The Travel Diaries

Today, I’m thrilled to have comedian, history buff, and all-around legend, Al Murray, joining us on the show. Al is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, best known for his character ‘The Pub Landlord’ – a hilarious, patriotic pub owner who’s become an iconic figure in British comedy. His career has spanned over three decades, with award-winning comedy specials, TV shows, and even political satire where he actually ran for office in character!Beyond his comedy, though, Al has a real passion for history and travel – two themes that run deep through our conversation today.Together, we embark on a journey through some fascinating and surprising destinations that have left a mark on him. From the serene beauty of Alderney in the Channel Islands to the rugged coasts of Connemara in Ireland, and even the mystical temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia – Al’s love for adventure and curiosity about the past come through in each of his travel chapters. So let’s buckle up and get started. Destination Recap:Alderney, Channel Islands, England Guernsey, Channel Islands Ervallagh, Connemara, Ireland Roundstone Bay and Island boat trips, Connemara, Ireland Osnabrück, GermanyGrottes de Gargas, France Angkor Wat, Cambodia Siem Reap, CambodiaPhnom Penh, Cambodia Normandy, France DubaiThe moonAnd I talk about Lesante Cape, Zakynthos, GreeceGuv Island is currently on tour across the UK and Ireland, tickets are available here.Arnhem: Black Tuesday is out nowThanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

On today’s bonus destination special episode we are bringing to life one of America’s most iconic destinations, its capital city and somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime - Washington DC.Now, when you think of Washington, DC, what comes to mind? The towering obelisk of the Washington Monument? The sprawling grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial? The iconic steps of the U.S. Capitol or the regal beauty of the White House, framed perfectly by the National Mall? These landmarks are like touchstones of American history, and all within walking distance. But they also offer a striking juxtaposition to what DC is today: a city that is constantly evolving, modernising, and embracing diversity at every corner.DC is a city bursting with energy. Colourful neighbourhoods like Georgetown with its cobblestone streets and boutique shops, and the trendy U Street Corridor, once known as 'Black Broadway,' where jazz music still pulses in the air are wonderful to stroll around. And it’s really grown into a bit of a culinary hub, too. From Ethiopian spots in Adams Morgan to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing boundaries in neighbourhoods like Shaw, DC has become a real food lover's city. For those travelling on a budget, there are so many free experiences on offer in the city. Whether you’re exploring the Smithsonian museums, taking a stroll along the National Mall, or taking in the city's beautiful green spaces, DC will leave you with unforgettable memories, without draining your wallet.DC will host WorldPride 2025 and the city will become a global hub of celebration, inclusivity, and pride, welcoming visitors from around the world. To help guide us through the city, I’m joined today by Ryan Bos, head of the Capital Pride Alliance. Even if you’re listening after the glitter of WorldPride has settled, don’t worry—this episode is packed with tips and insights that will make your visit to DC memorable at any time of year.Destination Recap:Smithsonian Museums The White House Capitol Building National Air and Space Museum National Museum of American History National Gallery of Art National Museum of Natural History Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse ThreeFifty Bakery and Coffee Bar Ben’s Chili Bowl – The original Ben’s Chili Bowl is located at 1213 U Street NW, in the U Street Corridor area of the Northwest quadrant.National ZooThomas Jefferson MemorialNational Arboretum If you enjoyed this episode and feel inspired to visit DC, then head to washington.org 5 Nights Washington DC from £1,439ppTravelbag offers 5 nights staying at the 4* Washington Hilton from £1,439pp including direct return flights from London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. Selected Departures in May and June 2025. Book by 30th November 2024. Price based on two adults. To book, Call Travelbag on 0203 393 9620 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk. All packages subject to availability.

