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 cultural etiquette (including onsen rules and tattoo considerations), plus how to avoid common pitfalls like overcrowding and trying to do too much.

Ready to make Japan happen without stress? Boullies Travel will build your personalised Japan itinerary, keeping it smooth, realistic, and packed with the experiences that matter most to you.

Takeaways

• Japan is a destination that offers endless discoveries.
• Engaging with locals creates lasting travel memories.
• Navigating Japan is easier than many think, even without Japanese language skills.
• Tokyo feels like a collection of towns rather than one city.
• Food tours can help travelers discover hidden culinary gems.

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, moved luggage fast, kept the children calm, and made urgent calls until someone finally agreed to come and collect them.

Once Natalie reaches her hotel, the trip transforms. She shares the unexpected joy of Sri Lanka — surfing lessons, coastal villages, turtles, incredible food, and the warmth of local people — alongside the reality of travelling with children and why she’d do parts of the itinerary differently next time.

Jason and Natalie then unpack the real lesson: not that travel is unsafe — but that support, preparation, and trusted local partners can make all the difference when something goes wrong. Natalie also shares what she’s planning next (including Thailand), and what’s coming up for Rejuvenate, including expansion plans and the launch of an academy.

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 for the long journey south, Natalie and her two children got into a taxi for what she thought was a straightforward transfer.

Instead, deep into the night on a remote jungle road, the driver fell asleep at the wheel — and the car crashed.

Natalie describes the shock of the impact, the fear of standing on a pitch-black roadside with two children, the confusion of not being able to communicate, and the unsettling reality that even the police offered no meaningful help. Just when she thinks rescue has arrived, a replacement driver turns up… and Natalie’s instincts immediately tell her something is seriously wrong.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rejuvenate Skin Experts

01:49 Natalie's Journey into Skin Health

04:03 Identifying Market Gaps in Beauty

07:00 The Importance of Specialization and Care

08:58 Challenges of Entrepreneurship

10:46 Natalie's Travel Background

13:54 Spontaneous Travel to Sri Lanka

17:35 The Journey Begins: From Airport to Adventure

20:54 A Terrifying Car Accident

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, the potential financial implications of not being covered, and practical advice for travelers to ensure they are protected while abroad.

Takeaways

• Travel insurance can save you from financial disaster.
• Always carry your insurance documentation when traveling.
• Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly, even on short trips.
• Check the fine print of your travel insurance policy.
• Not all insurance policies cover the same things.
• Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind.
• Emergency medical care abroad can be extremely costly.
• Don't assume your EHIC card covers everything.
• Be aware of additional costs like repatriation.
• Always prioritize your family's health and safety while traveling.

Titles

• The Crucial Role of Travel Insurance
• A Family's Unexpected Medical Emergency
• Sound bites
• "The bill was over £40,000."
• "You never know what can happen."
• "It can ruin people's lives."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travel Insurance

03:10 Sue's Personal Experience with Travel Insurance

06:06 The Importance of Travel Insurance

08:56 Unexpected Medical Emergencies Abroad

11:35 The Cost of Medical Care Without Insurance

14:33 Lessons Learned from a Travel Insurance Claim

17:14 Understanding Travel Insurance Policies

19:56 Advice for Travelers on Insurance

22:53 Final Thoughts on 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 holidays and the highly anticipated release of 2027 trips, with priority access for those already on the list. With extended payment timeframes, expert support, and personalised service, this is the easiest way to secure your next adventure.

If you're ready to travel smarter, skip the endless searching, and experience a concierge-style holiday service, visit boulliestravel.com/book-online to arrange your appointment. Follow, like, and share to stay up to date with the Jason Boull Travel Podcast.

Get the full transcript at: https://share.descript.com/view/0EfruwLiK2P

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 far from a quiet off-season resort, with its buzzing plazas, legendary mountain biking scene, and a calendar full of festivals, open-air concerts, and lakeside events.

You’ll discover the best must-do experiences, including:

• The Peak 2 Peak Gondola and jaw-dropping viewpoints
• Heart-racing ziplining, bungee jumps, and heli-adventures
• Dawn black bear safaris ideal for making the most of jet lag
• Magical night-time storytelling at Vallea Lumina
• And even the chance to try skeleton on the Olympic sliding track – one of the only places in the world you can do it

The episode also uncovers under-the-radar Vancouver experiences, from the extraordinary Museum of Anthropology at UBC, to tranquil pockets of Stanley Park, and the beloved Vancouver Aquarium with its rescued otters and sea lions.

Michael then shares expert guidance on crafting the perfect Vancouver–Whistler itinerary—including how long to stay, how to avoid the common “too many stops, not enough time” mistake, and why speaking to a specialist transforms a good trip into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

We wrap with a passionate discussion about what makes this region so personal, so memorable, and so uniquely suited to travellers who want nature, city life, wildlife, food, culture and adventure all in one trip.

Whether Vancouver and Whistler are already on your list, or you’re hearing about their magic for the first time, this episode will inspire your next great adventure.

Full Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/wt3MfXMHYVz

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 typical concrete jungle. Michael shares his favourite British Columbia memory – a stunning float plane journey from Whistler to downtown Vancouver – and explains why Canucks ice hockey nights, Stanley Park, and compact, walkable neighbourhoods like Gastown, Chinatown, Yaletown and Coal Harbour make this city so special.

We also unpack who Vancouver and Whistler are perfect for:

• Families who could swap plastic theme parks for whales, bears and wild landscapes,
• Older travellers who are more adventurous than ever,
• Couples looking for active city breaks with incredible food, culture and nature in one trip.

You’ll hear about food tours, Michelin-accredited dining, street food, Granville Island’s public market, and why Easter and late spring/summer are secretly some of the best (and best value) times to visit Western Canada.

👉 In Part 2, we head deeper into Whistler in summer, hidden gems like Vallea Lumina, heart-pounding adventures from ziplining to skeleton on the Olympic track, local festivals, and how to build the perfect Vancouver–Whistler itinerary with expert help so you don’t waste a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Full Transcript Here: https://share.descript.com/view/SRvpRuqzeEM

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 warmest hospitality in North America.

From whale watching in Iceberg Alley to hiking the East Coast Trail, sipping local brews, and joining in a quirky “screech-in” ceremony, this episode uncovers why St. John’s is perfect for couples, families, solo adventurers — and anyone looking for an authentic, unplugged travel experience.

We also share:

• ✈️ Flight tips from the UK & Ireland (including WestJet’s direct service)
• 🌊 When to see puffins, whales, and icebergs
• 🍽️ What to eat, drink, and where to soak in the local vibe
• 🚗 Why to pre-book car hire & tours — and how to make your trip stress-free
• 🔥 Our top tips for first-timers (spoiler: don’t skip Signal Hill or George Street!)

👉 Whether you're planning your next Canadian adventure or just love discovering new places, this is your complete guide to St. John’s — told through expert insight and real travel passion.

Click here for the full transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/rD55phNP9jK