Destination Unlocked

Travel writer, Sam Baldwin, shares his love for Slovenia. Hot off the heels of heartbreak, Sam threw himself into a dream of renovating a mountain hut, where the snow would fall thick in the winter. In moving to Slovenia he found a country and culture that he intrinsically connected with and wrote the travel memoir Doormice & Moonshine: Falling for Slovenia to capture his admiration of this lesser-visited country.

For more, visit: https://www.destinationunlocked.com/episode/slovenia

Who better to introduce Seville than the person who wrote the guidebook? Paul Stafford has been writing the Seville pages of the Lonely Planet Guide to Andalucia since 2021 and has so much top notch insight to share in this conversation.

He covers the must-see landmarks, areas that many visitors miss (but you shouldn't), top food tips, and regional highlights. This wide-ranging conversation draws together the multi-faceted cultural scene of Seville - home to flamenco, traditional Azulejos, and tapas.

Stay here: Eurostars Torre Sevilla ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

See this: Real Alcázar of Seville

Do this...

Travel journalist Kaye Holland regales Daniel with stories from the inaugural cruise of NCL's newest ship, Norwegian Luna. Having previously sailed with NCL, Kaye shares advice for repeat and first-time cruisers. Plus, this time she stayed in The Haven - a luxurious enclave onboard the mega ship with exclusive amenities and facilities. Will she ever cruise any other way in the future?

World Record-holding adventurer Holly Budge joins Daniel on the Destination Unlocked podcast to share her inspirational story of turning the thrill of adventure into a force for good in the world. Holly is inspired by female empowerment and animal conservation - she's worked out a neat way of tying all of her interests and skills together... and says you have everything it takes to do it too.

Links referenced in this episode:

Susie Bowers, from Visit Bristol, joins Daniel to talk about the largest city in the southwest of England. A city of 'five Bs', as she says... though, as the conversation develops the list of 'B's associated with Bristol grows and grows, which just goes to show how much there is to enjoy on a visit to Bristol.

An ideal city break for engineering buffs, cycling fans, hot air balloon adventurers and music lovers... not to forget the foodies and theatre darlings!

For more, check out Susie's book recommendation: An Opinionated Guide to Bristol

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Shiv Singh, founder of Iron Curtain Sports, joins Daniel to talk about Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. Shiv runs sport and adventure themed trips to the region, ranging from professional boxing bootcamps in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan to reclusive retreats in a remote hideaway, totally detached from technology. In this conversation, Shiv sets the scene of what to expect on your first visit to the region, and shares why he loves it so much and hopes it doesn't change as more people discover it.

Connect with our guest, Shiv Singh:

Find all of Shiv's...

This week, we're exploring the coastal town of Lymington in the New Forest with Catherine Gosney - founder of Club Thirty Three Luxury Travel Club. Lymington, on the UK's south coast, is where the New Forest meets the sea. 90 minutes from London, Lymington is an ideal escape from the hectic pace of the city; an opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the charm of a historic market town that continues to thrive.

Connect with this episode’s guest, Catherine Gosney:

https://www.instagram.com/clubthirtythreeluxurytravel

https://www.tiktok.com/@club.th...

Jazz musician and lifelong "Perthian", Emily Gelineau, introduces her city; the capital of Western Australia. With plenty of insights into the food and music scene as well as some incredible daytrip ideas, this conversation sets you up for the best trip to Perth and Australia's lesser visited West Coast.

Connect with this episode's guest, award-winning jazz musician Emily Gelineau:

https://www.instagram.com/emilygelineau

https://www.emilygelineau.com/

Enjoy more episodes of the Destination Unlocked podcast:

https://www.destinationunlocked.com

Connect with our...

Editor of Mountains Magazine, Olly Beckett, joins Daniel to chat about the world's greatest peaks, tips for enjoying the best mountain holidays, and insight into launching a new national magazine.

To read or order a print copy of Mountains Magazine, visit: www.mountains-magazine.com

Carly Singer joins us to share her expert insights on the stunning landscapes and rich experiences to be found in Cape Town and the Garden Route of South Africa. From breath-taking hikes up Table Mountain to the vibrant atmosphere of the V&A Waterfront, Carly paints a vivid picture of the region's must-see spots and hidden gems. We dive into the luxury travel experiences she curates, emphasizing the unique blend of culture, wildlife, and gastronomy that South Africa offers. Plus, if you're considering a safari, Carly shares her recommendations on private game reserves that provide an intimate encounter with...

Tess Bettison, development manager at Just a Drop, talks about ethical travel and how to use travel and tourism as a force for good. In this conversation, Tess tells Daniel about how her interest in international development was sparked as a child on family holidays. She shares how her career has developed so far, and we talk about some of the projects that Just a Drop delivers around the world on their mission to ensure every community around the world has access to clean water. Tess highlights how this really is just the beginning, once clean water is safely...

