A biking Brit explains how easy it is to find evidence of the people from centuries past along the backroads of England and Scotland. And a pair of British tour guides get us ready to visit England's magnificent and historically important cathedrals, from Canterbury to York Minster.
Hear what it's like to live on one of the windswept Orkney Islands, off the northernmost tip of Scotland, where people have made a home since prehistoric times. Then learn how redesigned urban centers in Europe have had a positive impact on quality of life — and get ideas for making your own city a …Hear what it's like to live on one of the windswept Orkney Islands, off the northernmost tip of Scotland, where people have made a home since prehistoric times. Then learn how redesigned urban centers in Europe have had a positive impact on quality of life — and get ideas for making your own city a more enjoyable place to be outdoors. And consider some of the world's most fascinating nomadic societies, from their often underappreciated role in history to their struggles in the modern world.more
The West Highland Line is the kind of train journey you plan a whole trip around. Tracy and Doug take you from Glasgow Queen Street into the Scottish Highlands and explain how the route works in real life: where it splits at Crianlarich, whether to choose Oban, Fort William or the full run to Mallai…The West Highland Line is the kind of train journey you plan a whole trip around. Tracy and Doug take you from Glasgow Queen Street into the Scottish Highlands and explain how the route works in real life: where it splits at Crianlarich, whether to choose Oban, Fort William or the full run to Mallaig, which side of the train to sit on, and how the Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail services and the Jacobite steam train fit into a plan. Where the West Highland Line starts and ends, and why it has tw...more
Want a UK autumn trip that feels more atmospheric and less frantic? In part two of our autumn special we travel from the far north of Scotland to London to find out why autumn might be the most rewarding time to explore, from dark skies and quieter roads to cosy streets and early festive sparkle. Sa…Want a UK autumn trip that feels more atmospheric and less frantic? In part two of our autumn special we travel from the far north of Scotland to London to find out why autumn might be the most rewarding time to explore, from dark skies and quieter roads to cosy streets and early festive sparkle. Sally-Ann from North Coast Explorer Tours and Charley and Becki from WalksDevour Tours share practical planning tips, the best places to look for seasonal magic, and how to make the most of sho...more
Send us Fan Mail Have you seen the Netflix series The Bombing of Pan Am 103? It's about the tragedy of Lockerbie, Scotland that happened in Dec. of 1988. On this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss the tragedy and fallout that Pan Am 103 had on the travel industry as a whole.…Send us Fan Mail Have you seen the Netflix series The Bombing of Pan Am 103? It's about the tragedy of Lockerbie, Scotland that happened in Dec. of 1988. On this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to discuss the tragedy and fallout that Pan Am 103 had on the travel industry as a whole. Plus, we took a short trip to Radium, BC last week and went whitewater rafting with the folks from The Kootenay River Runners. I talked with one of their guides afterwards to get some insigh...more
We chat with Graham, a Rabbie's driver-guide in Edinburgh, about what turns a simple day trip into a friendly, personal experience. We break down how small group touring works, from the first meet-up at the bus station to the last stop, with practical tips on choosing a route and packing for Scotlan…We chat with Graham, a Rabbie's driver-guide in Edinburgh, about what turns a simple day trip into a friendly, personal experience. We break down how small group touring works, from the first meet-up at the bus station to the last stop, with practical tips on choosing a route and packing for Scotland's weather. Why a 16 seater bus changes the whole feel of a tourWhat a driver-guide actually does beyond drivingHow the morning meet and greet and check-in works at Edinburgh Bus StationBuilding a...more
Rochelle talks us through a 41-day UK road trip from Bath to the Scottish Highlands and back to London, sharing what worked, what surprised her, and how planning early made the whole trip calmer. We swap honest notes on UK driving, smart booking tactics, and the tours, meals and accidental stops tha…Rochelle talks us through a 41-day UK road trip from Bath to the Scottish Highlands and back to London, sharing what worked, what surprised her, and how planning early made the whole trip calmer. We swap honest notes on UK driving, smart booking tactics, and the tours, meals and accidental stops that turned into lifelong memories. Planning a long UK itinerary without trying to do too muchLeaving Heathrow before the Easter crowds and saving London for the endCoping with UK driving as visitors,...more
Send us Fan Mail Even though winter seems a long way off, now is the time to start planning for that winter getaway, so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to offer some tips on what to plan for and some ideas on where to go. Plus we'll head to Edinburgh, Scotland and talk with …Send us Fan Mail Even though winter seems a long way off, now is the time to start planning for that winter getaway, so on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes joins me to offer some tips on what to plan for and some ideas on where to go. Plus we'll head to Edinburgh, Scotland and talk with one of the tour guides of the historic Edinburgh Castle. A place full of stories and majestic views overlooking the city of Edinburgh. Support the showmore
Mike is back from his annual sixteen-day golf pilgrimage through Scotland, and he's got stories: a near-career round at the Old Course (two under through fifteen before limping in bogey-bogey-bogey), full Scottish breakfasts with haggis, and a route that wound from St Andrews through Carnoustie, Cru…Mike is back from his annual sixteen-day golf pilgrimage through Scotland, and he's got stories: a near-career round at the Old Course (two under through fifteen before limping in bogey-bogey-bogey), full Scottish breakfasts with haggis, and a route that wound from St Andrews through Carnoustie, Cruden Bay, and Royal Dornoch all the way to John O'Groats. He also breaks down every legitimate way to score a tee time at the Old Course — from golf travel companies and Scores-street hotels to the advance lottery, the daily ballot, and the singles draw — insider knowledge earned over twenty-five years of annual trips.
