In this Destination Special episode, we head to Turkey or Türkiye as it’s now officially known - a country where continents, cultures and centuries collide. From the energy of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and from the beach clubs of Antalya to the hidden coves of the Turquoise C…In this Destination Special episode, we head to Turkey or Türkiye as it’s now officially known - a country where continents, cultures and centuries collide. From the energy of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and from the beach clubs of Antalya to the hidden coves of the Turquoise Coast, this is a journey through one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories and recommendations from past Travel Diaries guests including Simon Reeve, Beverley Knight, Jamie Laing and Fiona Duncan, alongside expert insight from travel writer Annabelle Thorpe, who shares where to go, what not to miss, and her favourite hidden gems.
Whether you’re planning a multi-stop itinerary or dreaming of your next escape, this episode is packed with inspiration for exploring Turkey.
• Derinkuyu
• Kaymaklı
• Red Valley
• Argos in Cappadocia
Antalya & Surrounds
• Kaleiçi
• Lara
• Belek
Turquoise Coast / Southwest Coast
• Fethiye
• Hillside Beach Club
• Göcek
• Dalyan
• Marmaris Bay
• Marmaris
Kalkan & Kaş Area
• Kalkan
• Villa Mahal
• Merkez
• Kaş
• Kekova
• Meis
• Çıralı
Bozburun Peninsula
• Selimiye
• Orhaniye
• Bozburun
Datça Peninsula
• Datça
• Knidos
• D Maris Bay
Dalaman Area
• Ahama hotel
Eastern Turkey
• Gaziantep
• Mount Nemrut
With thanks to trip.com for their support of today’s episode. If you’re anything like me and tend to plan quite layered, multi-stop trips, trip.com is a really useful tool to have in your back pocket. What I love is being able to see everything in one place, whether that’s flights, hotels, trains or experiences, and to just map it all out properly. With trip.com I can book everything - perfect for exploring a destination as vast and diverse as Turkey.
If you’re enjoying The Travel Diaries, don’t forget to follow or subscribe on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.
You can also follow me on Instagram @hollyrubenstein and on TikTok for more travel inspiration and behind the scenes.
Thanks again for listening, and see you next week!
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The TSA funding crisis has airports in chaos — agents are working without pay, some airports have massive lines, and others are totally fine. Mark recaps his multi-country Europe trip: Turkish Airlines business class to Istanbul for 70K miles, a last-minute pivot to Warsaw, Ryanair's bus-terminal ai…The TSA funding crisis has airports in chaos — agents are working without pay, some airports have massive lines, and others are totally fine. Mark recaps his multi-country Europe trip: Turkish Airlines business class to Istanbul for 70K miles, a last-minute pivot to Warsaw, Ryanair's bus-terminal airport, honest reviews of the Hyatt Centric Dublin and Aer Lingus narrow-body business class, and whether St. Patrick's Day in Ireland is actually worth the trip.
In This Episode:
• TSA funding crisis — agents unpaid, long lines, privatization debate
• Turkish Airlines business class Detroit to Istanbul (70K miles, A350, on-board chef)
• Istanbul Airport transit and Priority Pass lounges
• Warsaw on a budget — Sheraton via Bilt $200 credit, Old Town, Chopin benches
• Ryanair Warsaw to Dublin — the bus-terminal experience
• Hyatt Centric Dublin review — skip it, book the DoubleTree Morrison
• St. Patrick's Day in Dublin vs Carnival vs Mardi Gras
• Aer Lingus A321neo business class for 57,500 AA miles — throne seat or bust Episode Guide:
• 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel
• 0:21 - TSA funding crisis and the privatization debate
• 8:10 - Turkish Airlines business class to Istanbul for 70K miles - They broke my tooth!
