TRAVEL TALKS
STORIES THAT TAKE YOU PLACES
Hear extraordinary journeys, discover remarkable places and meet the people whose stories might just inspire your next adventure.
One story could change where you go next!
MEET THE STORYTELLERS
Explorers. Adventurers. Writers. Photographers. Travel experts. Meet some of the remarkable people bringing their stories to Cheltenham.
Holly Budge - Adventurer
My work sits at the intersection of risk, leadership, extreme environments, and exploration. As the first woman to skydive Everest, a North Face Everest summiteer, and a global keynote speaker on RISK, I help organisations reframe uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and purpose-led action.
From high-altitude expeditions to frontline conservation, and an increasing focus on STEM, systems, and space-adjacent innovation, I explore how humans perform, decide, and lead when the stakes are high.
Beyond the stage I am the founder of World Female Ranger Week and How Many Elephants, working alongside frontline conservation leaders and communities in some of the world’s most complex environments.
Holly Budge - Adventurer
My work sits at the intersection of risk, leadership, extreme environments, and exploration. As the first woman to skydive Everest, a North Face Everest summiteer, and a global keynote speaker on RISK, I help organisations reframe uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and purpose-led action.
From high-altitude expeditions to frontline conservation, and an increasing focus on STEM, systems, and space-adjacent innovation, I explore how humans perform, decide, and lead when the stakes are high.
Beyond the stage I am the founder of World Female Ranger Week and How Many Elephants, working alongside frontline conservation leaders and communities in some of the world’s most complex environments.
Mark Cummings
Mark is a multiple award-winning BBC radio presenter, journalist and writer and has been broadcasting for over 40 years. He’s presented several “West Country” travel series for BBC Points West and writes a monthly column for Cotswold Life which has been running since 2005. Mark presented the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Show for 18 years.
Mark first book, Glorious Gloucestershire, is a love letter to the county he knows so well, full of fascinating gems about Gloucestershire for tourists and locals alike. Mark sold out at The Gloucester History Festival and Stroud Book Festival this year and was moved from the Pillar Room to the Forum at The Cheltenham Literature Festival due to popular demand for tickets.
Mark lives in the South Cotswolds with his wife, Jo. They have two grown up daughters, Kate and Ali. Having travelled extensively as a backpacker, now as an empty nester, Mark’s writing includes travel features reflecting his love of adventure. As a keen walker, cyclist and campervan owner he shares his experiences in his unique style.
In 2023 Mark was the recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution to the Community Across Gloucestershire” Gloucestershire Live Business Award. He is a season ticket holder for Gloucester Rugby Club, an honorary member of The Gloucester Civic Trust and former Mock Mayor of Barton (a fun, non-political role dating back to the English Civil War).
EXPLORE THE PROGRAMME
A day of stories, ideas and inspiration from around the world. Drop into a Travel Talk and discover somewhere — or something — you hadn’t considered before.
10:30 - 11:00
Cruising with a difference
Cruising is about discovering the world’s most captivating places best reached by water. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional gulet voyage along the Mediterranean coast combined with Istanbul and Cappadocia, or a discovery expedition circumnavigating the Land of Fire and Ice: Iceland; our panel will share their expertise to find a cruise experience perfectly suited to you.
Akin Koc - Diamond Star Experience
Katie Harber - AE Expeditions
Katie Harber represents AE Expeditions, where she has spent several years helping travellers discover the power of true small‑ship exploration. Before joining AE Expeditions, Katie worked aboard cruise vessels across the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond, gaining first‑hand insight into life at sea and the power of travel to connect people with the world. Drawing on her experience across the expedition travel sector, Katie is passionate about connecting people with the world’s most remote environments in a responsible, meaningful way. As an Antarctic Ambassador with IAATO, she champions the protection of the polar regions and the importance of thoughtful, low‑impact travel.
