Destination Unlocked

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.

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Mary begins in the Kvarner Gulf, where Krk, Cres, Lošinj and Rab each offer a different character, before travelling south through Zadar, the Kornati archipelago and Šibenik towards the better-known islands of Dalmatia. Along the way, she makes a case for looking beyond the headline stops: staying longer on Mljet, exploring Stari Grad and Jelsa as well as Hvar Town, or taking a simple foot ferry to the car-free islands of Zlarin and Prvić. From quiet pebble beaches to busy ferry ports, the episode is both a route-planning guide and a portrait of a coastline whose appeal lies in its variety, layered history and remarkable sense of local character.

For independent travellers, there is practical advice on the choices that shape an island-hopping itinerary. Passenger catamarans are fast but cannot take cars; car ferries offer more freedom once ashore but serve fewer routes. In high season, Mary recommends booking ahead and often using Split as a hub, even when that means returning to the mainland between islands. She also explains why a small-ship cruise can work well, particularly for reaching secluded coves, swimming spots and hiking routes.

The conversation also moves inland to Lika, where Mary’s parents were born and where she spent an unforgettable childhood summer in 1976. She discusses her award-winning book, My Family and Other Enemies: Life and Travels in Croatia’s Hinterland, which combines memoir, family history and travel writing to explore a region deeply affected by the Second World War, the break-up of Yugoslavia and the Croatian War of Independence.

Food is never far away: grilled fish with blitva, slow-cooked peka, Kvarner scampi, Dubrovnik’s šporki makaruli, Istrian truffles and waterfront fish festivals all make an appearance. Mary also tackles rising prices, overtourism, beach etiquette and imported tipping culture, while explaining how to experience Dubrovnik without spending the entire stay inside its crowded Old Town.

Finally, Mary shares her quick-fire essentials: swim in the Adriatic, pack water shoes, visit in September, try rakija and bring home a bottle of Croatian olive oil. She also nominates one heavily promoted attraction that she would happily skip: Biševo’s Blue Cave.

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 out.

Kaye highlights high-energy entertainment - especially the Aqua Show “Shockwave,” the ice venue Absolute Zero, and the main-theatre production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with rotating child actors - and stresses booking shows early via the app.

Food standouts include the Windjammer buffet, the main dining room’s off-menu options, and buzzworthy extra-cost venues like Royal Railway and the Hollywood Supper Club.

They also cover cabins, add-on costs (Wi‑Fi, drinks packages, paid activities), and souvenirs like Legend caps and Skipper the dog merchandise.

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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.

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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 Zagori, we discover a side of Greece that’s as vibrant as it is tranquil. We’ll also marvel at the ancient monasteries perched on towering rock formations in Meteora, where history and spirituality blend seamlessly. If you’re looking for an authentic Greek adventure away from the crowds, this episode is your ultimate travel guide!

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Exploring the hidden gems of Greece, Daniel Edward and Sofia Mastoridis take us on a captivating journey through the less-traveled regions of Epirus and Meteora. These areas, often overshadowed by the classic imagery of Athens and the islands, offer a unique glimpse into the wild, green heart of Greece.

Sofia passionately describes Epirus as the ‘greenest region’ of the country, rich in biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The Vicos Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, is highlighted as a must-visit, boasting over 1700 species of plants and breathtaking views.

We also delve into the enchanting stone villages of Zagori, where life moves at a slower pace, allowing visitors to truly absorb the local culture, traditions, and warm hospitality of the mountain people. Meteora, with its iconic monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, captivates our imagination as Sofia shares the history and spiritual significance of these ancient sites.

Dating back to the 11th century, these monasteries not only serve as a testament to human determination but also provide a serene environment for contemplation and spiritual reflection.

The unique experience of hiking between the monasteries is recommended, with Sofia suggesting to avoid the tourist buses and instead take a more personal approach by visiting just a few of them, ideally at sunrise or sunset for a truly magical experience.

Along the way, we also learn about the local customs and etiquette to observe when visiting these sacred places, ensuring a respectful and enriching visit.

The conversation flows effortlessly from the natural wonders to the culinary delights of the region, with Sofia sharing her favorite local dishes, including the beloved pies of Epirus.

We explore the significance of slow food in Greek culture, emphasizing the importance of savoring meals and engaging with locals.

The episode wraps up with practical travel tips, including the best times to visit, how to navigate the regions, and the cultural nuances that enhance the travel experience.

Takeaways:

• Meteora and the Epirus region offer stunning natural landscapes that are often overlooked by tourists, making them perfect for authentic adventures.
• The Vicos Gorge is the deepest gorge in the world relative to its length, featuring an incredible array of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
• Exploring the stone villages of Zagori provides a unique glimpse into traditional Greek life, with a pace and culture that feels distinctly different from the islands.
• The ancient monasteries of Meteora are not only a UNESCO World Heritage site, but they also offer breathtaking views and a spiritual experience like no other.
• Traveling in the Epirus region allows visitors to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and rock climbing, all while experiencing local culture and cuisine.
• Natura Greca focuses on sustainable travel, providing small group tours that emphasize slow travel, local interactions, and the hidden gems of Greece that many tourists miss.

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. Highlights include Luanda’s Portuguese influence, food and climate, Kalandula Falls, beaches near Luanda, the Miradouro da Lua, the Museu Nacional da Escravatura, Kissama National Park, and the Benguela Railway. He covers practicalities such as using coaches and minibuses, cash use and currency exchange, driving cautions, limited but trustworthy tours, Portuguese as the main language, SIM connectivity, tipping norms, best season (dry season, May–July), books to read, and suggested souvenirs like northern wood carvings.

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 African wildlife with Vivian McCarthy of Acacia Adventure Holidays. This episode highlights the exciting news that teenagers as young as 16 can now join in on the safari experience alongside their parents, making it a fantastic family getaway option! We’ll explore what a traditional safari entails, from thrilling game drives in iconic parks like Kruger and Maasai Mara to the rich cultural experiences that await you. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, we’ll unpack all the essentials, including what to expect, how to prepare, and the unique delights of African landscapes and wildlife. So, if you're itching to know more about how to bring your family into the wild, buckle up for some great tips and stories that will surely ignite your wanderlust!

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.

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 importance of local experiences, from the stunning landscapes to the delightful gastronomic offerings along the way. Dylan shares insights on how to prepare for such adventures and what to expect when you embark on a cycling holiday. So, get ready to pedal through history and discover the joy of exploration on two wheels!

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 discuss the beauty of Costa Rica, where companies like Il Viaggio Travel offer tailored experiences that cater to diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy adventures like white-water rafting or art workshops. With practical tips and inspiring stories, we emphasize the importance of mindset and resilience, proving that the barriers we perceive can often be overcome with the right support and information. So, whether you're planning a trip or just curious about accessible travel, this conversation is sure to ignite your wanderlust and reshape your perspective on what is possible.

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.