The Top Travel Destinations with Kevin Flanagan
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© The Top Travel Destinations - Kevin Flanagan
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Want to know where to shop, eat, drink and stay at the world’s top travel destinations?
Let Kevin Flanagan bring you his twenty years of experience as travel editor and writer for publications such as The Sunday Independent and the Sunday Times.
Kevin’s done the research so you know exactly where to go and what to do so you can have an unforgettable experience on your holiday or city break.
Remember to check out www.TheTopTravelDestinations.com website too!
Let Kevin Flanagan bring you his twenty years of experience as travel editor and writer for publications such as The Sunday Independent and the Sunday Times.
Kevin’s done the research so you know exactly where to go and what to do so you can have an unforgettable experience on your holiday or city break.
Remember to check out www.TheTopTravelDestinations.com website too!
194 Episodes
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The Via Francigena is a medieval pilgrimage route stretching from Canterbury, England, to Rome, crossing France, Switzerland, and Italy. According to Kevin, it is one of the best alternatives to the Camino. It’s quieter, more varied, and has deeper medieval roots. If you want something meaningful without the crowds, it’s a standout.You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Australia is a place renowned for its wildlife and Kevin recounts how twice he had encounters with its deadly indigenous animal population that could have ended his trip to Oz before it had properly started!You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
“Oz is a long way away,” says Kevin, reflecting on his trip there, “and I am very glad to have visited it and seen some of its wonders. Would I go again?” To find Kevin’s answer listen to this illuminating episode.You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
This week’s episode is about connection — and finding home in another country. Kevin visits his Polish in-laws, Babcia (BAHB-cha) and Dziadek (JAH-deck), with his grandchildren Kuba and Maya, and Daughter-in-law Maria. And discovering what it’s like to belong to two families and two cultures. From the quiet kindness of Polish hospitality to the joyful chaos of life - this is a tender reflection on love that crosses borders. It’s not just about travel — it’s about belonging.You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Poland is booming — confident, creative, and full of surprises. In this episode, Kevin travels to Szczecin (pronounced SHCHEH-cheen), a city near Berlin that’s rich in history and alive with new energy. From its riverside walks and Gothic spires to its modern cafés and vibrant waterfront, Szczecin shows a side of Poland few Irish travelers have seen. Kevin also reflects on the warmth of Polish hospitality, the city’s fascinating past, and why it’s the perfect short-break destination for curious visitors from Ireland.You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
When Kevin first visited St Petersburg in 1993, St. Petersburg was caught between the ruins of the Soviet system and the chaos of a new capitalism. Perestroika had opened the door to freedom—but also to lawlessness and gunfire after dark was not unusual. For a visitor, the city felt raw and unpredictable—magnificent by day, dangerous by night—a place where beauty and decay walked arm in arm through the snow. And it is here that Kevin went to visit his friend from Yevgenny Neff, a principal with the legendary Maryinski Ballet. “It was dangerous and intoxicating both at the same time. A unique opportunity to see history in the making and reacquaint with friends from the ballet.”You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Kevin looks back at a time when we could all visit this incredible city - one of the true gems of world travel - without the shadow of war making journeys there impossible. And Kevin hopes to see that time come back soon. And when peace does return, people can again enjoy the wonder of the ballet, the White Nights, the music, the palaces and the museums. “I visited St Petersburg several times in the 1990’s and 2000’s.” says Kevin, “and took groups of ballet fans from Ireland and the UK. It is a place that is filled with every form of art and culture. A true top wonder.” You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
“Sharm El Sheikh is famous for one thing above all else: diving. At Ras Mohammed National Park, Kevin, his son Ciaran and friends John and Len found ‘The Abyss’ — a sheer wall that drops hundreds of meters straight down into blue nothingness. It was breathtaking — beautiful and something more . . . You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Sharm El Sheikh is one of those places that stays with you. I remember looking up at the desert sky, a million stars overhead, and then sitting with the Bedouin, seeing a way of life that feels timeless. By day, it was dune buggies across the sand, diving into the depths of the Red Sea, and snorkeling straight from a beautiful hotel beach. The evenings? Markets buzzing with life, nightlife that kept Ciarán and his friends laughing till late, and the kind of energy that makes you feel wide awake no matter your age. That’s Sharm El Sheikh — an incredible mix of desert, sea, and pure adventure.You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Kevin spends three dizzy days enjoying the unique buzz of a Spanish end-of-season festival. As he says, “there is nothing quite like it in the world.” Join him as he celebrates life abroad!You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Some hotels actually do feel like home, and Kevin found the MiM Hotel in Sitges just such a place. What is it about some hotels that really do understand what a hotel guest really needs MIM Hotel Sitges Av. Sofía, 12, 