Mark Cummings
Mark is a multiple award-winning BBC radio presenter, journalist and writer and has been broadcasting for over 40 years. He’s presented several “West Country” travel series for BBC Points West and writes a monthly column for Cotswold Life which has been running since 2005. Mark presented the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Show for 18 years.
Mark first book, Glorious Gloucestershire, is a love letter to the county he knows so well, full of fascinating gems about Gloucestershire for tourists and locals alike. Mark sold out at The Gloucester History Festival and Stroud Book Festival this year and was moved from the Pillar Room to the Forum at The Cheltenham Literature Festival due to popular demand for tickets.
Mark lives in the South Cotswolds with his wife, Jo. They have two grown up daughters, Kate and Ali. Having travelled extensively as a backpacker, now as an empty nester, Mark’s writing includes travel features reflecting his love of adventure. As a keen walker, cyclist and campervan owner he shares his experiences in his unique style.
In 2023 Mark was the recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution to the Community Across Gloucestershire” Gloucestershire Live Business Award. He is a season ticket holder for Gloucester Rugby Club, an honorary member of The Gloucester Civic Trust and former Mock Mayor of Barton (a fun, non-political role dating back to the English Civil War).
11:05 - 11:35
Exploring Asia's North: History, Culture & Adventure
North Asia encompassing Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan offer a vast tapestry of experiences, blending ancient history, culture, with hyper-modern cities and deep traditions. Our panel explore options and advice for planning your trip to Northern Asia.
Paul Christie - Walk Japan
Paul is the CEO at Walk Japan. Paul’s varied career includes working as an analyst for Japan’s principal business newspaper, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, as the managing director of the Japanese subsidiary of a British 500 FTSE company and as a freelance news and documentary producer and director for NHK and Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), respectively Japan's public broadcaster and major national commercial television company.
In 2002, a long-held yearning for rural life led him to a quiet village on the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu, where he and his wife began raising their family of four sons. From this rural outpost he also took a central role developing Walk Japan's tour business and expanding his interests in country life. Since then, both of these have grown successfully, the latter into Walk Japan's Community Project, which is a wide-ranging endeavour to reverse the decline of a rural community and provide it with a sustainable and viable future.
James Mundy - Inside Asia
Having lived in rural Gunma prefecture and less rural Tokyo, James joined InsideJapan back in 2005 as one of the original Insider tour leaders. Twenty years later, InsideJapan has become the leading Japan travel specialist and the InsideAsia brand has expanded across Southeast Asia, India and Korea. The B Corp travel specialists sent 16,000 people on self-guided cultural adventures and Small Group Tours in 2025 and looks to introduce more destinations in 2026.
Mark Cummings
Mark is a multiple award-winning BBC radio presenter, journalist and writer and has been broadcasting for over 40 years. He’s presented several “West Country” travel series for BBC Points West and writes a monthly column for Cotswold Life which has been running since 2005. Mark presented the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Show for 18 years.
Mark first book, Glorious Gloucestershire, is a love letter to the county he knows so well, full of fascinating gems about Gloucestershire for tourists and locals alike. Mark sold out at The Gloucester History Festival and Stroud Book Festival this year and was moved from the Pillar Room to the Forum at The Cheltenham Literature Festival due to popular demand for tickets.
Mark lives in the South Cotswolds with his wife, Jo. They have two grown up daughters, Kate and Ali. Having travelled extensively as a backpacker, now as an empty nester, Mark’s writing includes travel features reflecting his love of adventure. As a keen walker, cyclist and campervan owner he shares his experiences in his unique style.
In 2023 Mark was the recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution to the Community Across Gloucestershire” Gloucestershire Live Business Award. He is a season ticket holder for Gloucester Rugby Club, an honorary member of The Gloucester Civic Trust and former Mock Mayor of Barton (a fun, non-political role dating back to the English Civil War).
11:40 - 12:10
unlocking southern asia's hidden Gems
Our panel explores the rich cultural tapestry and the natural and rural landscapes of Southern Asia. Whether it’s sunrise at Mount Batur in Bali, Vespa food tours in Ho Chi Minh, or, visiting the temples of Ayutthaya in Thailand, our panel teases out the most immersive experiences on offer from Sri Lanka, The Maldives and India through South East Asia.