Then the guys turn a skeptical eye on travel media and technology. James takes on the press's love affair with sensationalized cruise stories, from misleading "fell overboard" headlines to Netflix's Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, and explains why a rare legitimate accident — like the recent Royal Caribbean waterslide failure — deserves scrutiny while manufactured outrage deserves your side-eye. The bigger conversation: how fear-driven coverage distorts perceptions of an industry that's overwhelmingly safe.
Finally, the story nobody else is telling yet: airlines are using AI to personalize your airfare, and the price you see may depend on where you're sitting, what device you're on, and how many times you've searched. Mike and James dig into Delta's new pricing partnership, the admitted two-passenger pricing quirk (and the booking trick to beat it), lingering fuel surcharges that never went away, and Mike's bold prediction that consumer-side AI agents will eventually out-negotiate the airlines' own algorithms. Plus: a French reporter's undercover sting exposing tourist pricing at Paris bistros, and your chance to win a balcony-stateroom Alaska cruise for two on Princess.more
Puffins that waddle right up to you, dolphins pacing the bow, sea eagles overhead and a sea cave so famous it sparked a Mendelssohn symphony. It all sounds like a once in a lifetime trip. We wanted to make it something you can actually plan, even if you are travelling without a car and juggling real…Puffins that waddle right up to you, dolphins pacing the bow, sea eagles overhead and a sea cave so famous it sparked a Mendelssohn symphony. It all sounds like a once in a lifetime trip. We wanted to make it something you can actually plan, even if you are travelling without a car and juggling real-world ferry times, bus links and unpredictable Scottish weather. We pick up the journey in Oban and talk through a clear Inner Hebrides itinerary built around public transport: ferry over to the I...more
In this episode we bring together five local experts to share what UK summer travel really looks like from June through August, with practical advice on crowds, long daylight hours and booking ahead. We hop from Devon to the far north of Scotland, down to London, across the Cotswolds and up to the L…In this episode we bring together five local experts to share what UK summer travel really looks like from June through August, with practical advice on crowds, long daylight hours and booking ahead. We hop from Devon to the far north of Scotland, down to London, across the Cotswolds and up to the Lake District to help you plan days that feel memorable rather than hectic. Timing summer travel around school holidays and why June can feel calmerBooking accommodation and restaurants early, espec...more
White sand beaches, ancient stone circles, single-track roads, and ferries that sell out months ahead. Scotland's islands are pure magic when you plan them properly, and we've just come back from an Outer Hebrides road trip ready to share the route and the reality so you can plan your own Lewis and …White sand beaches, ancient stone circles, single-track roads, and ferries that sell out months ahead. Scotland's islands are pure magic when you plan them properly, and we've just come back from an Outer Hebrides road trip ready to share the route and the reality so you can plan your own Lewis and Harris adventure with confidence. We start with the nuts and bolts: driving north from the Midlands, choosing the scenic Glencoe route, staying overnight in Ullapool, and taking the CalMac ferry to...more
Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered…Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered in this episode: 🥾 Walking & Hiking Tours (Small Group, Max 16) Perfect for the active explorer, CIE's small-group hiking tours cover wild coastlines, hidden gems, and iconic landscapes. Ryan ...more
Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic…Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic. We talk through the real decisions that make accessible UK travel work: starting early, turning a wish list into an energy-friendly plan, and researching each attraction for seating, step-free ro...more
This week, we're honored to welcome Marie "Lootie" Leautey, a record-breaking endurance runner and former international CFO who became only the seventh person in history and the fastest woman to run around the world. Born in France and shaped by a life of radical nomadism that took her from Scotland…This week, we're honored to welcome Marie "Lootie" Leautey, a record-breaking endurance runner and former international CFO who became only the seventh person in history and the fastest woman to run around the world. Born in France and shaped by a life of radical nomadism that took her from Scotland to Greece to Singapore, Lootie has spent her entire adult life chasing curiosity across borders. But it wasn't a boardroom achievement or a triathlon finish line that changed everything. It was a humbling 500-meter jog with a group of friends in their fifties that stopped her in her tracks, lit a fire, and ultimately set her on a path toward one of the greatest physical and human adventures ever attempted.
