Andi Oliver reflects on finding her roots, travelling solo and the journeys that shaped her life on Routes with Jenni Falconer
21/07/2026
Chef, broadcaster and author Andi Oliver joins Jenni Falconer for the latest episode of Routes, the podcast from LNER, where she reflects on the journeys that have defined her life.
From growing up in Cyprus and discovering her family roots in Antigua, to the solo adventures that transformed her outlook on life.
Andi shares why she believes everyone should travel alone, recalling the experiences that changed her perspective and the destinations that continue to inspire her love of food, family and storytelling.
Speaking to Jenni, Andi said:
I think everybody should travel on their own at least twice in their lives. There's something about having to rely on yourself that changes you. You become much more open because you have to connect with people.
The conversation also explores Andi's first visit to Antigua as a teenager, a trip she describes as life-changing after growing up in Britain with little connection to her Caribbean heritage.
It was the first time I'd ever been somewhere where everybody looked like me. I'd never experienced that before. It completely changed my understanding of who I was and where I came from.
Episode highlights include:
Why everyone should travel alone: Andi explains why solo trips to destinations including Mexico and Thailand were some of the most liberating experiences of her life.
How Cyprus sparked a lifelong love of food: Andi recalls moving to Cyprus as a child, where outdoor living, beach picnics and incredible local produce first ignited her passion for cooking and sharing meals with others.
A holiday that lasted three months: Andi fondly remembers travelling to Antigua for six weeks, meeting "a really cute boy" and deciding not to come home for another six weeks.
Finding home in unexpected places: From Antigua to Scotland, Andi reflects on the destinations that have made her feel an immediate sense of belonging and the connections she sees between Caribbean and Scottish storytelling traditions.
Never travel without snacks: The self-confessed foodie reveals she's never without a carefully packed selection of homemade snacks, sweet treats and a flask of tea whenever she travels by train.
The episode featuring Andi Oliver is available from 21st July 2026 on all major podcast platforms.