Sam Clark - Experience Travel Group
Asia has always played an important part in my life. From backpacking around India as a 19-year-old to meeting my Kiwi wife on a beach in Thailand, it’s been a huge part of my personal life. Professionally too—it’s where I established the ETG “immersive holidays that give back” philosophy—starting in Sri Lanka in the early 2000s.
Immediately after the Asian tsunami of 2004, my ETG partner Tom and I became ‘Aid Sri Lanka’. Finally, in 2006, joined by Melissa, our third founder member, we were ready to launch our distinctive experience-based holidays. 17 years later, the team has grown to 20 in the UK, 5 in Asia, and hundreds of partners and guides throughout the continent.
We’re proud that others “see it” as we see it, that we took an idea we believed in and ran with it, and proudest of all that thousands of other people have maybe got a bit a travel adventure from their holiday experience - that we've perhaps expanded their horizons a little and at the same time, contributed positively to how travel experiences are delivered.
The great thing about Asia is that there’s always so much more to see and so many people to meet—which is why I still spend so much time travelling with (and without) my wife and teenage boys.
Alicia Sharpe - Luxeco Holidays
I have a deep personal connection to Asia- it is my favourite region in the world! I love everything about it- the warm, welcoming people, delicious fresh food and indescribable feeling you experience when you are there. After living in Malaysia for two years and travelling extensively throughout Southeast Asia, I developed a real passion for immersive, meaningful journeys that go far beyond the guidebook.
I am the founder of Luxeco Holidays which is an independent travel agency, partnered with the renowned Travel Counsellor’s group. At Luxeco Holidays, we are dedicated to crafting tailor-made, experience-rich itineraries across South Asia and beyond. My focus is on connecting clients with authentic culture, exceptional hospitality and those “wow” moments that stay with you long after you return home. I love recommending places to stay that you may never have heard of and leave a lasting impression on you. Places where you feel like family, rather than a guest. Places that you just don’t want to leave!
This year, my key spotlights include Sri Lanka, the Maldives and India: from tea country and wildlife encounters to barefoot luxury in the Indian Ocean and vibrant cities full of history, flavour and colour. Drawing on first-hand insight and on-the-ground connections, I help travellers create premium, personalised journeys that truly bring this incredible region to life.
Jean-Marc Flambert - Secrets of Ceylon
Jean-Marc Flambert was born in Haiti to a Sri Lankan mother, has worked for 3 governments, and now runs a collection of unique and boutique experiences in Sri Lanka. He loves introducing people to the authentic Sri Lanka he grow up in. Many of the properties are owned by his childhood friends. Jean-Marc believes in the BEE Philosophy Buylocal, Employ locally and Enrich the community with in which we exist. One property offers the local villages children access to a toy library, one a train ride and village house experience and a 3rd a Thaal cuisine experience.
Alex Robinson - Author & Photographer
Alex Robinson is a prize-winning photographer, videographer and writer with among other awards a National Magazine Award in the United States, the magazine equivalent of a Grammy. He writes regularly for the leading travel publications, including JRNY, Sunday Times, Independent and Wanderlust, specialising on Latin America, South East Asia and Portugal. He is the author of more than fifteen travel books and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. In 2025 he will lead group trips on the Mekong and Amazon Rivers where participants will have the chance to hone their writing and photography skills as well as learn about the regions.
12:15 - 12:45
POLE-TO-POLE - ARCTIC TO ANTARCTICA
How to choose between these two Poles? Our panel discuss the different experiences, from the wildlife you’ll see, the adventure activities on offer, the history, through to accessibility and the logistics involved in organising your perfect trip to these vast wildernesses.
Sunita Ramanand - Trotting Soles
Sunita Ramanand's passion for travel started from a very young age. Her father’s army career took the family to far-flung places around India. Weekends and holidays were spent exploring places in those regions, meeting local people and gaining an insight into local customs of the country’s constituent states.
