Now Boarding

Join Phil as he sits down with Becky White, Cruise & Travel Specialist from our Highfield Road shop – and newly crowned Leisure Agent of the Year 2025 at Travel Weekly’s prestigious Agent Achievement Awards. Becky has explored destinations all over the world, but today she’s diving into two favourites: Bali vs Thailand. From culture and cuisine to beaches, hotels and must-do experiences, she s...

In this heartfelt episode, Phil is joined by his daughter Jess as they reminisce about their unforgettable trip to Alaska — a destination that truly takes your breath away. From the comfort of their balcony cabin, they watched whales glide through icy waters and soaked up views unlike anywhere else on earth. Their adventure didn’t stop there — with thrilling helicopter rides, husky encounters, and...

In this episode of Now Boarding , Phil Nuttall chats with Chris Townson, Managing Director at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, to uncover what makes Uniworld one of the most distinctive names in ultra-luxury travel. From personal butlers and exquisite ship design to new partnerships with Seabourn and Aqua Expeditions, Chris reveals how Uniworld continues to innovate while celebrating fifty years o...

If you’ve ever dreamed of setting sail on a cruise that feels just like home, this episode is for you. Join Phil, CEO of The Travel Village Group, as he chats with Jo from Princess Cruises — who, incredibly, marks 10 years to the day since she first stepped aboard a Princess ship. From winning a competition that changed her life to becoming Sales Manager and one of the brand’s biggest champions, J...

If Peru is on your bucket list, this is the episode you need to hear. This week, Phil is joined by Gill (recent winner of TTG’s Cruise agent of the year)  and her husband Richard, whose creative career with Blackpool Illuminations has lit up the UK’s most iconic seaside skyline. Together, they share their unforgettable journey through South America — from sailing deep into the heart of the Amazon...

This week, Phil sits down with Wendy Haines, travel expert, business owner and founder of Wendy’s Wanderers, to talk about her incredible 30-year journey in travel. From starting out in high street agencies to running her own award-winning business, Wendy shares what inspired her to take the leap, the joy of group travel, and the stories that make it all worthwhile. Discover how she’s created a co...

From sun-soaked shores to world-class service, Cyprus is calling and no one knows it better than Constantinou Bros Hotels. In this episode, Phil sits down with Mark Richardson to uncover the story behind one of the island’s most beloved hotel groups. From beachfront bliss in Paphos to the signature Cypriot warmth that keeps guests coming back year after year, Mark shares what makes these hotels tr...

Grab the tissues for this one – it’s heartfelt, powerful, and a story everyone needs to hear. In this episode of Now Boarding , Phil is joined by Nicola, the incredible founder of charity organisation Reuben’s Retreat, along with Rebecca, their inspiring Head of Fundraising. Born from unimaginable heartbreak, Nicola’s journey is one of hope, kindness, and the healing power of travel. This conversa...

WE ARE BACK! Did you miss us? Because we missed you. Now we ended last season with an episode live from the Danube and here to give you an introduction into what to expect from season 2 - we have Phil, Paula and Liv. There are so many amazing episodes coming your way this season and we can't wait for you to hear more authentic and inspirational travel stories.  Find out more about us on https...

Join Phil, Paula, and Jess as they wrap up the very first season of Now Boarding with a spectacular finale recorded right on the banks of the Danube River in Austria. 🌍✈️ After 10 episodes packed with wild travel tales, quirky fun facts, and taste-tests of international snacks, we’re celebrating you - the listeners who’ve been on this journey with us. Expect plenty of laughs, a few surprises, and...

After their very first cruise back in 2014, the Cruise Monkeys were hooked and they’ve been making waves ever since! What started as a passion for exploring the high seas has grown into a vibrant online community where cruise lovers from around the world come together. In this episode, Phil gets the inside scoop on how it all began, the surprising twists that led to creating the Cruise Monkeys cha...

Ready to go way off the beaten track? In this episode, Phil’s joined by Stu from G Adventures to talk about what it’s really like to tour the most remote corners of the world,  from the wilds of Patagonia to the heart of the Amazon. Find out how G Adventures brings you closer to the culture, the people, and the places - all while giving back to the communities you visit. It’s all about meaningful...

Ever wondered what it’s like to cruise along the Norwegian coast or venture deep into the Arctic Circle? In this episode, Phil is joined by our Southampton Cruise Centre, cruise expert Jenny and James from Hurtigruten to chat about all things expedition cruising.  From what to pack for Svalbard to why Norway’s coastline is best seen by ship, we’ve got stories, laughs, and insider tips to get you e...

Set Sail on the Rivers of Europe! In this episode, we dive into the world of river cruising with our Head of River Cruising, Lewis. Phil and Liv put him in the hot seat to uncover what makes European river cruises so special – from scenic sailing to unforgettable excursions. Discover why Lewis' favourite trip left Phil unimpressed, and how one unexpected moment turned Phil’s not so hidden tal...

In this special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on The Holiday Village – and trust us, it’s a truly special business. Join our Managing Director Paula and Business Development Manager Amanda as they share hilarious stories, inspiring moments, and the inside scoop on what it’s really like to be part of the Holiday Village family. Thinking about becoming an independent travel agent? This epi...

Big Plans, River Journeys & a 2ft Sausage?! In this episode, Phil catches up with Robin and Brad from APT to uncover what’s new and next for this family-run travel brand. With values that align closely with The Travel Village Group, they dive into what it means to treat staff and customers like family. Expect chat about far-flung adventures beyond Europe, innovative ways to river cruise – and...

Grab your cork hats and boomerangs, we’re taking you down under!! Phil gets to know all about Leah (TVG’s operations manager) and Liv’s escapades in the land of sunshine and barbies. Their Australian adventures are jam packed with thrills and all things Aussie. Find out how Leah had a close brush with an infamous Aussie creature and about Liv’s special connection to the country.  Find out more abo...

Calling all Canadian adventurers, today’s episode is the one for you! Phil and his bestie John sit down and are under strict instructions not to cause too much trouble. John and Phil are longtime friends so obviously they’ve taken a few trips together. One that really stands out was their 2-week road trip around the north of Canada. Find out how John ended up overcoming his fears and Phil driving...

Now Boarding is about to take flight as we welcome you into the Travel Village Group family with CEO Phil, Managing Director Paula and Marketing Executive Liv. Get to know what makes this business so special before delving into Phil and Paula’s latest escape to Nashville… Yeehaw!! Find out how Phil splashed the cash to keep up with the cowboys. And Paula tells you her top tips to stay fashion forw...

Teaser Episode: Welcome to Now Boarding - The Travel Podcast!  In this teaser, we'll give you a sneak peak into what’s coming - this is where insider knowledge meets real, unfiltered conversations. Stories that you wont find in the guidebooks, and a fresh perspective on the world of travel. Buckle up you’re in for an adventure.  ✈️ Thanks for flying with Now Boarding ! 🎧 Follow us on Instagr...