• 13:22 - Istanbul Airport and Priority Pass lounges
• 15:38 - Warsaw on a budget — Sheraton via Bilt, Old Town, nightlife
• 19:44 - Ryanair's bus-terminal airport to Dublin
• 22:25 - Dublin hotels — Hyatt Centric vs DoubleTree Morrison
• 24:26 - St. Patrick's Day in Dublin — the honest verdict
• 28:30 - Aer Lingus A321neo business class for 57,500 AA miles - Is it comfy? ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free — Travel Freely
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Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Hyatt just dropped five new pricing tiers on their award chart — and it's got Shawn and Mark rethinking their entire hotel strategy. Plus: Mark had to scrap his Istanbul trip, rebook his whole Europe itinerary using Aeroplan, Life…Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Hyatt just dropped five new pricing tiers on their award chart — and it's got Shawn and Mark rethinking their entire hotel strategy. Plus: Mark had to scrap his Istanbul trip, rebook his whole Europe itinerary using Aeroplan, LifeMiles, Delta SkyMiles, and Bilt credits, and lived to tell the tale. And yes — the LifeMiles call center almost broke him. **What we cover:** - Hyatt's award chart devaluation: five new tiers and what it actually means for redemptions - Why Hyatt's value proposition was always about consistency and Chase earning (not footprint) - Mark's current hotel rankings: Hilton free night certs, IHG's underrated card refresh, and Accor's flexible points - Choice Hotels and why Benjy's going to be thrilled - The Hilton Surpass card: still the best mid-tier hotel card and why - Hyatt free night certs — are they actually worth more now post-devaluation? - Why Mark abandoned Istanbul and pivoted to Warsaw two weeks before the trip - Rebuilding the whole itinerary: 70K Aeroplan on Turkish, 8K United miles Istanbul-Warsaw, 25K Delta SkyMiles on Air France business, and Bilt credits for the Sheraton - Turkish Airlines IT nightmare: can't check in, ticket number mismatch, and the LifeMiles call center hangup saga - RyanAir reality check: what Americans need to know about weight limits and bag rules - The case for travel flexibility and why points make last-minute pivots actually possible 📧 Free newsletter: https://milestomemories.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=39c6737d725a04fea73324680&id=1e73edd8c8 ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free: https://milestomemories.boardingarea.com/go/travel-freely-eop/ 💳 Join our free Facebook group (16,000+ members): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164408426942519 🏆 Diamond Patreon (bonus shows + Slack community): https://www.patreon.com/milestomemories 🥇 Gold Membership ($10/mo): https://www.patreon.com/milestomemories 🎧 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/is/podcast/mtm-travel-the-fun-side-of-points-travel/id1476287601 📖 Miles to Memories website: http://milestomemories.com 👍 Help us reach 10,000 subscribers — subscribe if you haven't already! Are you sticking with Hyatt after the devaluation, or have you already moved on? Let us know what hotel program is your go-to right now! #MilesToMemories #MilesAndPoints #CreditCards #Hyatt #HotelPoints #TravelHacking Episode Description: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 - Shawn's MGM Grand stay via Chase Edit 1:54 - Hyatt devaluation breakdown 3:06 - What Hyatt got right (and wrong) — Mark's take 3:51 - Mark's hotel program rankings today 4:44 - Hilton free night certs vs. Marriott vs. Hyatt 5:08 - Breaking down hotel point values the right way 5:52 - Hilton credit card strategy + IHG's underrated refresh 7:49 - Accor: the most flexible points redemption nobody talks about 8:36 - IHG value vs. Hilton, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels 9:02 - Why Choice is underrated (Benjy was right) 9:24 - Elite status: who does it best and worst 10:27 - The Radisson/Club Carlson BOGO nostalgia lesson 10:49 - Hyatt guest of honor and the 60-night question 11:22 - Hilton Surpass: best mid-tier card and why 11:51 - Hyatt free night certs — still worth it? 12:14 - Don't sleep on Wyndham or Choice via Citi ThankYou points 12:53 - Hilton Las Vegas credits — Shawn finally got the memo 13:54 - Mark's Istanbul pivot: why he bailed on the original plan 14:33 - Turkish Airlines IT nightmare: can't check in, ticket number chaos 16:50 - LifeMiles call center: the hangup heard 'round the world 19:26 - The full rebooked itinerary: Warsaw, RyanAir, Air France business, Bilt Sheraton 23:10 - Rebuilding home leg: Aer Lingus business + LifeMiles to Detroit 24:35 - The real lesson: points make travel flexibility possible 25:25 - What are you doing with Hyatt? Let us know
Advertiser Disclosure: This site/channel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site/channel (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.more
This Week on Drop A Pin we are coming to you from a hotel room in Istanbul with one of the baldstoolies, Jeremy Phelps, who you will see in Baldstool Season 2. Jeremy is from Boston so he is here to give us his thoughts on Istanbul and Cappadocia, and to overall give a sense of what's to come in Bal…This Week on Drop A Pin we are coming to you from a hotel room in Istanbul with one of the baldstoolies, Jeremy Phelps, who you will see in Baldstool Season 2. Jeremy is from Boston so he is here to give us his thoughts on Istanbul and Cappadocia, and to overall give a sense of what's to come in Baldstool Season 2.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) - Show Start
(00:15:17) - Cappadocia
(00:30:19) - A Word From Our Sponsors
(00:38:03) - Istanbul Facts
(00:54:14) - Baldstool Season 2
Visit https://nobullproject.com and use code DROPAPIN for 35% off your entire FIRST order.