08870 Sitges, Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 934 92 22 44 | +34 938 11 35 00 Email: reservas@hotelmimsitges.com www.mimhotels.com Eco-friendly boutique hotel owned by Lionel Messi, steps from the beach, with a rooftop bar and spa overlooking the Mediterranean.The Salil Hotel Riverside, Bangkok 2052/7-9 Charoenkrung 72/1 Alley, Wat Phrayakrai, Bang Kholaem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand Phone: +66 (0) 2 844 8787 | +66 63 883 0551 | +66 65 936 4900 Email: reservations@thesalilriverside.com www.thesalilriverside.com Stylish riverside retreat with infinity pool and chic Thai design, combining riverside calm with easy access to Bangkok’s vibrant energy.You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Kevin decided to treat his son, Ciaran, and take him to see Arsenal play in the Final at the Stade de France in Paris. There was just one problem - they went without tickets! Join them on an adventure to find tickets in time to see the biggest match in the world!You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Kevin takes you by the hand and guides you around Paris, giving you a place to shop, eat, drink, sightsee and stay all in one day!Stay: Hotel Molière (boutique) 21 Rue Molière, 75001 Paris Phone: +33 1 42 96 22 01 www.hotel-moliere.frEat: Le Grand Véfour (classic Parisian restaurant) 17 Rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris Phone: +33 1 42 96 56 27 www.grand-vefour.comShop: Carrousel du Louvre (underground shopping mall) 99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris Phone: +33 1 43 16 47 47 Carrousel du LouvreDrink: Club RaYé (cocktail & piano/jazz bar) 26 Rue Dussoubs, 75002 Paris Phone: +33 1 40 13 72 87You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
If you talk to the younger generation (anyone under 30 years of age) and mention The Troubles, they usually shrug their shoulders and look at you funny! But it was certainly no joke being in Ireland during that bloody, fractious period, as Kevin relates Do visit our website at www.TheTopTravelDestinations.comYou can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Join Kevin as he takes you on a tour of this historic city. He’ll show you where to eat, drink, sightsee, shop and stay all in a day! (links to each below)Eat: The Muddlers Club – 1 Warehouse Lane, Belfast BT1 2DX. Tasting menu £80–120 👉 https://www.themuddlersclubbelfast.comDrink: Kelly’s Cellars – 30 Bank Street, Belfast BT1 1HL. Pint £5–10 👉 https://www.kellyscellars.comDo: Titanic Belfast – 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Rd, Belfast. Entry £20–25 👉 https://www.titanicbelfast.comShop: St George’s Market – 12–20 East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ. Local goods £3–15 👉 https://visitbelfast.com/partners/st-georges-market/Stay: Europa Hotel Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AP, Northern Ireland Once known as the most bombed hotel in Europe during the Troubles, today it stands as a symbol of Belfast’s resilience and renewal.Do visit our website at www.TheTopTravelDestinations.comYou can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Join Kevin as he takes you on a fascinating tour of this historic city. He’ll show you where to eat, drink, sightsee, shop and stay all in a day! (links to each below)Eat: Petersham Nurseries La Goccia – 27 King Street, Covent Garden, London. Mains £25–35 👉 https://www.petershamnurseries.com/restaurants/la-goccia-covent-gardenDrink: Cahoots – 13 Kingly Court, Soho, London. Cocktails £12–15 👉 https://cahoots-london.comDo: Westminster Abbey – 20 Deans Yard, London. Entry £27 👉 https://www.westminster-abbey.orgShop: Stanfords – 7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London. Maps/books £10–50 👉 https://www.stanfords.co.ukStay: One Aldwych Hotel – 1 Aldwych, Covent Garden, London. £300–450/night 👉 https://www.onealdwych.comDo visit our website at www.TheTopTravelDestinations.comYou can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
THE FONTEYN & NUREYEV YEARS from both inside and outside of the theatreKevin discovered a career in ballet very late in life (he was 19 years old - relatively late for a budding ballet dancer), but this led to some outstanding moments and memories. Do visit our website at www.TheTopTravelDestinations.comYou can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Venice has played a big part in Kevin’s life, and here he shares a few key moments of the magic this unique city can weave! Do visit our website at www.TheTopTravelDestinations.comYou can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
VENICE IN A DAY! 5 THINGS TO DO Join Kevin as he takes you on a fascinating tour of this unique city. He’ll show you where to eat, drink, sightsee, shop and stay all in a day! (links to each below)Eat: Al Mercà – Campo Bella Vienna, Rialto Market area, Venice. Cicchetti €2–3 👉 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d1890952-Reviews-Al_Merca-Venice_Veneto.htmlDrink: Harry’s Bar – Calle Vallaresso 132, 30124 Venice. Spritz €12–15 👉 https://www.cipriani.com/en/harrys-bar-veniceDo: Venice Lido – Vaporetto to Lido Santa Maria. Public beach free; huts €100–300/day 👉 https://www.visit-venice-italy.com/venice-lido.htmlShop: Quorami – Artisan slipper shop, Venice Lido 👉 https://www.facebook.com/QuoramiShoesStay: Il Palazzo Experimental – Dorsoduro 1410, Venice. €200–300/night 👉 https://www.palazzoexperimental.comDo visit our website at www.TheTopTravelDestinations.comYou can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
Kevin and his school pal Spencer visited the catalan capital when both were 16 years old schoolboys with only one thing on their minds. And what did they get? Listen to this tragic tale of young love (or lust) gone unanswered!Do visit our website at www.TheTopTravelDestinations.comYou can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinationsX: @becreativkev
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