Today is the second of a new kind of episode within the podcast called Epic Adventures, where guests have achieved remarkable feats in the world of travel and adventure - and their life journey serves as an inspiration for others. Explorer and adventurer, Dwayne Fields, was born in Jamaica, and lived a wild and beautiful life surrounded by nature before moving to inner city London at the age of 6. The years that followed were really challenging, with his environment often pushing him toward dangerous paths. There was a pivotal moment—a life-altering near-death incident where his path could have gone in a very different direction—which served as a wake-up call that would ultimately inspire a transformation, seeing him trade city streets for wide-open spaces. Fast forward to today, and Dwayne is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. He’s an explorer who’s conquered some of the most extreme environments on Earth, including becoming the first Black Briton to walk over 400 miles to the magnetic North Pole. His passion for nature and adventure has also led him to champion causes close to his heart, like encouraging young people from disadvantaged communities to step out into the wild, build resilience, and experience the transformative power of the great outdoors.In this episode, we’ll hear about Dwayne’s incredible journey, from life-threatening moments to breathtaking expeditions, and how he’s using his platform today to inspire the next generation of adventurers. Dwayne’s story is sure to leave you motivated and uplifted.Destination Recap:Tanzania train ZambiaKenyaJamaicaThree Peaks Challenge Magnetic North Pole Ben Nevis, Scotland Galapagos, Ecuador  7 Toughest Days is streaming now on Disney+.Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Today’s bonus episode is a real treat, because we're going on safari! Whether you've dreamt of spotting the Big Five - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo - or exploring the more hidden gems of the wild, there's so much to uncover. And what better way to do it than with one of the world’s top wildlife filmmakers, making his return to the podcast - it’s Gordon Buchanan.A safari is more than just a holiday—it’s a journey into nature, where you can see some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring animals up close, in their natural habitats. When we think of safaris, some of the most iconic destinations immediately come to mind. There's Kenya’s Maasai Mara, famous for its open savannahs and incredible amount of wildlife. It’s in Kenya that you can witness one of nature’s most jaw-dropping spectacles—the Great Migration, when every year typically between July and October, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make a perilous journey from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara in Kenya, searching for fresh grazing lands. It’s the perfect time to witness dramatic river crossings and heart-stopping predator-prey interactions. In Tanzania, the Serengeti offers a similar view, with endless plains stretching to the horizon, while Botswana’s Okavango Delta gives you a different kind of safari experience, with its winding waterways and lush landscapes where you can spot animals like hippos and crocodiles.But as Gordon and I discuss on the episode today, you don’t need to go to Africa to enjoy an incredible safari. Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is a fantastic place to see leopards, elephants, and even sloth bears—Gordon has had some great encounters there. In India, you can track the majestic Bengal tiger through dense jungles, and in Madagascar, you’ll find unique species like lemurs and chameleons. And don’t forget other African countries like Namibia, Zambia, and even beyond to South America’s Pantanal in Brazil, where jaguars are the stars of the show.The great thing about safaris is that they can be tailored to all kinds of budgets. In South Africa, for instance, Kruger National Park has everything from luxury lodges to more affordable self-drive options, where you can explore at your own pace. In Kenya, you can choose between high-end tented camps or simpler, yet comfortable lodges. So, whether you’re after a five-star experience or a more back-to-nature adventure, there’s something out there for everyone.Gordon’s here to share his expert tips on where to go and what to see on safari, as well as some unforgettable moments from his travels. Plus, I’m really excited because he’s also going to tell us all about his latest project, the fantastic BBC show Big Cats 24-7. Destination Recap:Serengeti Okavango Delta, Botswana Maun, BotswanaYala National Park, Sri Lanka Colombo, Sri Lanka Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka Ellesmere Island, Canadian Arctic Big Cats 24-7 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.With thanks to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club for their support of today’s episode. 

Today, I’m joined by the multi-talented Dawn O'Porter. Dawn’s had an extraordinary career, starting in TV production before making a name for herself presenting hard-hitting documentaries, where she travelled the world exploring fascinating topics like polygamy, size zero culture, and the geishas of Kyoto, Japan. But she’s best known now as a bestselling author, with nine incredible books under her belt, including The Cows, So Lucky, and her latest novel, Honeybee, which is already a huge hit. Dawn grew up in the Channel Islands on the beautiful island of Guernsey, a place she now cherishes for its breathtaking cliffs and sweeping beaches, though as a teenager, she yearned for big city life. After living in LA for 16 years with her husband, Bridesmaids actor Chris O'Dowd, and their two boys, she recently made the big move back to London. During her time in California, she uncovered her ultimate hidden gem that we’ll hear all about today, and her travel diaries today take us from Ibiza to Italy, Scotland to Japan and much more. Holly’s recommendation: Porto Zante, Zakynthos, GreeceDestination Recap:Guernsey, EnglandIbiza, Spain St Martin, Guernsey, EnglandFermain Bay, Guernsey, England Herm, Guernsey, England Sark, Guernsey, England Loch Lomond, Scotland Los Angeles, California, USAMayfair, London, England Marylebone, London, England Kyoto, JapanOjai, California, USAThailandRome, Italy Sienna, ItalyParis, France The MaldivesHONEYBEE by Dawn O’Porter is published by HarperCollins and is out nowThanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