A self-professed proud nomad, she gave up her legal career to move into the world of travel and spent over 16 years working for well-known tours operators in the UK. During her time in the industry, she realised that there is a growing number of travellers who seek transformational experiences on their travels.
And it was with this idea of working together with like-minded travellers, who are eager to push the boundaries of conventional travel, that Trotting Soles Travel was born.
Lizette Castillo-Nunez - Antarctica21
A seasoned travel professional with 25+ years of experience, Lizette fosters strong partnerships across EMEA, promoting Antarctica21’s exclusive air-cruise adventures.
12:50 - 13:20
USA: Untold Travel Stories
Our panel invites you to explore the USA and Canada with fresh eyes. They will share some of regions iconic destinations and hidden gems, connecting you with the people, stories, and natural wonders that make North America a truly unique and welcoming destination for all.
Kirsty Dillury - Boston and Louisiana
Kirsten Dillury
Kav Dadfar - JRNY Travel Magazine
Kav is the co-founder of the award-winning JRNY Travel Magazine. As a writer and photographer, over the years his images have appeared in publications around the world including JRNY, Condé Nast, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Daily Mail, The Express, The Guardian and many more.
Byron Shirto
Festival Director
Byron Shirto
Byron worked for leading luxury Tour Operator, Abercrombie & Kent, for over 10 years, before setting up Tailormade Inspiration, a marketing and communications agency, in 2009. Byron served on the board and as Chairman of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) for over 8 years. He has created and launched three successful large-scale trade B2B events in the last 10 years (LATA Expo, Experience Africa and Brand USA Travel Week). In 2022, he launched Inspire Global, a worldwide community promoting positive impact tourism. In 2023, he launched the Inspire Global Media Awards, celebrating positive impact storytelling, and in the same year, The Travel Festivals, the #1 series of travel festivals in the U.K.
13:25 - 13:55
ideas for your next Latin America adventure
Having navigated everything from bustling markets in Mexico City to the glacial landscapes of Patagonia, our panel of seasoned Latin American explorers will share practical tips and inspiring stories to help you unlock the magic and responsible travel opportunities in this captivating continent.
Sinead Somers - Travel Differently
I have worked in the industry for over 12 years, starting as an intern, to admin support, then becoming a top sales consultant alongside managing an entire sales team at one of the UK’s largest tour operators. My role at Travel Differently is where I’m happiest; designing amazing and unique trips for guests who want to do things differently. In recent years I’ve gravitated towards more active trips; mountains, scenery and trekking. I’ve been lucky enough to undertake some of the most iconic hikes in Latin America, from The Salkantay Trek in Peru, to the challenging Lost City Trek in Colombia, and summiting incredible volcanoes in Guatemala. I enjoy longer, slower, immersive travel, akin to the Travel Differently ethos, meaning I head back to South America for several months of the year to really get under the skin of a country.
Nicola Gummer - Naturally Travels
Every country in the Americas has so much scenic diversity, unique culture and abundance of wildlife and bird species. Each can be explored in a different way and our mission is to help you uncover the destination and experience it the way you would like, maximising your opportunities to explore but allowing time to relax and immerse yourself.
Mark Cummings
Mark is a multiple award-winning BBC radio presenter, journalist and writer and has been broadcasting for over 40 years. He’s presented several “West Country” travel series for BBC Points West and writes a monthly column for Cotswold Life which has been running since 2005. Mark presented the BBC Radio Gloucestershire Breakfast Show for 18 years.
Mark first book, Glorious Gloucestershire, is a love letter to the county he knows so well, full of fascinating gems about Gloucestershire for tourists and locals alike. Mark sold out at The Gloucester History Festival and Stroud Book Festival this year and was moved from the Pillar Room to the Forum at The Cheltenham Literature Festival due to popular demand for tickets.
