The Jason Boull Travel Podcast

In this episode, Gemma from Riviera Travel shares her extensive experience in the cruise industry, highlighting what makes Riviera's offerings unique—from river cruises in Europe to exotic destinations like the Mekong. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to cruising, learn about the value, experiences, and future fleet developments that could redefine your travel plans. Main topics include:...

Title: Discover Riviera Travel – The Ultimate Guide to River Cruising and Solo Holidays If you're curious about river cruising, solo travel, or planning your next luxury holiday, this episode is packed with insights from Gemma, a seasoned travel professional with over 40 years of experience. Learn about the unique offerings of Riviera Travel, including detailed information on their ships, destinat...

The best Japan trips aren't the cheapest, the biggest, or the most scripted — they're the ones where someone who actually lives there is quietly making everything better in the background. In Part 2 of the Discover Japan finale, Jason and Charlie Orr of Inside Japan get into the practical side of small group tours: when to book, what package protection really means, and how to match the right itin...

On launch morning, the shop floor opens at 7am. Breakfast, brews, and a list of customers already waiting. Within 90 minutes, the best cabins on the best ships for the entire 2028 summer season will be gone. Core insight: The benefit of launch day isn't just the price — it's the access . Access to accessible cabins that vanish first. Access to interconnecting rooms for big families. Access to soug...

Tomorrow morning at 8:30am, P&O Cruises opens pre-registration for the Summer 2028 collection — and the people who know the industry best will already be logged in, ready to book. Here's why. Booking at launch isn't just about saving money — it's about getting the best version of the holiday before anyone else can touch it. Danielle Dry has spent 28 years in travel, personally sells P&O la...

Japan gets under your skin. Almost every first-time visitor comes home already planning the next trip — and there's a reason for that. In the final instalment of the Discover Japan mini-series, Jason sits down again with Charlie Orr from Inside Japan to tackle what most travel content ignores: what to actually do on your second , third or fourth visit. They dig into Hokkaido's summer wilderness, t...

In Part 2 of Episode 5, Jason and Charlie from Inside Japan continue their deep dive into Japan's seasons, turning their attention to the breathtaking autumn colours and the magic of winter. Charlie explains why November is the sweet spot for koyo — Japan's autumn foliage — and why he personally rates it above cherry blossom season. From the Japanese Alps to the valleys of Shikoku, he paints a pic...

In Part 1 of Episode 5, Jason is joined by Charlie Orr from Inside Japan to explore one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of planning a Japan trip: the seasons. Charlie explains why every season brings a completely different Japan, from the food and festivals to the very philosophy of daily life. The conversation dives deep into cherry blossom season — what makes it magical, wh...

In Part 2 of our Experiences in Japan deep dive, we explore the adventurous, natural and modern side of Japan — from climbing Mount Fuji and cycling across sea bridges, to taiko drumming and futuristic art installations. We also tackle something important: how to plan Japan properly without burning out — and why AI itineraries simply can’t replace personalised expertise. In this episode: Climbing...

In Episode 4 of our Japan mini-series, Jason Boull and Japan specialist Charlie Orr explore the heart of what makes Japan unforgettable — the experiences. From meeting a Maiko (apprentice geisha) and taking part in tea ceremonies, to hands-on crafts like paper making and taiko drumming, this episode dives into why Japan is a destination where cultural immersion matters more than ticking off landma...

In Part 2 of our Japan food deep dive, we go even further. From vibrant street food stalls and Osaka’s famous food culture to regional specialities like udon, katsuo and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, this episode uncovers the deeper layers of Japanese cuisine. We also explore: Why street food in Japan rivals anywhere in the world The story behind Japan’s Christmas KFC tradition Dining etiquette and...

In Episode 3 of our Japan mini-series, Jason Boull and Japan specialist Charlie Orr dive into one of the most exciting parts of any trip — the food. From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki and regional specialities, we explore why Japan is widely considered a true foodie paradise. Charlie shares insider tips on how not to feel intimidated when eating out, why smaller specialist restaurants are often t...

In Part 2, Jason and Charlie get practical — because in Japan, location can make or break the trip . They break down how the right base in Tokyo and Kyoto improves your experience, why some travellers benefit from splitting Tokyo into two different areas, and how machiya townhouses offer a completely different (and more local) way to stay — especially for families and small groups. They also discu...

