I went to Derry without expecting very much and came away blown away by the city. In this episode, I remember its winter lights, its extraordinary welcome, a Derry Girls afternoon tea and a light show in the old city. I take a boat trip on the River Foyle, then join a Free Derry walking tour through the Bogside, where the story of Bloody Sunday gives the visit an entirely different depth. It’s a travel story about a city that surprised me, delighted me and stayed with me.

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Kevin shares his memories of his favourite Christmas market, recalling the sights, sounds, flavours and moments that made it special. A personal journey into the pleasure of travelling at Christmas, the people we share it with and the memories we bring home.

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Discover some of Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas markets, from Salzburg and Vienna to Nuremberg, Bath and Manchester. Kevin explores why we love these festive escapes—the lights, food, traditions and time together—and shares practical advice for travellers from Ireland and the UK, including 2026 market dates, choosing your destination and planning a winter break.

You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinations X: @becreativekev

Where should you go to experience Halloween at its most atmospheric? Kevin traces the celebration from Ireland’s Samhain traditions to four very different autumn breaks: Derry’s citywide festival, Edinburgh’s firelit Samhuinn performance, York’s ghost walks and Whitby’s Dracula connections and Goth Weekend. It’s a journey through history, folklore and places that come alive after dark.

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As the world seems to verve from one disaster to another people ask me more and more: how can I get away from the mayhem. What is the ideal destination for a bit of peace and tranquility?

I have one simple answer!

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Kevin takes a searching look at why some airfare prices are going through the roof! And how to still get value in these troubling time.

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Kevin has always loved the heat — forty years of it, from Cairo to Bangkok. But standing at the Trevi Fountain with his grandchildren and battery powered electric fans, something changed for the first time.

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Kevin looks at why record heatwaves are sending travellers away from the traditional Mediterranean hotspots and towards cooler shores — and what that means for how, when and where we'll all be booking our next holiday.

You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinations X: @becreativekev