In this week's episode of Talking Travels and other stuff, I find out about Canada's capital city, Ottawa, and chat all things art and culture with the Alexandra Badzak, Director and CEO of the Ottawa Art Gallery.Who knew that this modest, and often overlooked city would be the home of a dazzling modern cube of art, spanning five floors showcasing a vast programme of creativity (with free entry natch?)Not only is downtown landmark, it embraces the local and international talent and is a...

Come and join me talking travels and truffles, whilst getting transported into the magical land of the Toscana Resort in the medieval village of Castelfalfi in central Tuscany. If the idea of endless olive trees and vineyards don't tickle you, how about a dip in the enchanting outdoor pool with views for miles over the cypress studded mountains, or unwinding in the fully equipped spa. Whether you want to learn the basics of Italian cookery, drink wine fresh from the organic vineya...

On this week's episode of Talking Travels and other stuff, I was looking forward to finding out exactly what "chill meets thrill" meant, and really enjoyed catching up the one and only DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee in Florida. From theme parks to private mansions to a singing Spider Man and adventures on the Everglades headwater on an air boat, this city just below Orlando has a lot going for it. And when you're done with whooping with delight at the rides (and al...

To celebrate International Women's Day, I earmarked two fabulous females- Tayna Rose and Maria Pajares, to chat about life at luxury, boutique communications and sales agency Mason Rose. Representing travel, hotels, lifestyle and wellness clients around the globe, I found out how the agency has stayed on top of things in lockdown, what it takes to make a good PR, and what we can all look forward to beyond Covid (fingers and toes crossed).Check out the website and follow their soci...

Welcome to series 2 of Talking Travels and other stuff. Have a listen to me talking all things tech and travel with the (very clever) founder of Sherpa Tours, which is a walking app that all the cool cats will be using to explore new cities. No more parrot fashion history and misinformation from bored (and boring) leaders, Michael Suskind has ensured he has pro guides and all the hotspots. Choose a tour that suits you, and get inspired before you travel, or sign up for a year and you can use ...

Before the January blues take hold, pop in your ear buds and have a listen to me chatting all things comedy with witty jokester and international jet setter Nik Coppin. Not only does he have me in stitches, he shares anecdotes from his book 'Comedy World' which you can snap up here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nik-Coppins-Comedy-World-1/dp/1910614149Follow him on his socials too- he really is a card! https://twitter.com/nikcoppinhttps://www.facebook.com/nikcoppin

However much the wifi gremlins were against us, we persevered and I had a lovely catch up with my favourite Belgian (controversial for any sprout lovers at this time of year..), Kris Clerckx. Not only is he super fit- he cycles, runs and partakes in as many outdoor activities as he can, he also writes about his travels for news outlets and Kris Crosses the World. Have a listen and find out what you're missing! Oh, and keep up with his adventures on Insta - although you might need a little sit...

It was a pleasure to find out more about the delightfully tagged "scoundrels and scholars" bolthole, the Harrison Chambers of Distinction in the Queens Quarter, Belfast. I chew the fat with proprietress Melanie Harrison who has big plans to turn the one of a kind premises with its sixteen unique character rooms into a place to make memories. With a spa and club room on the way, there are lots of big things coming in 2021. In the meantime, if you're in the area- or online on 4th, joi...

This week you will have to excuse my dreadful Italian accent as I discuss the beautiful Emilia Romagna region in Norther Italy, with the self-confessed child of a holiday romance, Silvia Mazza.We talk the food, fast cars, history and panorama that make up the cities of Bologna, Ferrara and Ravenna and I find out more about the region's plans as City of Culture in Parma. For more information, check out https://www.parmaincomingtravel.com/events-parma/parma-italian-capital-cultu...

Rather than sit on her laurels and brood over the disaster of 2020, Creative Director, Chenine Bathena and her team have been busy beavering away to make Coventry, City of Culture 2021 something spectacular! I chat to Chenine about the imminent plans for immersive events, get some sneaky peeks of the programme and generally find out more about the birth place of Two-Tone. If Coventry isn't on your staycation list already- it really should be for 21. Find out the more on ...