At 26, a pack-a-day smoker who had never run more than a few hundred meters without stopping, Lootie made a decision that would reshape her entire life. She quit smoking that same day, began building her running from the ground up, and nine months later crossed the finish line of her first marathon in Greece, near the ancient city of Marathon itself. That moment planted a seed that would take root over the following decade and bloom into something extraordinary: a solo, self-supported world run covering four continents, 700 consecutive marathons, a global pandemic, and zero injuries. Her newly released book, Lootie's World Run, chronicles every breathtaking, grueling, and deeply human step of that journey.
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to listen to your body as your greatest teammate, how Lootie navigated the COVID-19 pandemic mid-run without ever considering quitting, and what she discovered about human kindness in the most unexpected corners of the world from the remote saloons of Montana to the high passes of the Andes. We also dive into her philosophy of "accidental performance," the power of confronting your dreams rather than your fears, and what she means when she says the fireworks were exploding in her heart as she crossed her finish line, alone in an airport, with the whole world completely unaware. Join us for a conversation that will make you believe, without a doubt, that the greatest adventure on earth is the one you have been waiting to begin.more
Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer tri…Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer trip. We kick off in London with Becki from Walks and Devour: cherry blossom in parks, Kew’s treetop walkway, canal strolls from Hackney Wick to King’s Cross, and midweek Borough Market eats. We also...more
Happy New Year from Destination Eat Drink! On our special New Year’s episode we’re ringing in the new year by banging bread on the wall in Ireland, celebrating the constellation of Matariki in New Zealand, and observing First Footing in Scotland. Plus, throwing furniture off the balcony in Naples an…Happy New Year from Destination Eat Drink! On our special New Year’s episode we’re ringing in the new year by banging bread on the wall in Ireland, celebrating the constellation of Matariki in New Zealand, and observing First Footing in Scotland. Plus, throwing furniture off the balcony in Naples and adding whisky to trifle! [Ep 369]
Show Notes:
Foodie Travel Guides by Destination Eat Drink
Flavour Trails food and whiskey tours in Ireland
Mickela’s TV show Bare Feet
Daniel Stables travel writer
Dan’s book Fiesta: A Journey Through Festivity
Edinburgh food tours with Nell at Edinburgh Food Safari
Brent’s video from the Lille, France Christmas Marketmore
In this special solo episode closing out 2025 and celebrating episode 200 of JUMP, Jackie reflects on a year of travel, growth, and big transitions. Recorded alongside a real-time sunrise over Edinburgh Castle, she shares three lessons from her final JUMP Adventures trip of the year to Peru, includi…In this special solo episode closing out 2025 and celebrating episode 200 of JUMP, Jackie reflects on a year of travel, growth, and big transitions. Recorded alongside a real-time sunrise over Edinburgh Castle, she shares three lessons from her final JUMP Adventures trip of the year to Peru, including why the in-between moments matter more than landmarks, how taking the road less traveled deepens meaning, and why slow travel creates the strongest connection to place.
Jackie also shares an important update on JUMP Adventures, explaining her decision to step back from leading public group trips after ten years of guiding people through challenging experiences around the world. While her role is shifting, the heart of JUMP remains intact, with trusted itineraries and partnerships still available for those ready to gather their own people and do hard things together.
The episode closes with what’s next for Jackie, including a solo trip to Scotland for a writer’s retreat over Thanksgiving and her birthday, where she finally created space to focus fully on writing her book. She also shares her end-of-year reflection practices and her “word for 2026” as an invitation to make space, listen inward, and step intentionally into the next chapter.
Resources:
• https://travelingjackie.com
• https://jumpadventures.com
• Instagram: @TravelingJackie
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com
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Produced by NOVA
Take a leap with Jackie IRL - join us in Greece and Norway in 2025 at JUMPadventures.com
We chat about the Sagrada Familia, the National Monument of Scotland and confront the brave new world of "frictionless travel" as promised by facial recognition technology
In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I explain what you need to know before driving your rental car across the border into Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll learn which routes are permitted, what fees apply, and how to make sure your insurance and rental agreement stay valid.
Full sh…In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I explain what you need to know before driving your rental car across the border into Northern Ireland or Scotland. You’ll learn which routes are permitted, what fees apply, and how to make sure your insurance and rental agreement stay valid.
Full show notes with video & links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/driving-rental-car-ireland-northern-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/more