Mark lives in the South Cotswolds with his wife, Jo. They have two grown up daughters, Kate and Ali. Having travelled extensively as a backpacker, now as an empty nester, Mark’s writing includes travel features reflecting his love of adventure. As a keen walker, cyclist and campervan owner he shares his experiences in his unique style.
In 2023 Mark was the recipient of the “Outstanding Contribution to the Community Across Gloucestershire” Gloucestershire Live Business Award. He is a season ticket holder for Gloucester Rugby Club, an honorary member of The Gloucester Civic Trust and former Mock Mayor of Barton (a fun, non-political role dating back to the English Civil War).
14:00 - 14:30
Join Holly as she shares her lifelong passion for Africa, a continent that’s captured hearts for centuries. From the thrill of a first safari to discovering hidden villages, we believe Africa isn’t just a destination, but a profound, life-altering experience. Get ready to explore golden savannas, vibrant cultures, and landscapes that redefine ‘breathtaking,’ and discover why Africa stays with you long after you’ve left.
Holly Budge - Adventurer
My work sits at the intersection of risk, leadership, extreme environments, and exploration. As the first woman to skydive Everest, a North Face Everest summiteer, and a global keynote speaker on RISK, I help organisations reframe uncertainty as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and purpose-led action.
From high-altitude expeditions to frontline conservation, and an increasing focus on STEM, systems, and space-adjacent innovation, I explore how humans perform, decide, and lead when the stakes are high.
Beyond the stage I am the founder of World Female Ranger Week and How Many Elephants, working alongside frontline conservation leaders and communities in some of the world’s most complex environments.
14:35 - 15:05
where to holiday in 2027
A shift to the north, relaxed visa regulations, and new routes by planes, trains, boats, bikes and even balloons make 2027 the most exciting for travel in years. Our experts highlight the new trips that should be on your radar for the coming year.
Simon Willmore - JRNY Travel Magazine
Simon Willmore is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, and the sub-editor and head of digital at JRNY Travel Magazine. He's worked for National Geographic Traveller, The Times, Rough Guides, Wanderlust and Bradt Guides and is the current BGTW Broadcaster of the Year.
Cait Gargett - Captain's Choice
Cait Gargett is the UK & Europe Manager for Captain’s Choice, bringing a global perspective and practical insight into travel trends, customer expectations, and how the industry continues to evolve for today’s travellers.
Cait’s career spans some of the most respected names in luxury travel, beginning at Leading Hotels of the World, followed by a move to Australia where she led Asia Pacific marketing for Silversea Cruises in Sydney. Now based in London, Cait is focused on introducing the world of Captain’s Choice to the UK market.
Jarrod Kyte - Steppes Travel
Max Campos - Aqua Expeditions
Byron Shirto
Festival Director
Byron Shirto
Byron worked for leading luxury Tour Operator, Abercrombie & Kent, for over 10 years, before setting up Tailormade Inspiration, a marketing and communications agency, in 2009. Byron served on the board and as Chairman of the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) for over 8 years. He has created and launched three successful large-scale trade B2B events in the last 10 years (LATA Expo, Experience Africa and Brand USA Travel Week). In 2022, he launched Inspire Global, a worldwide community promoting positive impact tourism. In 2023, he launched the Inspire Global Media Awards, celebrating positive impact storytelling, and in the same year, The Travel Festivals, the #1 series of travel festivals in the U.K.
15:10 - 15:40
CANADA
Canada
Kav Dadfar - JRNY Travel Magazine
Kav is the co-founder of the award-winning JRNY Travel Magazine. As a writer and photographer, over the years his images have appeared in publications around the world including JRNY, Condé Nast, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Daily Mail, The Express, The Guardian and many more.
From the sun-drenched coasts of Italy to the vibrant markets of Morocco, our panel will to share how to truly travel and explore our closest neighbours, not just visit.
continue the story
Inspired by something you’ve heard? Explore more places, people and experiences in Stories.
COME CURIOUS. LEAVE INSPIRED.
DON’T MISS A STORY. Travel Talks are included with your free festival ticket. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.