Pack Your Bags with Russell Kane

The biggest test of a new relationship? According to Relationship Science Expert Paul C Brunson, it’s the first holiday as a couple. Listen as he chats with Russell about how solo travel can build self-esteem and shares his insight into thriving – and not just surviving – on holiday with your other half.

Listen to episode five.

There’s no greater advocate of solo travel than Paralympian Ellie Simmonds OBE. Armed with her backpack, she travelled across the world alone at 22. From people-watching in San Francisco to snorkelling in Shanghai, she chats to Russell about what sparked her solo adventure and what’s in her suitcase, ready for the next one.

Listen to episode four.

For Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Marcus Wareing, travelling fills the inspiration well. And it’s a romance with the French approach to cooking that's shaped his style as one of the UK’s top chefs. Listen as he chats with Russell about how he scopes out top restaurants abroad, how travelling with his children has changed as they’ve grown and why a map and a compass are on his must-pack list.

Listen to episode three.

Ah, travelling with the kids. You either love it or need a holiday to recover from it – a feeling comedian Rob Beckett knows all too well. In this episode, Russell snoops through Rob’s suitcase, shoots some quick-fire questions at him and asks him to solve an audience travel dilemma.

Listen to episode two.

Ever wondered what a celebrity packs for a holiday? Us too. Peek inside dancer, choreographer and TV talent show judge Oti Mabuse’s suitcase, and you’ll find noise-cancelling headphones, baby spoons and SPF. Listen as she answers a typical travel dilemma and chats to Russell about how her passion for dancing shaped who she's become today.

Listen to episode one.

Paul C Brunson’s fave destination.

Find out more about Jamaica.

Ellie Simmonds OBE’s fave destination.

Find out more about Mexico.

Marcus Wareing’s fave destination.

Find out more about Majorca.

Rob Beckett’s fave destination.

Find out more about Japan.

Oti Mabuse’s fave destination.

Find out more about Barbados.

The first time Jason Fox went in a plane – he jumped out of one. Since then, he’s embraced a life of seeing the world many times over, from diving for treasure in Madagascar to meeting the King of Jordan.

Listen to episode one.

Greece, Albania, Turkey – historian Bettany Hughes has seen it all. From uncovering ancient relics to discovering a passion for food and culture, she talks to Russell about the unexpected magic of travel.

Listen to episode two.

From the draw of America to his favourite off-the-beaten-track skiing spot, Olympian Greg Rutherford retraces the different stages of his life through travel.

Listen to episode three.

Should holidays be prescribed? TV’s Dr Zoe Williams thinks so. Russell and Zoe bond over the importance of travel for reset and reflection, and she shares how a transformative trip to Ayia Napa set her on the path to becoming a doctor. 

Listen to episode four.

Picture this: it's your honeymoon, and you're on your first-ever flight to Barbados. Well, that’s comedian Babatúndé Aléshé’s story. Listen as he talks to Russell about how his destination bucket list grows as his young son does.

Listen to episode five.

As they swap stories of their travels worldwide, Russell and food critic Grace Dent find common holiday ground – buffets. Listen as Grace shares her top tips for finding the best restaurants abroad. 

Listen to episode six.

For Candice Brathwaite, travel is life's best educator. From a life-changing trip volunteering in India to her ongoing commitment to regular solo adventures, Candice lays out to Russell how and why she makes travel a priority.

Listen to episode seven.

Instagram’s favourite comedian, Hayley Morris, shares how she uses travel to push herself to discover new things. She also shares her lifelong love of Walt Disney World Resort, and why Magic Kingdom Park is more fun as an adult.

Listen to episode eight.

From exploring his native France to sunny island stays in Jamaica, Fred Sirieix is one of TV’s most well-travelled people. In this episode, Russell sits down with Fred to pick his brain about the best destinations for food and wine.

Listen to episode nine.

For aviation buff Riyadh Khalaf, a love of travel runs deep. From dreaming of flying planes as a kid to now travelling the world for work, Riyadh talks to Russell about how he uses travel for creative inspiration.

Listen to episode 10.

From the jungles of Costa Rica to the geysers of Iceland, TV’s Julia Bradbury sits down with Russell to recommend some of the most breathtaking places she’s visited to get closer to nature.

Listen to episode 11.

An unlikely intrepid traveller, Sue – terrified of flying as a child – talks to Russell about facing her fears and ticking off far-flung places like America, South America, India and Southeast Asia.

Listen to episode 12.

Jason Fox’s fave destination.

Find out more about New York.

Bettany Hughes’ fave destination.

Find out more about Turkey.

Greg Rutherford’s fave destination.

Find out more about Les 3 Vallees.

Dr Zoe Williams’ fave destination.

Find out more about Thailand.

Babatúndé Aléshé’s fave destination.

Find out more about Cyprus.

Grace Dent’s fave destination.

Find out more about Morocco.

Candice Brathwaite’s fave destination.

Find out more about Greece.

Hayley Morris’ fave destination.

Find out more about Italy.

Riyadh Khalaf’s fave destination.

Find out more about Santorini.

Fred Sirieix’s fave destination.

Find out more about Jamaica.

Julia Bradbury’s fave destination. 

Find out more about Portugal.

Sue Perkins’ fave destination.

Find out more about Barcelona.

Want an everything-taken-care-of break? We don’t blame you. We’ve rounded up our best package destinations and hotels, so you don’t have to.

Read our best package holidays.

Patio to pool in seconds – there’s no better feeling. Get all the info on the best swim-up suites out there.

Read our pick of the best swim-up rooms.

From Florida to Egypt, Croatia to Crete, stay on top of this year’s travel trends with our list of the best holiday destinations for 2025.

Read Best holiday destinations 2025.