The Travel Podcast

In this inspiring episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley Sparkes is joined by John Garbutt from Cunard to lift the lid on what most travellers get wrong about this iconic cruise line. Is Cunard too formal? Will you be bored on sea days? Is it only for an older crowd? From the only transatlantic ocean liner at sea to Queen Anne’s future-facing design, White Star Service , West End-calibre shows...

In this inspiring episode of The Travel Podcast , host Hayley is joined by Emma from Holland America Line and Helen from Canadian Affair to reveal why combining an Alaska cruise with a Canadian adventure creates the ultimate bucket-list holiday. From glacier calving and whale watching in Alaska to the Rockies, Vancouver, Niagara Falls, and even bear safaris in Canada, you’ll discover how these two...

Think yacht cruising is only for billionaires and celebrities? Think again. In this exciting episode of The Travel Podcast , host Hayley is joined by Lewis from Emerald Cruises to reveal how their innovative superyacht experience is bringing this once-exclusive lifestyle within reach. With just 100 guests onboard, stunning contemporary design, and itineraries that follow the sun around the Mediter...

In this inspiring episode of The Travel Podcast , host Hayley Sparks is joined by Brad from APT Touring , one of the world’s most innovative touring and river cruise companies. From small yachts in Croatia to luxury river ships on the Danube, wilderness lodges in Australia, and cultural journeys along the Mekong, APT is redefining what it means to travel in style. With nearly 100 years of experien...

In this uplifting episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley chats with singer, presenter, and now travel community founder Liz McClarnon about her journey to becoming The No Fly Traveller . After years of touring the world by plane, Liz made a life-changing decision to give up flying and discovered an entirely new way to explore Europe (and beyond). From overnight trains and scenic ferry rides to...

Think trekking in Nepal is only for hardcore adventurers? Think again. In this episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley speaks with Kitty from Kitty’s Travel and Adventures - a doctor, travel consultant, and mountain medicine expert - about what it’s really like to trek in Nepal. From preparing for altitude and choosing the right gear to what a typical day on the trail looks like, Kitty shares h...

Think LGBTQ+ travel is limited to just a few destinations? Think again. In this inspiring episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley is joined by globe-trotting Not Just Travel Consultant Dale to explore how the LGBTQ+ community can travel with confidence, safety, and style. From the world’s biggest Pride celebrations to hidden-gem destinations you might not expect, Dale shares his expert insights...

Think accessible travel means compromising on your holiday? Think again. In this powerful episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley sits down with Marina, Accessibility Manager at TUI, to explore how the travel giant is making holidays smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for travellers with additional needs. From practical innovations like detailed access guides to thoughtful initiatives supporti...

In this inspiring episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley sits down with Jo, one of our experienced Travel Consultants, to uncover two of the world’s most surprising hidden gems: Belize and Guatemala. From rainforest lodges alive with toucans and howler monkeys to ancient Mayan cities and diving with dolphins, Jo shares how this family adventure became truly life-changing, and why she believes...

Think river cruising is just a slow meander for retirees? Think again. In this episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley sits down with Kerry from Emerald Cruises to uncover a side of river cruising most travellers never imagine—where cutting-edge design meets relaxed luxury and every day brings a fresh discovery. From surprising onboard spaces you won’t believe to a sense of freedom you won’t fi...

Ready to uncover Africa’s friendliest secret? Welcome to The Gambia. In this heart-warming episode of The Travel Podcast , host Hayley sits down with Personal Travel Consultant Esther to uncover the real Gambia - The Smiling Coast of Africa. With over 25 years of first-hand experience, Esther shares the surprising truth about this extraordinary destination: a place of white-sand beaches, rich cult...

Ever imagined a cruise that feels more like a boutique hotel than a ship? This week on The Travel Podcast, we're diving deep into the revolutionary world of  Explora Journeys  – a new luxury ocean travel brand that’s tearing up the cruise rulebook and attracting travellers who swore they’d never set foot on a ship. Our guest  Andrew , Business Relationship Lead for the UK & Irel...

Think Jamaica’s just beaches and Bob Marley? Think again. In this vibrant episode of The Travel Podcast, host Hayley is joined by Donovan from the Jamaica Tourist Board to uncover the real Jamaica – a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, natural wonders, and unforgettable experiences. From climbing waterfalls and sipping rum in floating bars to getting married at sunset or rafting through jungle-lin...