I’m so excited to be joined by the journalist and TV presenter Ranvir Singh today. You’ll have seen Ranvir as a regular face on Good Morning Britain on ITV, where she’s known for handling everything from breaking news to tough political interviews and also presenting the Lorraine show when Lorraine herself is on her holidays, and beyond journalism, Ranvir showed a completely different side of herself on Strictly Come Dancing, a few years back. As we chat about on the episode, I used to work on Good Morning Britain as a producer alongside Ranvir, although our paths didn’t really cross especially much as I was handling the showbiz side of things, but I always felt her warm and friendly energy in the office, and you’ll hear today what I mean by that. I was really touched by how open and real Ranvir was in this interview, as a mother, a single parent, an advocate for diversity, and I’m sure many of you will relate to the emotions that her travel diaries hold for her, because they are some of her most treasured memories.And she is one of the most passionate guests I’ve had on the podcast when it comes to travel. She explains how it fuels her, and gets her through the everyday grind. I loved also hearing about the insider side of politics and political journalism - how she travelled on an RAF flight with the PM, and sat with former President Trump, it was fascinating. Ok, let’s buckle up and get started, here’s Ranvir. Holly's mention:Son Brull, MallorcaRanvir's Destination Recap:IndiaCalifornia, USABlackpool, EnglandLancaster, England AntiguaRagdale Hall, Leicestershire, England Dubai, UAEAbu Dhabi, UAETresind studio, Dubai, UAESEVA, Dubai, UAEMadikwe Lodge Game Reserve, South AfricaIceland Jordan Golden Temple, Amritsar, India Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India Salou, SpainJapanQuito, Ecuador Galapagos Islands, EcuadorJason Atherton’s Dubai Dishes Series 2, a 10-part series, is airing on ITV1 every Saturday and is available to watch on ITVX depending on when you listen to this.Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you.And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Today we’re diving into the heart of the Island of Ireland, its Legends and Landscapes, where every cliff, hill and glen whispers stories from a time long past. To get there is just a short flight or ferry ride from Great Britain, and yet arriving can feel like stepping into another world of history, mystery and breathtaking beauty. As Halloween approaches, there's no better time to delve into Ireland's ancient traditions. Did you know that the Island of Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween? It originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter and even today the spirit of Samhain lingers, with festivals and celebrations that pay homage to the old ways.To help us explore some more of Ireland’s incredible locations and the stories behind them, I’m joined by John O'Ceallaigh, one of our best loved travel journalists and editors, and an Ireland native from Galway on the west coast of Ireland. John’s deep connection to his country, and his experience writing about it, makes him the perfect guide for our journey today. We’re going to hear his Irish travel diaries today, from the wild beauty of Connemara and charming village of Roundstone to the Wild Atlantic Way’s luxurious coastal castles, and windswept islands, like Aran and Achill, taking in the sights, tastes and sounds along the way because of course Ireland is a feast for all senses. Brought to you in partnership with Tripadvisor and Tourism Ireland, whether you're planning your next adventure or simply dreaming of distant shores, let this episode be your gateway to Ireland’s legendary landscapes.Destination Recap: Connemara, Co. GalwayRoundstoune, Co. GalwayAran Islands, Co. GalwayPuca Festival, Co. Meath - around the time of Samhain each year (October 31) Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo Wild Atlantic Way driving routeCounty KerryCarrauntoohil, County KerryKerry to Cork, Wild Atlantic Way driving route Beara Peninsula, Cork English Market, Cork CityBallymaloe House Hotel, Co. Cork Adare Manor, Co. Limerick Park Hotel Kinmare, Co. Kerry Kai, Co. Galway Ard Bia at Nimmos, GalwayAniar, Galway Lignum, Galway Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry Skellig Beag, Co. Kerry Achill Island, Co. MayoWexford, Co. WexfordRock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary Newgrange, Co. Meath If you'd like to find out more about the Island of Ireland and source some more inspiration for a future trip, then head over to Tripadvisor's Ireland page - it has some brilliant guides on landscape, culture and gastronomy.Thanks so much for listening today! 