Japan’s accommodation isn’t just a bed for the night — it’s part of the adventure. In Part 1 of Episode 2, Jason Boull and Japan specialist Charlie Orr explore why Japan offers such a wide range of stays and why choosing the right style at the right point in your itinerary makes a huge difference. They dive deep into ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), including what a tatami room is really like,...

In this episode of the Jason Boull Travel Podcast, host Jason Boull engages with Charlie Orr from Inside Travel Group to kick off a mini-series focused on Japan. They delve into Charlie's extensive experience with the country, sharing insights from his 20-year obsession with Japan, which began with a solo backpacking trip at 18. Charlie discusses the enchanting nature of Japan, highlighting its bl...

Planning your first trip to Japan? In this episode of the Jason Boull Travel Podcast, Jason Boull is joined by Japan specialist Charlie Orr to help first-time visitors plan with confidence — from the best starter route (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and beyond) to how easy Japan really is to navigate, why rail travel is a joy, and smart tips like luggage forwarding to travel light. You’ll also learn key...

In Part 2, Natalie’s Sri Lanka nightmare continues — and this is where her instincts as a mum take over. With her children in the back seat and the “replacement driver” swerving through the darkness, Natalie makes a split-second decision: she has to get them out of the car safely without escalating the situation. She talks through how she engineered a stop at the only service station for miles, mo...

Natalie from Rejuvenate Skin Experts joins Jason to share her journey from training in beauty nearly 20 years ago to building one of Cardiff’s leading skin clinics — and why her career became a passport to travel the world. But this episode takes a sharp turn when Natalie reveals what happened on a spontaneous family trip to Sri Lanka. After landing late and realising she hadn’t arranged transport...

Summary In this episode of the Jason Boull Travel Podcast, host Jason Boull speaks with Sue Lennox from Hayes Travel about the critical importance of travel insurance. Sue shares her personal experience of a family trip to Paris that turned into a medical emergency when her son required urgent surgery. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked necessity of having adequate travel insurance,...

In this episode, Jason Boull shares why booking a holiday shouldn’t feel stressful — it should feel like the start of your break. Discover how Boullies Travel removes the overwhelm by doing all the research, planning, and behind-the-scenes work for you, leaving you free to enjoy your evening while your perfect trip comes together. Jason also highlights key upcoming opportunities, including Lapland...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Western Canada, Jason and Michael Brabin of Destination Vancouver and Tourism Whistler take you beyond the highlights and into the adventure, culture and magic that make this region unforgettable. We begin in Whistler in summer —a vibrant, energetic, adventure-packed mountain village that welcomes more visitors in summer than winter. Michael explains why Whistler is...

In the final episode of our Canada series, Jason is joined by Michael Brabin of Destination Vancouver and Tourism Whistler to explore why so many visitors come home from Vancouver and Whistler saying, “I could move there tomorrow.” In Part 1 , we dive into Vancouver as a true year-round city : mild winters, warmer summers, and a unique mix of ocean, mountains and rainforest that never feels like a...

In this episode of The Jason Boull Travel Podcast , we dive into one of Canada’s most charming and culturally rich destinations — St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador — with expert guest Della Tully from Tourism Canada. Just five hours from the UK, this Atlantic Canada hidden gem is bursting with Irish heritage, jellybean-coloured houses, dramatic ocean views, world-class seafood, and some of the...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Ottawa, Jason Boull reconnects with Vladimir Jean-Gilles of Ottawa Tourism to uncover the city’s food and drink culture, its vibrant seasons, and how visitors can plan their dream trip to Canada’s capital. Discover Ottawa’s incredible culinary scene — from historic bank-turned-fine-dining at Riviera to late-night shawarma and maple beer microbreweries. Learn how win...

In this first part of our special feature on Ottawa , Jason Boull sits down with Vladimir Jean-Gilles of Ottawa Tourism to explore Canada’s capital in a way you’ve never heard before. From a personal arrival story that starts on Canada Day itself, to the vibrant cultural heartbeat of the city’s neighbourhoods — Vlad brings to life the soul of Ottawa through powerful storytelling. We explore what m...