Today, we’re diving deep into the delectable region of Emilia Romagna with Francesco Casale from Cyclo Holidays, and trust me, you’re going to want to pack your bags after hearing this! Emilia Romagna is a hidden gem in Italy, celebrated not just for its rich culinary delights—think Parma ham and Bolognese sauce—but also for its stunning landscapes perfect for cycling. Francesco shares his personal journey from a competitive cyclist to a passionate guide, revealing how he fell in love with his homeland all over again after moving to London. We explore the charming towns, breathtaking countrys...

Get ready to unlock the vibrant and bustling city of Istanbul in this episode! We're joined by Dilek Orubegarcia from Orubes Travel Club, who shares insider tips on navigating this historical metropolis that straddles two continents. From must-see landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the unique culinary delights, Dilek dives into what makes Istanbul a must-visit destination. You'll learn how to avoid common tourist traps—like the crafty shoe-shining scam—and discover hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you're planning a short visit or a longer stay, we’ve got the essential insights to mak...

Today, we're unlocking the vibrant and complex city of Vancouver with our guest, Will Woods, founder of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours. We dive into the city's unique blend of stunning natural landscapes and a rich, sometimes dark history shaped by migration and hidden stories. From the breathtaking views of Stanley Park to the fascinating tales of prohibition and crime that lurk beneath the city's surface, Will shares why exploring Vancouver on foot is the best way to truly understand its essence. If you’re after more than just the picturesque postcard views and want to uncover the deeper narratives th...

Exploring Jerusalem with Leontine Cohen: History, Food, and Culture Unveiled

In this episode of 'Destination Unlocked', host Daniel Edward chats with Leontine Cohen, a seasoned tour guide in Jerusalem. Leontine shares her insights on the must-see attractions, cultural nuances, Shabbat experiences, and culinary delights of Jerusalem. From the iconic Wailing Wall to the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market, you will get an in-depth look at what makes this city so unique. Leontine also offers practical tips for tourists on transportation, language, and authentic souvenirs. Tune in to discover the heart of Jerusalem and plan your own unforgettable visit.<...

Join host Daniel Edward on Destination Unlocked, the chatty travel podcast, as he interviews Holly Axelrad, a luxury family travel planner. Together, they discuss the emerging family travel trends for 2026, including the rise of multi-generational trips, early booking habits, and the shift towards nature and adventure-focused holidays.

Discover top destinations like South Africa, Thailand, Costa Rica, Iceland, and the Maldives, and get practical advice for planning unforgettable family vacations. Tune in for insights, tips, and inspiration for your next family adventure.

In this episode of Destination Unlocked, Daniel sits down with Ann-Marie Brannigan, co-founder of Runner Bean Tours, one of Barcelona’s top walking tour companies. If you are planning a Barcelona trip or it is on your travel wishlist, this conversation is packed with calm, practical advice from someone who genuinely knows the city inside out.

Ann-Marie shares the reality of visiting famous sites like Sagrada Família, Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter, along with the local secrets most first-time visitors never discover. Think hidden Art Nouveau doorways, Catalan food traditions, and the surprisingly joyful Chri...

Serial backpacker, Bailey Cook joins Daniel in London for a wide-reaching conversation about exciting destinations, travel tips, and a personal journey of self-discovery while attempting to reach every country in the world with just 7kg of belongings on his back.

Connect with this episode’s guest, global traveller Bailey Cook:

https://www.instagram.com/backpackwithbailey

https://www.backpackwithbailey.com

Enjoy more episodes of the Destination Unlocked podcast:

https://www.destinationunlocked.com

Connect with our host, Daniel Edward:

https://www.danieledwarduk.com

https://www.in...

Reykjavik is a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be unlocked, and today we dive deep into what makes this stunning city the gateway to Iceland's natural wonders. Our guest, Valur Heiðar Sævarsson, the founder of Your Friend in Reykjavik, shares invaluable insights on navigating the city’s vibrant culture, from iconic sites like Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall to the picturesque Reykjavik Harbour. We explore the must-try local delicacies, including the beloved hot dogs, and the essential geothermal pools that are staples of Icelandic life. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned trave...

Oman is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, and in this episode, we dive deep into its enchanting landscapes and rich culture. Our guest, travel blogger Claire Hall from OmanWanderlust.com, shares her firsthand experiences living in Muscat for two and a half years. We discuss must-visit spots like the Grand Mosque, the stunning Wadi Shab, and the breathtaking Jebel Shams—Oman's Grand Canyon. Claire reveals practical tips for adventurers, from road trip routes to local delicacies like shua and Omani halwa. If you’re looking for a unique travel destination that offers both adventure and authentic Arabian cult...

Hillary Marzec (Inside Chicago Walking Tours) talks Daniel through the highlights of America's 'Best Big City', from architecture to food. If you're looking for an American city break, maybe the Windy City is the place for you.

Connect with this episode’s guest, tour guide Hillary Marzec:

https://www.destinationunlocked.com/guests/hillary-marzec

https://www.instagram.com/insidechicago/

https://www.facebook.com/insidechicagowalkingtours

https://www.insidechicagowalkingtours.com

Enjoy more episodes of the Destination Unlocked podcast:

https://www.destinationunlocked.com

Co...