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 in shows like Holby City and Eastenders, before winning the hearts of viewers as the champion of "Celebrity MasterChef" back in 2010. Not only did the show see Lisa reinvent herself as a TV chef and author of several best-selling cookbooks - she also met her now husband, Masterchef judge, and former guest of The Travel Diaries John Torode, and together they are now the hosts of John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen on ITV.

Lisa is an avid traveler with a deep love for exploring new cultures and cuisines. Her travels have taken her to the far corners of the globe, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the wild landscapes of Western Australia. Uncovering hidden culinary gems and soaking in the rich history of her favourite destinations, Lisa’s travel diaries take us from Paris and Greece, to Japan, Vietnam, Australia and beyond.

Destination recap:

• Ikos Resort, Thessaloniki, Greece
• Paris, France
• Japan
• Kyoto, Japan
• Ho Chi Minh, City, Vietnam
• Western Australia
• Margaret River, Western Australia
• Alberta’s, Busselton, Western Australia
• Dubai, UAE
• Westerns Laundry, London, England
• Nashville, Tennessee, USA

You can catch Lisa exploring Western Australia on John and Lisa’s Food Trip Down Under - the full series is now available to watch on ITVX.

And that’s a wrap for Season 12. I'll be back towards the end of September with Season 13, and lots more brilliant guests, and destination specials!

To celebrate today’s season finale, I also have a fabulous competition running on my Instagram page @hollyrubenstein where you can win a 2 night stay at Bodmin Jail Hotel in Cornwall, one of the most unique hotels in England. Good luck!

Wishing you all a fantastic rest of your summer (or winter, depending on where you are listening!) and wherever you’re heading, safe travels.

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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 to talk about his new documentary film, "The Mountain Within Me," which chronicles his journey from the rugby field to the mountaintops. The film isn't just about physical challenges; it's about the mental and emotional mountains we all face and how we can overcome them. In this episode, we'll dive deep into Ed's story, exploring the highs and lows of his recovery, his newfound passion for mountaineering, and the profound lessons he's learned along the way, as well as touching on some of his travel diaries chapters in the latter half of the episode, too.

From tragedy to triumph, one step at a time, here are the epic adventures of Ed Jackson.

Holly’s Destination Recap:

• Papaioannou. Mykonos, Greece
• Cali Mykonos, Greece

Ed’s Destination Recap:

• Fiji
• Mt Snowdon, Wales
• Nepal
• Matterhorn, Switzerland
• Primošten, Croatia
• Montepulciano, Italy
• Patagonia, Argentina

The Mountain within me is in UK cinemas from 23 August, with Preview Q&A Screenings from 19 August

You can find out more about Ed’s charity, at https://www.millimetres2mountains.org/

With thanks to Skyscanner - Visit skyscanner.net/carhire or download the Skyscanner app for free to start comparing car hire prices

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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 of Austria, exploring not just its stunning sights but also its unique Lebensgefühl which translates in english as “the sense of life” - that unmistakable feeling of joy and contentment that is so integral to the Austrian way of life. From relaxing in world-class spas and thermal baths to hiking through majestic Alpine pastures, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and music scene, to outdoor activities that cater to every age, Austria’s Lebensgefühl will be our guiding theme today.

To help us uncover the many layers of this extraordinary country, we have two fantastic guests. First, I’m thrilled to welcome Marina Fogle. Marina is the co-founder of The Bump Class, a renowned antenatal class provider, and the voice behind The Parent Hood Podcast. She is also the wife of TV presenter Ben Fogle. Marina has a special connection to Austria, spending many holidays there with her family, thanks to her Austrian heritage. She brings a wealth of personal anecdotes and insider tips that promise to give us a heartfelt glimpse into Austrian life.

Our second guest is Becki Enright, a distinguished travel journalist and Austria expert, who wrote the Vienna chapter of the Austria’s Lonely Planet guide and who calls Vienna her home. Becki’s extensive travels and deep-rooted knowledge of Austria make her the perfect guide to introduce us to the country’s hidden gems, cultural highlights, and must-see regions.

So, settle in and get ready to be transported to Austria, a land where natural beauty meets cultural richness, and every moment is infused with the joy of living.

Destination Show notes

Marina Fogle -

• Schlenken mountain, Salzburg
• Schmittenstein mountain, Salzburg
• Salzkammergut, Salzburg
• Lake Fuschl, Salzkammergut
• Arlberg Massif
• Salzburg

Becki Enright -

• Vienna
• Liechtensteinklamm, St. Johann im Pongau
• Eisriesenwelt, Werfen
• Area 47, Tirol
• Salzkammergut, Salzburg
• Hallstatt, Upper Austria
• Attersee, Upper Austria
• Wolfgangsee, Upper Austria
• Traunsee, Upper Austria
• Aquadome, Tirol
• Rogner Bad Blumau,
• Styrian Wine Road
• Bad Ischl, Salzkammergut, Upper Austria
• Bregenzerwald, Vorarlberg

For more information about Austria head to austria.info

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 and TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first 11 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

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