Today’s guest needs little introduction in the world of food and travel journalism, a renowned restaurant critic, a writer whose words can make your mouth water, and a familiar face on TV—many of you will recognise him from his appearances as a judge on MasterChef. It is of course Jay Rayner.Jay’s is a name synonymous with gastronomic excellence. As a long-time food critic for The Observer, he's sampled and critiqued some of the best, and worst, dining experiences around the globe. Beyond his razor-sharp reviews, he’s a celebrated author, his books like "The Man Who Ate the World" and "My Dining Hell” offering a deeper look into the intersections of food, culture, and travel. And he’s back with a new book, “Nights Out at Home, Recipes and Stories from 25 years as a restaurant critic". And he reflects on these years, and the 1000s restaurants he’s visited on today’s episode. I interviewed him a few weeks ago on the South Bank in London and I loved getting a glimpse into the world of reviewing restaurants, how it works, his tips on what to order when travelling, and the culinary destinations that have stood out to him, lots of restaurant recommendations as you might expect, so don’t forget they’re all included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and on the podcast website too. Holly’s Destination Recap:- Son Bunyola, Mallorca, SpainJay’s Destination Recap:Cromer, Norfolk, EnglandKnoll House Hotel, Studland Bay, EnglandErst, Manchester, England Gloriosa, Glasgow, Scotland Tayyabs, London, England Bentley’s, London, England Fallow, London, England Otto’s, London, England The Dining Room, The Ritz Hotel, England Takahashi, London, England Good Old Days, Reading, England Cubo, Birmingham, England Greece & Turkey backpacking Syros, Greece New York, USARuss & Daughters, NY, USAThe Fat Duck, Bray, England Wheelers, Whitstable, England Whitstable, England             Julian, California, USASteamboat, Oregon, USASylvia Beach Hotel, Oregon, USACastle Elvira, Puglia, Italy         The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France Moscow, Russia New ZealandAustralia“Nights Out at Home, Recipes and Stories from 25 years as a restaurant critic” is out now. Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

Welcome to Season 13 of The Travel Diaries! I’m so excited to be kicking it off with the multi-talented presenter, actor, comedian, singer, and writer, Alexander Armstrong.Most of you will know Alexander as the host of the long-running BBC quiz show Pointless, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. He’s had an incredible journey through comedy, starting with his breakout role in Armstrong and Miller, the comedy duo sketch show that gave us some unforgettable characters. He’s a classically trained singer with several albums under his belt. He’s fronted many fascinating travel documentaries. For the parents listening, you probably recognise his voice from iconic children’s shows like Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig and Ben & Holly. He’s now a children’s author too, with his novel Evenfall: The Golden Linnet, out now. We spoke a few weeks back in a suite at the beautiful Kensington Hotel and he couldn’t have been more charming. Relentlessly positive and so passionate about travel.Destination Recap: Magilligan, Northern IrelandAlnick, Sonnet, Dunstanburgh Castle, Wooler - Northumberland, EnglandFlorence, ItalyReykjavik, Iceland Edinburgh, Scotland Sri Lanka Galle, Sri Lanka Jaffna, Sri LankaDatai Langkawi, Malaysia St LuciaAdriatic boat trip"Evenfall: The Golden Linnet" by Alexander Armstrong is out now.*COMPETITION* - I’ve partnered with the stunning Eliamos hotel in Kefalonia to offer you a two-night stay in one of their gorgeous one-bedroom villas, with breakfast included and a spa treatment included for each guest. For your chance to win, just head over to my Instagram, @hollyrubenstein, where all the details are waiting for you!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 ToolIf 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 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 12 seasons to catch up on, that's over 125 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com See you next week!