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Discover the best things to do, eat and experience in Istanbul, a vibrant city that spans both Europe and Asia. In this episode, I share my favorite historic sites, food experiences, spa rituals and can't miss activities, along with tips for navigating the city with ease. Whether you're planning a t…Discover the best things to do, eat and experience in Istanbul, a vibrant city that spans both Europe and Asia. In this episode, I share my favorite historic sites, food experiences, spa rituals and can't miss activities, along with tips for navigating the city with ease. Whether you're planning a trip or dreaming of one, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Istanbul!more
Join Mike Putman and James Ferrara from No Tourists Allowed as they recount their latest global adventures, from the bustling Panama Canal and historic Istanbul to vibrant Barcelona and glamorous Las Vegas. Discover thrilling travel tips and dive into a vital discussion on overtourism, but don't mis…Join Mike Putman and James Ferrara from No Tourists Allowed as they recount their latest global adventures, from the bustling Panama Canal and historic Istanbul to vibrant Barcelona and glamorous Las Vegas. Discover thrilling travel tips and dive into a vital discussion on overtourism, but don't miss your chance to win a 7-day luxury Alaska cruise for two with Princess Cruise Lines! Visit notouristsallowed.com now to enter the giveaway and gain invaluable insights on mindful, authentic travel from our decades of experience.
Links
• Enter the Giveaway
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Share this episodeProduced by Podcast Studio X.more
Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It's a spot where everything feels alive and you can't help but be wowed by the humanity of it all.
Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand n…Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It's a spot where everything feels alive and you can't help but be wowed by the humanity of it all.
Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand new Peninsula Istanbul. We discuss everything from Turkish cuisine, to the contemporary art scene, to the special elements that Peninsula has brought to the city.
And as a special bonus for this episode, Jonathan is offering VIP meet and greet, a yacht arrival experience, and an upgrade to a suite for the first listener to book the property through Bell & Bly Travel!
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/
This week we're off to Istanbul, a unique city straddling two continents. Journalist Jennifer Hattam takes us on a tour of Byzantine monuments, Ottoman mosques and traditional taverns. Tune in for Turkish breakfast, hammam culture and island excursions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m…This week we're off to Istanbul, a unique city straddling two continents. Journalist Jennifer Hattam takes us on a tour of Byzantine monuments, Ottoman mosques and traditional taverns. Tune in for Turkish breakfast, hammam culture and island excursions... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more
On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys celebrate the pod's 200th episode with travel icon Rick Steves! Kiernan chats with Rick about his latest book "On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer" and about how keeping a journal can make one int…On this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," the boys celebrate the pod's 200th episode with travel icon Rick Steves! Kiernan chats with Rick about his latest book "On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer" and about how keeping a journal can make one into a keener observer of culture.
Rick's philosophy of travel is that if you haven't come back changed, you didn't do it right. This interview will leave you changed.
Brent is sampling the tastiest small plates including tangy pickled vegetables in Seville, eggplant mezze in Istanbul, delicious artichokes in Barcelona, salted cod on top of polenta in Venice, .Plus, delicious drinks with your snacks like a Select spritz or a little glass of sherry. [Ep 331]
Show …Brent is sampling the tastiest small plates including tangy pickled vegetables in Seville, eggplant mezze in Istanbul, delicious artichokes in Barcelona, salted cod on top of polenta in Venice, .Plus, delicious drinks with your snacks like a Select spritz or a little glass of sherry. [Ep 331]
Show Notes:
Tours in Barcelona, Seville, and Istanbul with Culinary Backstreets
Two German tour guides let us in on the back story behind Berlin's most memorable monuments to their country's turbulent history. Then two Turks tuck into a discussion of the traditional Turkish street eats, comfort foods, and desserts they recommend for a tasty visit to Istanbul. And an American wh…Two German tour guides let us in on the back story behind Berlin's most memorable monuments to their country's turbulent history. Then two Turks tuck into a discussion of the traditional Turkish street eats, comfort foods, and desserts they recommend for a tasty visit to Istanbul. And an American who met — then married — a local artist in Bhutan shares tips for surmounting the logistical hurdles of visiting this remote Himalayan kingdom.more
Actress Miranda Richardson shares her incredible travel secrets on this week’s episode.
Miranda reveals to Tanya Rose why Istanbul makes her feel better about being human, the most accessible cruise she’s been on (as someone who isn’t a fan of cruises!) and why you should never order food during a …Actress Miranda Richardson shares her incredible travel secrets on this week’s episode.
Miranda reveals to Tanya Rose why Istanbul makes her feel better about being human, the most accessible cruise she’s been on (as someone who isn’t a fan of cruises!) and why you should never order food during a full moon in Sri Lanka.
Don’t forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.
