Tastebud Traveller

In this episode we visit Jordan, home of Petra, Amman and Wadi Rum. Both Julia and Ben are keen to visit this historically rich place. To talk all about travelling through this ancient land – from archaeological sites to desert camping and star gazing – they're joined by Dana Kharoufeh of the Jordan Tourism Board who has top tips such as getting a Jordan Pass and exploring the Jordan Trail from the north hills to the Red Sea. Maria Haddad, one of three sisters who runs Beit Sitti, a cook and dine experience in the capital city of Amman where you can prepare and enjoy traditional cuisine, talks about Jordanian food, including her favourite recipes. Then Firas Haddad of Eagle Distilleries takes us through Jordanian winemaking through the millennia and how today they grow grapes in the desert!We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!

In this episode we visit Antarctica, home of penguins, natural ice sculptures and research stations. Both Julia and Ben are determined to tick this one off their bucket list sooner rather than later. To talk all about travelling to the icy continent, they're joined by Stephen Scourfield, travel editor of The West Australian newspaper and Travel Club. He breaks down how to get there by plane and boat, and what sailing the Drake Passage is really like, plus the amazing experiences waiting for you such as getting up close to the wildlife and taking a dip! Noel Tennant, the chef's advisor of the Australian Antarctic Division lifts the lid on what the people on research stations eat and the amazing moments that are part and parcel of living and working in the southernmost continent. We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!

In this episode we visit Chile, home of the Atacama Desert, the Patagonian Andes and the gateway to Easter Island! Ben has travelled through Chile and has lots to say about what he saw and ate along the way. Julia hasn't been but dreams of skiing the Andes and visiting the amazing national park Torres del Paine. They’re joined by Manuela Nielsen from Chile Travel who takes us up and down the country from the desert to ice fields, volcanoes and black sand beaches, and out to the extraordinary island that is Rapa Nui. David Stevens-Castro from Paired Media talks about the food in Chile and what to try when you’re there, plus his recipe for humitas – a savoury corn dish. Sommelier Dennis Roman from Senses At gives a rundown on Chilean wine, which is exported all over the world, and his top pick to drink which is Carmenere from a grape variety that originated in Bordeaux. We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!

In this episode we visit the western United States, home of iconic cities, canyons and cowboys. Julia and Ben both love this destination, from Nevada to New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona, with its wild west past and contemporary charm. Julia can’t get enough of the Native American culture and Ben recalls an epic road trip. They’re joined by Celina Sinclair of the Utah Office of Tourism who guides us through this beautiful state, including ‘The Mighty Five’ national parks, Salt Lake City and famous film locations! Bethany Drysdale of Travel Nevada takes us out of Las Vegas and from neon to nature in The Silver State. Then KJ Howe of Vegas Valley Winery talks the history of wine in the west and what’s happening right now in the scene.We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!

In this episode we visit the United Arab Emirates, home of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace. Julia and Ben have both been to Dubai and loved it, and Ben has also visited Abu Dhabi. They wax lyrical about the desert, beaches, souks, malls and cocktails! They're joined by Suzanne Tobin of Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to talk about all the things to do in the capital of the UAE from drinking a 24-carat gold cappuccino to seeing nesting hawksbill turtles, visiting an ancient date farm and experiencing an expat brunch bonanza. Then Farida Ahmed of Frying Pan Adventures takes you on a tour of Emirati food and all the international cuisine you can enjoy in this cosmopolitan country. To finish, it’s cocktail hour at the Gold on 27 bar at the Burj Al Arab – called the most luxurious hotel in the world – with mixologist Mohammed Jayah.We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!

In this episode we visit South Africa, home of the Cape Town, Table Mountain and Nelson Mandela. Julia shares her very memorable trip, including a bicycle ride through the famous township of Soweto and a wildflower safari! Ben hasn’t been but is primed to go and has lots of questions. They're joined by Mosilo Sofonia of South African Tourism to talk about travelling this amazing country from the Big 5 experience to exploring the cities. Abigail Mbalo-Mokoena foodie and founder of 4Roomed eKasi Culture talks about the cultural influences on South African cuisine and what a traveller must try when there. And after all that adventure and food, it’s time to tour the Cape winelands with Chris Zeiher from Lonely Planet who shares the varieties you can enjoy and where you can find them here. We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!

Merry Christmas from the Tastebud Traveller team! In this episode, Julia and Ben reminisce on their best Christmases and New Year’s at home and abroad. Maria Sykes from Visit Britain comes on to talk about how you can have a magical holiday season in the UK, from amazing bars, shopping and festive experiences. Rupert Geiger from Munich Travel comes on to talk about Julia’s favourite thing – the Christmas market! Get ready for mulled wine, lots of ornaments and memories in the making. And to round off the episode, the CEO of Collette, our wonderful sponsor, comes on to talk all things travel and Christmas.We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!

In this episode we visit Egypt, home of the Sphinx, the pyramids and the Nile river! Julia and Ben haven't visited but have a bucket list of things they want to see and do. Ben is keen on Alexandria while Julia wants to sail on a felucca. They're joined by Skye Peacham of Travel Associates to talk about travelling in the land of the Pharoahs by rail, river and road and all the must-see destinations. Cookbook author and TV personality Dyna Eldaief comes on the show to showcase Egyptian food. Then intrepid world traveller Matt Wan shares his experiences in this ancient land plus goes into what you can expect to drink when you're there.We love to hear from you, so please drop us an email with 'Tastebud Traveller' in the subject line.And for more travel and food inspiration, follow us on Instagram!