination recap
If you’d like to hear more from Levison, you can pick up a copy of his book, Arabia: A Journey Through the Heart of the Middle East. And he’s also written a gorgeous children’s book called Incredible Journeys, and that’s out now too. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This is episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rachel Khoo | 03 Sep 2019 | 00:34:00 | |
Rachel Khoo is a cook, writer and TV presenter, who first rose to fame with her bestselling cookbook, The Little Paris Kitchen, a collection of recipes tested from her little Paris kitchen! The book was soon developed into her first TV series, and Rachel quickly became known by food lovers the world over, with several cookbooks and TV series that followed. Now, she lives in Stockholm with her Swedish husband and two children, and it’s this new beginning that’s served as the inspiration for her latest project, The Little Swedish Kitchen. Destination recap:
You can watch Rachel Khoo: My Swedish Kitchen on Thursdays at 9pm and 9.30pm on Food Network. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Lonely Planet's Peter Grunert | 20 Aug 2019 | 00:50:42 | |
Today, I’m joined by Peter Grunert, the editor of Lonely Planet magazine. In fact, Peter is the editor of 13 different editions of the magazine around the world. And each is imbued with that spirit of adventure and a cultural understanding that makes it one of my favourite travel magazines - and as a result of our chat, I’ve added about 10 new destinations to my bucket list! We’ll be talking about so many incredible places from Bhutan and India, to Uruguay and Australia, and many more, which why is this my first long haul, bumper length episode. So, here is a real deep dive into the world of travel from one of its top experts. I hope you enjoy it. Destination recap:
You can find Lonely Planet Magazine in all good newsagents each month, and head over to their Instagram @lonelyplanetmag for all the travel inspo you could ever need. And follow Peter himself @petervg73 Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Lucy Williams | 13 Aug 2019 | 00:29:27 | |
Style icon Lucy Williams is one of the UK’s most successful bloggers, with over 429,000 followers on Instagram. Starting her career as a fashion journalist for magazines like Stylist, In Style and Sheerluxe, her own blog Fashionmenow quickly amassed a huge following and became her full time job. On her blog, she documents her incredible travels, and some really useful guides. Lucy is now the face of many brands and a wildly successful jewellery designer with Missoma London. She’s visited some of the most beautiful places and hotels in the world, so if you’re after some travel inspo, this is the episode for you. Destination recap:
Visit Lucy’s blog, Fashionmenow for her travel guides and more, and follow her on Instagram, @LucyWilliams02 Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ainsley Harriott | 06 Aug 2019 | 00:29:04 | |
This week, I’m joined by a bit of a national treasure. He’s a chef, an author, a presenter - most notably of one of my childhood favourites - Ready Steady Cook. It’s Ainsley Harriott. Ainsley first trained as a chef in London, but it might surprise you that before becoming a TV star, he was part of pop duo The Calypso Twins, releasing a hit record in the nineties. He soon started presenting Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook and Ready Steady Cook, and spin-off shows around the world. His numerous cookbooks have sold over 2 million copies globally, and he continues to light up our TV screens today - this time with his new ITV series, Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen. Destination recap:
Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen, Delicious Feelgood Cooking from the Sunshine Islands is out now. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Anton Du Beke & Giovanni Pernice | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:44:33 | |
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 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:
Anton & Gio’s Destination Recap:
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. | |||
| Sir Ranulph Fiennes | 30 Jul 2019 | 00:30:56 | |
The world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, has led an extraordinary life, travelling to some of the most remote and dangerous places on earth. He’s climbed Mt Everest, traversed from the North to South Pole, discovered a lost city and ran 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 continents. He’s cheated death many times, and raised millions for charity along the way. Chatting in the lobby of a busy London hotel, we discuss that time when he cut off his own fingertips and how he was nearly cast as James Bond. All that, and more, coming up on Episode 3 of The Travel Diaries. Destination recap:
Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein - and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sir Richard Branson - Short Haul | 23 Jul 2019 | 00:10:36 | |
When it comes to travel, names don’t get much bigger than Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group. On this short haul (bite size) episode of The Travel Diaries, recorded in the bustling lobby of the new Virgin Hotel San Francisco, Richard takes us on a journey around the world, from the mountains of Morocco to the plains of Kenya - and even into outer space. Destination recap: Menorca, Balearic Islands Necker Island, British Virgin Islands Mount Toukbal, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and to find out more about the podcast, visit TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Nadiya Hussain | 23 Jul 2019 | 00:26:08 | |
Since winning the Great British Bake Off in 2015, life has changed immeasurably for Nadiya Hussain. In this episode of The Travel Diaries, Nadiya explains that travel wasn’t even something she contemplated as a young stay at home mum of three, except to visit her family in Bangladesh. Now, as a TV presenter and author, she is travelling the globe, discovering her favourite destinations, learning more about herself than ever and getting recognised in the most remote situations imaginable. Destination recap:
