Pack Your Bags

Russell is joined by some of our star-studded Season 2 guests — from Paul C. Brunson to Larry Lamb and Denise Van Outen — to play agony aunt and solve some of your dilemmas in this Bonus Dilemmas episode!

Author, journalist, and Breakfast TV icon Ben Shephard joins Russell to talk all things travel—from family holidays to fitness routines abroad. He offers practical advice for travelling with teenagers, including how to handle that milestone moment when they want to bring a romantic partner along. As a self-confessed fitness obsessive, he shares his go-to tips for staying active while away, and recommends destinations that cater to both thrill-seekers and laid-back loungers. Plus, in a candid moment, he opens up about living with ADHD, and how it has shaped both his life and the way he experiences travel.

On this episode of Pack Your Bags, podcaster, Celebs Go Dating co-host, and trained therapist Anna Williamson shares her expert insights and hilarious travel stories. She opens up about her personal battle with travel anxiety and reveals the tools and techniques that help her stay calm on the move. Anna also dives into practical advice for fellow travelers on how to push past their comfort zones and conquer their nerves. Plus, the hilariously awkward hotel room spooning mishap she’ll never forget.

Russell is joined by the multi-talented Denise Van Outen, who reveals her adventurous approach to holidays—often centered around DJing, golfing, or trekking. She shares how she took up golf in her 40s, calling it the perfect post-divorce passion. Denise also opens up about her love of cruises and why they’ve become a staple in her travel plans. Her ideal cruise? One that’s all about the party.

Legendary Larry Lamb joins Russell to share stories from a lifetime of travel—from trekking through the Himalayas with his son to exploring the coastal towns of Canada. He opens up about his idea of the perfect trip, which, in later life, has become all about solo travel. For Larry, true happiness is found alone on a beach, building a fire from a piece of driftwood. And his packing list? It perfectly reflects that vision.

Girls Aloud icon Kimberley Walsh joins Russell to share her must

Stacey Dooley joins Russell to share what's she learnt touring the world making documentaries. She opens up about the powerful stories and unique experiences that have shaped her perspective along the way, including the time a kind stranger gave her a slab of fish while travelling! Stacey also reflects on how her approach to travel has evolved since becoming a new mum, discussing both the joys and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her adventurous career.

Dr. Ranj joins Russell to share strategies to help stay healthy while travelling. But not to worry, it's not all keeping to a strict schedule and routine, Dr. Ranj says it's all in moderation and even he goes straight for the chips at the buffet. When it comes to warding off travel illnesses he shares his handy formula "SOAPP". He also reveals how “scent” plays a significant role in his own travel experiences and reminisces about his favorite memories, including dancing with Kylie Minogue at the Sydney Opera House.

Paul C. Brunson is an internationally recognized relationship expert, entrepreneur, and television host, best known for Married at First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating. He also hosts the #1 podcast We Need to Talk. In this interview, Paul shares valuable relationship advice through the lens of travel—exploring everything from the age-old challenge of how new couples navigate sharing a bathroom, to how travel can reignite the spark in long-term relationships. He also opens up about his personal experiences traveling as a Black family and offers advice on how to compromise when everyone wants to do something different.