Today’s guest is, quite simply, one of the great travellers of our time. Sir Michael Palin first joined me on The Travel Diaries back in 2020, and that episode went on to become one of our most loved and most listened-to conversations ever. So when the opportunity came up for him to return to the podcast, this time to mark the publication of his new book, In Nigeria, I absolutely leapt at the chance.

For anyone listening who might not be fully familiar with Sir Michael Palin’s extraordinary career, he first became known as one of the members of Monty Python, before going on to become one of the world’s most beloved travel broadcasters and writers. His landmark BBC travel series, from Around the World in 80 Days to Pole to Pole, Full Circle, Himalaya and so many more, completely changed the way travel was brought to our screens.

I went to Michael’s house in London to film the interview and you’ll be able to watch the full conversation on YouTube and Spotify this weekend.

On today’s episode, we talk about some of the extraordinary journeys he’s been on since we last spoke, from Nigeria to Iraq, Venezuela and the Philippines. We talk about the places that surprised him, the countries that defied their reputation, the journeys that have stayed with him, and the places he still dreams of visiting. And, because Michael has already shared his original seven travel chapters with us, this time I asked you to send in some brand new travel chapters for him. So listen out, because one of your questions might just be in there.

Holly’s stay:

Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy

Destination Recap:

Venezuela
Philippines
Nigeria, Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
Kano, Nigeria
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Iraq, Iraq
Babylon, Iraq
Cuzco, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru
Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Russia, Russia
Mürren, Switzerland
Kamchatka, Russia
Bhutan
Nepal
The Dolomites, Italy
Armenia, Armenia
Georgia, Georgia
Mount Ararat, Turkey/Armenia

Michael's new book, In Nigeria, is out now.

With thanks to Sani for their support of today's episode. Discover your paradise at Sani. For more information, visit sani-resort.com

Thank you so much to all of you for listening this season. I really hope you’ve enjoyed travelling the world with me through all of these conversations. The good news is, it won’t be too long before I’m back. We’ve got another summer season coming your way in mid-August, so there are lots more travel stories to come very soon.

You can find me on Instagram and TikTok at @hollyrubenstein, you can watch us on YouTube here.

And have you checked out my brand new Travel Diaries map, which will save every single destination ever mentioned on the podcast? A very dangerous tool for anyone with a serious case of wanderlust? You can look at it here.

Thank you again for listening, have a wonderful summer, and I’ll see you very soon.

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