Think expedition cruising means roughing it in basic conditions? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of The Travel Podcast , host Hayley Sparkes is joined by Kerry Eades from Scenic to reveal the surprising truth about ultra-luxury expedition travel - where helicopters, submarines, and six-star service meet the world’s most remote destinations. Ever imagined exploring Antarctica in a submarin...

India's all over the news and on the TV, but think you know it? Think again. TV presenter and friend of The Travel Podcast, Sally Jacks, returns to share stories from her latest trip to India — and it’s not what you’d expect. Yes, there’s the Taj Mahal. Yes, there’s colour, chaos and curry. But there’s also a millionaire living in the slums. A charity feeding 60,000 kids a day. And a luxury hotel...

Think a wellness holiday is just spa days and smoothies? Think again. In this episode, Hayley Sparkes chats with Andrew Barnard, CEO of Body Holiday and Stolen Time in Saint Lucia—two soulful resorts built around one goal: to help guests reset, recharge and feel like themselves again. With over 70% of guests returning, these resorts prove that when you get wellness right, it sticks. From stress an...

Think India is all chaos and culture shock? Think again. In this episode of The Travel Podcast , Hayley Sparkes is joined by India expert Sunny Singh—who’s spent nearly 50 years helping travellers uncover the real India. From crafting bespoke itineraries to launching the original "Incredible India" campaign, Sunny knows how to turn a holiday into the journey of a lifetime. Together, they explore w...

In this episode of The Travel Podcast , Not Just Travel co-founder Steve Witt sits down with adventurer and TV personality Charley Boorman to talk all things travel, freedom, and the joy of going the long way round. Fresh from filming his latest Apple TV+ series Long Way Home with Ewan McGregor , Charley shares stories from their 7,000-mile motorcycle ride across Europe—from the Arctic Circle to t...

Think Disney holidays have to break the bank? Think again! In this episode, host Hayley welcomes back Disney expert Amy-Lou to reveal the exclusive details behind Disney’s most sought-after promotion for 2026 — the FREE Disney Dining and Drinks package , available to UK and Ireland residents. We also explore the benefits of the Disney Magic Ticket and why it offers such exceptional value. Plus, Am...

Thinking about travelling solo but not sure if it’s really for you? This episode might just change your mind. Whether you’re newly single, have a partner who doesn’t like to travel, or simply have a place on your bucket list that none of your friends fancy — solo travel is more accessible, less intimidating, and more rewarding than you might think. In this episode, host Hayley Sparkes is joined by...

Think you know Italy? Think again! Sun-drenched piazzas, authentic trattorias tucked down cobblestone streets, family-run hotels with brass keys, and gelato that will ruin ice cream for you forever - this is the real Italy that most travellers miss. This week, host Hayley Sparkes welcomes special guest Daniele Broccoli from Typically Holidays, a family-run tour operator with over 40 years of exper...

Think you know Turkey? Think again. This Mediterranean gem has quietly become one of the UK’s most sought-after destinations — but why? What is it about Turkey that has holidaymakers coming back year after year? In this episode of The Travel Podcast , host Hayley Sparkes is joined by Turkey travel expert Nigel Robinson from Classic Collection to peel back the layers of this diverse and captivating...

Think you know what a safari’s like? Think again. From sleeping in luxury tented camps to sipping sundowners with elephants nearby, this episode lifts the veil on what it’s really like to go on safari - and why it’s far more than a one-time bucket list trip. In this episode, host Hayley Sparkes delves into the world of safari with Dickie Ashcroft, a former safari guide and current safari expert at...

In this episode of The Travel Podcast , host Hayley Sparkes is joined by Pierre Thomas from Silversea Expeditions to reveal a completely different kind of travel experience — one that takes you deep into the world’s last great wildernesses, in surprising comfort. From penguin colonies in Antarctica to remote islands in the Pacific, expedition cruises reach places you can’t get to any other way — w...

In this episode, EasyJet Holidays’ Dom Carrick reveals the insider tricks that seasoned travellers use to get the most sightseeing time for the lowest price – and how to avoid paying premium rates for flights and hotels. But that's not all. Think you know Europe’s top city break destinations? Some of the bestsellers might surprise you – and Dom shares which cities are rising stars for 2024. And if...