On today’s bonus Destination Special we’re heading to Ireland, one of my favourite places in the world. Ireland has this special kind of magic. It asks you to slow down, to dig beneath the surface, to chat to the people behind the bar and to take your time - to walk, to wander, to just sit and soak it all up. Joining me is someone who knows the country inside and out - the brilliant comedian and actor, Ardal O’Hanlon. You’ll know Ardal, of course, from TV's Father Ted, where he stole the show as...
Jun 10, 2025•41 min
Today’s guest is a titan of political journalism - someone whose calm, incisive reporting helped us make sense of the madness during one of the most dramatic chapters in American political history. It’s Jon Sopel, the former BBC North America Editor, who spent eight rollercoaster years covering the United States, through Trump, through Covid, through history being made in real time.He’s interviewed presidents, grilled press secretaries, and yes - even been shouted at by Donald Trump himself. Now...
May 06, 2025•58 min
This week’s guest is someone who many of us will feel we already know. A calm and trusted presence in our living rooms each evening, she’s one of the most familiar faces in British broadcasting - BBC News presenter, correspondent, and author, Reeta Chakrabarti. Raised in Birmingham, Reeta spent part of her teenage years in Calcutta, India - an experience that would later shape her global perspective both as a journalist and a writer. Her career has taken her all over the world, from covering the...
Apr 29, 2025•55 min
Today we’re joined by Gaby Roslin. Gaby first burst onto our screens in the early 1990s, co-hosting The Big Breakfast with Chris Evans - a show that would become one of the most iconic breakfast TV programmes in the UK. Since then, she’s carved out an extraordinary career as a presenter and broadcaster, spanning television, radio, and podcasting interviewing everyone from Michael Jackson, to the cast of Friends. Gaby is also a passionate traveller, with a deep-rooted sense of wonder about the wo...
Apr 22, 2025•38 min
Today’s guest is quite literally a national treasure. She’s a Dame, a queen of the kitchen, an author, a restaurateur, and of course, the judge who has been serving up wit and wisdom alongside cakes and crumbles on The Great British Bake Off since 2017… it is the one and only Dame Prue Leith. Born and raised in South Africa, Prue moved to London in the swinging Sixties and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. She founded Leith’s - a hugely successful restaurant in No...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Welcome to our first Budget Travel Special! This is one that you, the listeners, have been asking for a lot - and I get it! Travel can feel expensive and overwhelming, but what if I told you that it really doesn’t have to be? That’s why I knew I had to bring on the ultimate budget travel expert - someone who has made it her mission to help people travel smarter, stretch their money further, and still enjoy incredible experiences, Chelsea Dickenson, aka the Cheap Holiday Expert. Chelsea has built...
Apr 08, 2025•55 min
My guest today is a true force of nature. From the moment she burst onto the scene as a child prodigy with that voice, she became one of the most famous classical singers in the world, performing for presidents, popes, and royalty. It is of course, Charlotte Church. Her early career was a whirlwind - global fame, relentless travel, and a life that few could truly understand. We talk about what that was really like behind the scenes, the highs and the inevitable challenges of growing up in the sp...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 7 min
I can’t quite believe we’re here - Season 14! And what a way to kick things off because today’s guest is nothing short of musical royalty. Nile Rodgers is a man whose music has shaped generations. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, he’s the genius behind some of the biggest songs in history, think Le Freak , Good Times , and We Are Family . As the co-founder of CHIC, he pioneered the sound of disco and funk, but his influence didn’t stop there. From producing L...
Mar 25, 2025•57 min
I’m so excited to bring you the third and final holiday special to round off 2024. And once again thank you for tuning in throughout the year—your support has been incredible. On today’s Destination Special we’re joined by a truly extraordinary guest—someone who’s not only a trailblazer in the music industry but also a passionate traveller with a love for extraordinary adventures. She’s a singer, songwriter, actress, and cultural icon whose music has been the soundtrack to so many of our lives. ...
Dec 31, 2024•53 min
On today’s destination special, we’re going to be discovering a country which, for the longest time, was out of reach for travellers, Saudi Arabia, or Saudi as it’s now known. Within the travel industry Saudi has been front and centre for the past few years, with prominent features about its developments in most of the major travel magazines; the world’s leading luxury hotel brands from Six Senses to Aman have been announcing impressive future openings across the country, and new tourist destina...
