Destination Unlocked
Destination Unlocked is a conversational travel podcast hosted by travel writer and speaker Daniel Edward. In each episode, Daniel talks with a local guide or experienced traveller about a destination, offering practical advice for planning trips, getting around, and understanding local customs and culture. The show aims to save listeners research time by sharing useful tips and firsthand recommendations. Listeners can suggest destinations through the website, and local guides or travel experts can get in touch to join a future episode.
Episodes
Alcohol-free Ski Trips with Ben Coombes
Love the idea of a ski holiday, but less certain about all the drinking? Soberski founder Ben Coombes joins Daniel Edward to explore alcohol-free adventures in the French Alps and explain how to organise your first trip to the slopes.Daniel has never been skiing, so we start with the questions that experienced skiers sometimes forget need answering. What equipment should you hire? Is it worth havi
Northern Lights: The Aurora Zone with Jo Robertson
Could you watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed? Jo Robertson, Managing Director of The Aurora Zone, joins Daniel Edward to unpack Northern Lights holidays, from choosing your destination and travel dates to the adventures waiting beneath those extraordinary skies.Jo remembers her first display on a frozen lake in Finland, when a hotel owner confidently predicted the sky would eru
Canada: Coast to coast with Sandra Potter
Canada is big enough to make choosing where to go a holiday in itself. Sandra Potter, founder of Frontier Travel, returns to Destination Unlocked to help us find our way, from the lakes and mountains of the Rockies to Québec City’s historic streets and the icebergs off Newfoundland.Joining Daniel Edward for a coast-to-coast conversation, Sandra shares the places she loves, the journeys she recomme
Jersey: Castles, Giant Tides and Island Life with Malcolm Lewis
Jersey may sit just a short flight from Britain, but this tiny Channel Island has its own government, its own traditions and a character shaped by Norman history, wartime occupation and some of the largest tides in the world.Daniel is joined by Malcolm Lewis, owner of Longueville Manor, to unlock an island of medieval castles, sweeping beaches, exceptional seafood and wonderfully unexpected local
Antarctica and other luxury adventures with Sam Bradley
What does Antarctica look like beyond the familiar cruise routes? Sam Bradley of Cookson Adventures joins Daniel to reveal a different side of the White Continent, reached by air from Cape Town and experienced from a remote camp deep within the Antarctic interior.Sam shares what happened when he travelled south to research an extraordinary family adventure. He takes us inside vivid blue ice caves
Finland: Helsinki, Saunas and the Land of Sisu with Tim Bird
Finland is often reduced to two images: stylish Helsinki in the south and Santa Claus in snowy Lapland. Between them lies a vast country of forested islands, immense lakes, summer cottages, festivals and wood-fired saunas.This week, Daniel is joined by writer and photographer Tim Bird, who first moved from Britain to Finland in 1982. More than four decades later, Tim is a Finnish citizen and the a
Guyana: Waterfalls, Wildlife and the Road Less Travelled with Becca Marsh
Guyana is one of South America’s least familiar destinations, yet it offers something increasingly rare: immense wilderness, extraordinary wildlife and travel experiences still rooted in small communities rather than mass tourism.Travel writer Becca Marsh joins Daniel to share what she discovered during six weeks travelling across Guyana while updating the fourth edition of the Bradt Guide to Guya
Luxury Barge River Cruising in France with Rosie Mansfield
French Waterways CEO Rosie Mansfield reveals how luxury hotel barges turn France's canals into intimate journeys through villages, vineyards and regional food.What if the best way to see France is not from a large river ship, but from a luxury hotel barge travelling slowly through its canals, vineyards and villages?In this episode of Destination Unlocked, Daniel Edward is joined by Rosie Mansfield
Sicily Beyond the Postcard with Danielle Nemesio
Sicily is more than turquoise water, baroque towns and scenes from The White Lotus. Travel creator Danielle Nemesio joins Daniel to reveal the island beneath the postcard, from Palermo’s exuberant markets and Mount Etna’s volcanic vineyards to family rituals, fierce hospitality and the realities of making a life in Sicily.In this episode of Destination Unlocked, Danielle takes us beneath Sicily’s
Cornwall & Devon with author Richard Collett
Travel journalist Richard Collett joins Daniel Edward to explore Devon and Cornwall through coast, food, tourism, regional identity and Britain’s internal borders.https://www.destinationunlocked.comDevon and Cornwall share England’s far south-west, but cross the River Tamar and the differences quickly become more than a line on the map.Travel journalist Richard Collett joins Daniel Edward to explo
Tenerife beyond the resorts with John Reid
Tenerife is one of Europe’s great winter-sun escapes - but if your entire experience is limited to a pool, a buffet and a strip of imported bars, you may return home without really meeting the island at all.In this episode, Daniel Edward is joined by writer John Reid, whose family connections with Tenerife stretch back generations. John spent many years showing visitors around the island as a priv
Alaska by Train with Rail Guide Derek Mooneyham
Alaska is so vast that even a 300-mile railway journey covers only a fraction of it. To experience more of the Last Frontier, rail guide Derek Mooneyham recommends combining the glaciers and coastal communities of an Alaska cruise with a journey inland to Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park.Derek joins Daniel to explain what makes Alaska unlike anywhere else in the United States. Their j
Lagos: Nigeria's Culture Hub with Theatre Festival Director Vanessa Jev
Lagos is loud, crowded and relentlessly energetic - but Vanessa Jev believes first-time visitors soon learn to move with it. In this episode, the director of the Lagos International Theatre Festival joins Daniel to explore the food, neighbourhoods and creative communities of her adopted home.For More: https://www.destinationunlocked.comVanessa explains why Victoria Island and Lekki are convenient
Island hopping in Croatia with Mary Novakovich
Croatia’s Adriatic coast may look made for effortless island-hopping, but choosing the right route can transform the trip. Travel writer Mary Novakovich joins Daniel to unlock the islands, ferry hubs, food and local customs of coastal Croatia, drawing on decades of travel and her own family ties to the country.Check our website for more >> https://www.destinationunlocked.comMary begins in th
Legend of the Seas: Kaye Holland reviews Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship
Travel journalist Kaye Holland joins Daniel Edward on Destination Unlocked to recap her inaugural sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world (up to 7,600 passengers).They discuss how the ship is designed as a “destination” with eight neighbourhoods, including the plant-filled Central Park, plus multiple pools and an adults-only hideaway to spread crowds o
Celebrating 250 years of the USA with Sandra Potter
Specialist travel agent Sandra Potter (Frontier Travel) joins Daniel to take a whistlestop tour of her favourite destinations in the United States of America, to celebrate the country's 250th Independence Day.https://www.destinationunlocked.com
Epirus and Meteora: hikers' paradise in Northern Greece
We delve into the hidden treasures of Northern Greece, exploring the breathtaking regions of Epirus and Meteora. With Sofia Mastoridis from Natura Greca as our guide, we uncover the lush landscapes and rich cultural experiences that often go unnoticed by tourists who flock to the islands.From the stunning Vicos Gorge, home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, to the unique stone villages of
Angola: Africa's next hot destination?