Places mentioned:
Istanbul, Turkey
Alaska
Italy
Naples
Tuscany
Portofino
Sri Lanka
Luxor, Egypt
Finland
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more
This week on Drop A Pin, The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps are joined by Barstool’s Rudy, White Sox Dave (@barstoolwsd), and Nicky Smokes (@nickysmokes) for an epic journey to Istanbul 🇹🇷!
From restoring their hairlines to exploring one of the world’s most vibrant cities, this episode has it all.
💇♂…This week on Drop A Pin, The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps are joined by Barstool’s Rudy, White Sox Dave (@barstoolwsd), and Nicky Smokes (@nickysmokes) for an epic journey to Istanbul 🇹🇷!
From restoring their hairlines to exploring one of the world’s most vibrant cities, this episode has it all.
💇♂️ Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Rudy, Dave, and Nicky share their painful but worth-it experiences getting hair transplants in Istanbul, the global capital of medical tourism.
🚦 Istanbul Traffic Madness: The crew talks about navigating the city’s infamous traffic jams, near-death taxi rides, and the art of Turkish driving.
🍢 Turkish Cuisine: Donnie and Chaps rave about kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea while the gang debates their favorite—and least favorite—dishes.
🕌 Rich History & Stunning Sights: From the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar, the group reflects on Istanbul's fascinating blend of ancient culture and modern hustle.
🤹♂️ Cultural Oddities: Street performers, quirky traditions, and moments that left the crew saying, “Only in Istanbul!”
Old World traditions — fasting, feasting, incense, and song — make Bulgaria's Christmas season special, and tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev invites us to imagine it with him. Then an Istanbul guide updates us on the latest big news in Turkey's cultural capital, and a culinary historian inspires us to p…Old World traditions — fasting, feasting, incense, and song — make Bulgaria's Christmas season special, and tour guide Stefan Bozadzhiev invites us to imagine it with him. Then an Istanbul guide updates us on the latest big news in Turkey's cultural capital, and a culinary historian inspires us to peruse our spice racks as she discusses the often surprising origins of the eight flavors that unite America's diverse cuisines.more
In this episode, Tim and David dive into the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where East truly meets West. With a population of over 15 million, Istanbul offers endless experiences for travelers. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll hear:
Episode Highlights:
• Ti…In this episode, Tim and David dive into the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where East truly meets West. With a population of over 15 million, Istanbul offers endless experiences for travelers. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll hear:
Episode Highlights:
• Tim’s Insider Tips: Tim shares why Istanbul is one of his favorite cities, from its great air connections to the constant variety of things to do.
• David's First-Time Experience: Having visited recently, David recounts his three-day trip and how the city lived up to his expectations with stunning architecture, rich history, and an incredible food scene.
Must-Visit Spots:
• Spice Market: Both Tim and David discuss the lively atmosphere of the spice market, where haggling is an Olympic sport and the sensory overload is unforgettable. Tim describes how even on a rainy day, the market feels like a warm and welcoming haven.
Landmarks & Unique Sights:
• Blue Mosque: A must-see with its iconic blue tiles and architectural grandeur.
• Basilica Cistern: David shares his awe of this underground marvel, describing it as a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Nomads Bar: David mentions the exciting atmosphere at Nomads Bar, where live Arabic music and belly dancers entertain guests while they enjoy great food and drinks with stunning city views.
Food Highlights:
• Turkish Breakfast & The Pudding Shop: David highlights the legendary Pudding Shop for a delicious Turkish breakfast.
• Top Restaurants: Tim recommends Tugra at Churgan Palace for a Michelin-starred Ottoman dining experience and Pendeli for a more affordable, traditional meal.
Hotel Recommendations:
• Luxury Stay at Churgan Palace: Tim talks about staying at the Churgan Palace Kempinski, a stunning waterfront hotel offering spectacular views of the Bosphorus.
• Family-Friendly Option: David shares his stay at the Sheraton Istanbul, a solid choice with a shuttle to the historic center.
Coming on This Week’s Bonus Episode: Stay tuned for the bonus episode, where Tim and David will dive into the Turkish bath experience and one of Tim’s favorite restaurants, Ciya Sofrasi, located on the Asian side of the city.
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Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
We visit Bologna, Istanbul, Bari, Birmingham, Brindisi, we are in a Mission Impossible movie, and we're running like Tom Cruise over the new Midfield Terminal in Abu Dhabi.
Simon joins the competitors and organisers of Lupine Travel's Trans-European Race at the start line in London's Trafalgar's Square. It's a bizarre medley of mystery and travel challenges, all on public transport. So who on earth would spend their holidays doing this and what prizes are at stake?