Nadiya’s cook book, Time to Eat, is out now. Thank you so much for listening. If you haven’t yet left a 5 star rating, why not do so now! Your support is so greatly appreciated and most importantly, helps others to discover the podcast. Come and find me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein and find out more about the podcast at TheTravelDiariesPodcast.com This episode was produced by Holly Rubenstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Trailer | 02 Jul 2019 | 00:01:58 | |
Subscribe now to The Travel Diaries, a brand new podcast series starting Tuesday July 23. Each week, travel and entertainment journalist Holly Rubenstein will be joined by an incredible guest, as she uncovers the places around the world and travel experiences that have shaped her guests' lives. Be transported to exotic and far flung places as Holly and her diverse lineup from across the arts and the world of travel, take you on a journey through eight key chapters of their life's travel diaries, from their earliest childhood travel memory and the first place they fell in love with; to their all time favourite destination, their hidden gem recommendation and what’s at the top of their bucket list. It's wanderlust guaranteed - so subscribe now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Fantastic Florida with Jimmy Doherty - Destination Special | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:51:23 | |
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 knows a bit about that. Jimmy Doherty is a TV presenter and one of the UK’s best known farmers. His journey started over 20 years ago when he took on a leasehold of a 100-acre farm which was followed in a BBC series called Jimmy’s Farm. You’ll have seen him on loads of shows including Escape to the Wild, Food Unwrapped, as well as co-hosting Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast with his friend, Jamie Oliver. Jimmy recently returned from a three week shoot travelling all around Florida for his new ITV show, Jimmy’s Taste of Florida, and I can’t wait for you to hear his Floridian travel diaries. 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
Simon Veness
Don’t miss Jimmy’s Taste of Florida on ITV. For more Florida travel inpso, head to Instagram @hollyrubenstein and visitflorida.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sir Michael Palin - From the archives | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:59:20 | |
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 part of how many of us discovered the world growing up, through his eyes, and through his warmth and curiosity with whoever he encountered along the way. 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:
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. | |||
| Monica Galetti | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:43:30 | |
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 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:
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sophie Morgan, Disability Advocate & Presenter | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:56:31 | |
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 extraordinary places, meet some extraordinary people and do some extraordinary things", she wrote from her hospital bed the day she was discharged. But as a recently injured paraplegic woman, she would go on to face barriers as complex and nuanced as her impairment itself. In her words: “When it comes to travel, total satisfaction can be hard – if not impossible – for disabled people to find.” 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:
You can read Sophie’s Conde Nast Traveller column 'Beyond Barriers’ in magazines and online now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kenton Cool, Mountaineer & Adventurer | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:56:47 | |
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 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:
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. | |||
| Greater Palm Springs Perfection Destination Special - Bonus Episode | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:40:58 | |
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 about most when I’m daydreaming about far off lands. 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:
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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Amazing Austria with Marina Fogle - Destination Special | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:47:08 | |
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 mulled wine. Austria’s beauty is truly a year-round spectacle. 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 -
Becki Enright -
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. | |||
| California Calling - Destination Special | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:49:36 | |
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 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
To discover more about California head to visitcalifornia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kate Humble | 31 Oct 2023 | 01:18:19 | |
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 programme’s editor if she had ever presented before. "No," she said "and nor do I want to." Kate has been presenting programmes for over 20 years ever since, as well as writing articles and books, many with a focus around travel. In fact, she has become a beloved mainstay of British television, having presented some of our most iconic shows, including Springwatch & Autumnwatch, Countryfile, Lambing Live, and many, many more. 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:
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. | |||
| Gino D'Acampo | 23 Oct 2023 | 01:01:01 | |
Our guest today knows his way around both the kitchen and the world. He’s a culinary maestro with a passport full of flavours and a heart full of stories. It’s the wonderful, Gino D’acampo. 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:
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. | |||