Africa specialist and travel writer, Ian Packham, joins Daniel ahead of the updated Bradt Guide to Angola.Ian discusses first visiting during a 13-month, 31-country public-transport journey around Africa and returning to research guidebooks, describing Angola as a large, under-visited country often associated with civil war but rich in geographic diversity, coastline, wildlife, and culture. Highli
The Ultimate Guide to Your First African Safari
In this episode, Vivian McCarthy of Acacia Adventure Tours, tells us all you need to know ahead of taking your first safari trip to Africa. Plus, he shares exciting news that teenagers (16+) can now join any of Acacia's safari trips for the first time. Ideal for a multi-generational family adventure.Get ready to embark on an unforgettable safari adventure as we dive into the enchanting world of Af
Valletta: City of Knights with Juliet Rix
Juliet Rix - the go-to voice on Malta - shares her fascination for this small Mediterranean island nation to the south of Sicily. From prehistoric tombs to monumental cathedrals - Malta's story is one of conquest and defence. It has emerged as a wonderfully enriching destination to visit... plus it's rather beautifully sunny too.
Cycle Through History: The Epic Napoleon Tour with Dylan Reynolds
Dylan Reynolds, the founder of Ride & Seek, unlocks the secrets to epic cycling adventures that go beyond just riding from point A to B. In our chat, we delve into his journey from childhood cycling escapades to leading epic tours like the Napoleon Tour, which retraces the historic march of Napoleon's army across Europe. We explore the blend of cycling with cultural immersion, discussing the i
Empowering Adventures: Accessible Tourism Insights with Matt Dennis
Accessible travel is a vital topic that transforms the way we think about exploring the world, and today, we dive deep into this subject with Matt Dennis from the Empowered Traveller. Matt shares his personal journey, highlighting how accessible tourism isn't just about wheelchair access; it's about creating opportunities for individuals with various abilities to enjoy the joy of travel. We discus
Maremma: a wild side of Tuscany
Sarah Matilde Madiona joins Daniel to talk about the lesser-visited side of Tuscany. Yes, we've all heard of Florence and Pisa... but how about Maremma? The wilder side of Tuscany embraces nature and a slower pace of life. For an authentic visit to the Italian countryside, this is it.
Slovenia: Love's in the name for a reason
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 le
Seville with Guidebook Writer Paul Stafford
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 t
Step onboard the brand new Norwegian Luna
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?
How skydiving Everest led to something much bigger for Holly Budge
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
Bristol: UK home of food and festivals
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
Kazakhstan: The surprising wilderness adventure hotspot
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 vi
Lymington: Unlock a hidden gem of the New Forest
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
Perth: Australia's west coast surf capital
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.insta
Mountains: Up in the peaks with Mountains Magazine
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
Cape Town: City highlights and safaris
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, emphasizi
Destination Unlocked: Ethical Travel with Tess Bettison from Just a Drop
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
Destination Unlocked: Emilia Romagna - food, bikes and fancy cars
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 persona
Destination Unlocked: Istanbul - A Journey Between Two Continents with Dilek Orubegarcia
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'
Destination Unlocked: Vancouver - Will Woods on nature, food and urban legends
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 ci
Destination Unlocked: Jerusalem - Leontine Cohen introduces the Holy (Hummus) City
Exploring Jerusalem with Leontine Cohen: History, Food, and Culture UnveiledIn 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,
Destination Unlocked: 2026 Family Travel Trends with Luxury Planner Holly Axelrad
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 R
Destination Unlocked: Barcelona - Ann-Marie Brannigan on Gaudi, Food and Catalan Culture
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 l
Could you backpack around the world with just 7kg of belongings?
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/backpackwithbaileyhttps://www.backpackwithbaile
Reykjavik: life in a land of legend
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 pictu
Muscat: The best adventure hideaway in the Middle East?
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. Clai
Chicago: America's Best Big City... It's Official!
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-marzechttps://www.instagram.com/insidechicago/https://www.fac
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