Dec 17, 2024•56 min
Welcome back to The Travel Diaries podcast! I’m your host, Holly Rubenstein, and I’m so thrilled to be back with you for the first of three Christmas specials to bring bit of festive sparkle to your holiday season. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be bringing you conversations with some truly wonderful guests, and who better to start us off than the brilliant Sandi Toksvig? Sandi is a comedian, writer, broadcaster, actor, activist, and, of course, a beloved TV presenter. You’ll know her from QI, wher...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr
Today's guest is truly beloved figure in British television - someone who many of us feel we already know so well - Monty Don. For over two decades, Monty has been the heart and soul of BBC’s Gardeners’ World, inspiring millions to embrace the joys and therapeutic benefits of gardening. His connection to nature has taken him all over the globe, all in search of the profound ways that different cultures engage with the land. Alongside Gardeners’ World, Monty has brought us stunning travel series ...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Welcome to this season's Family Travel Special. Having been thrust into the world of family travel a couple of years with the arrival of my daughter, I quickly realised that it’s an area that there could be a lot more helpful information about, it’s a huge market and I was scouring the internet for destinations and hotels that weren’t your typical all inclusive family resorts, and I really struggled. So I decided to integrate these into the travel diaries podcast lineup, to hopefully give you so...
Nov 09, 2024•46 min
Today we’re uncovering one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet - Orlando, Florida. Orlando is the most visited destination in the USA, and after listening to this episode, you’ll understand why. It’s the theme park capital of the world, home to seven of the world’s top theme parks. From Magic Kingdom to Universal Studios, there's something for everyone. And there’s a brand new theme park opening in May 2025, Universal’s Epic Universe. It’s set to feature over 50 attractions, ent...
Nov 05, 2024•55 min
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 f...
Oct 29, 2024•48 min
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 landmark...
Oct 26, 2024•23 min
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 dang...
Oct 22, 2024•54 min
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-ins...
Oct 19, 2024•43 min
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...
Oct 15, 2024•53 min
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 ...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min
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? I...
Oct 04, 2024•40 min
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 r...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 9 min
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 t...
Sep 24, 2024•53 min
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 ...
Aug 13, 2024•48 min
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 ...
Aug 06, 2024•48 min
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 o...
Jul 30, 2024•47 min
It’s Season 12! And today’s guest is a truly special season opener - someone whose vibrant personality, culinary expertise, and passion for storytelling has made her a beloved figure on both sides of the Atlantic. Of course we are joined by the fabulous, Andi Oliver. Andi is a multi-talented dynamo who has worn many hats throughout her illustrious career. She’s a renowned chef, a charismatic TV presenter, and a celebrated musician. From her early days as a punk rock singer in the band Rip Rig + ...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 18 min
It’s the Season 11 finale and to celebrate we’ve got a cosmic treat for you as we rocket into the mesmerising realm of space with the legendary British astronaut Tim Peake. A Space Destination Special, if you will - though we do cover some destinations here on planet earth, too, of course! Tim honed his skills as a test pilot and helicopter pilot in the British Army Air Corps. After nearly 18 years of military service, he spotted an ad from the European Space Agency (ESA) to become an astronaut....
May 07, 2024•55 min
On today’s bonus Destination Special episode, we are heading to the sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago that is Magnificent Malta. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, about 3 hours direct flight from England, Malta is a stunning island nation with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Imagine rugged cliffs overlooking crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches framed by ancient fortresses, and bustling towns adorned with colourful balconies and cobblestone streets. Geog...
May 04, 2024•31 min
On today’s episode I’m joined by a titan of the travel industry, Yolanda Edwards. Formerly the creative director of Condé Nast Traveler in the US, Yolanda went on to launch the critically acclaimed Yolo Journal , a quarterly travel lifestyle magazine, which showcases real finds from interesting people around the world, not just industry insiders. Its accompanied by a weekly newsletter , which is a huge favourite among in the know travel lovers. She also has the prestigious title of US and Canada...
Apr 30, 2024•47 min
