The Jason Boull Travel Podcast

Jason Jason Boull: Luxury Travel Expert & Podcast Host

The Jason Boull Travel Podcast is your front-row seat to the world of unforgettable travel experiences. Hosted by luxury travel expert and founder of Boullies Travel, Jason Boull, this show blends inspiring destination guides, insider interviews, and real-world advice for travellers and entrepreneurs alike. 🎧 Each week, Jason dives into: ✨ Must-see destinations from Lapland to the Caribbean🚢 Cruise line comparisons for savvy holidaymakers👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family travel tips and hidden planning secrets🏝️ Luxury resort breakdowns (think: Sandals, Disney, and more)🌍 Conversations with travel reps, tourism boards, and content creators💼 Behind the scenes of running a travel business in today's worldWhether you're a parent planning a magical family holiday, a retiree eyeing a world cruise, or a budding travel entrepreneur looking for direction — this podcast is your passport to clarity, confidence, and elevated experiences. 👉 New episodes drop weekly. 🎙️ Subscribe now and start planning smarter, dreaming bigger, and travelling deeper.

  1. Discover Japan with Jason Boull & Charlie Orr - Food in Japan (Part 1)  Sushi, Ramen & Why Japan Is a Foodie Paradise

    5D AGO

    Discover Japan with Jason Boull & Charlie Orr - Food in Japan (Part 1) Sushi, Ramen & Why Japan Is a Foodie Paradise

    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 the best, and how doing a food tour early in your trip can completely change your confidence. You’ll also discover: Why Japan’s seasonal food culture runs deeper than most countriesHow to approach unfamiliar dishes (including cow tongue and eel!)Why rotating sushi bars are both authentic and incredibly affordableThe magic of Osaka — “Japan’s Kitchen”If you want to experience Japan properly — not just tick boxes — Boullies Travel can design your trip with the right pacing, the right regions, and the right food experiences built in. 📍 Chapter Guide (Part 1) 00:43 – Welcome to Episode 3: Food in Japan01:09 – Charlie’s latest trip: Tokyo & Kyoto food focus02:11 – The importance of seasonality in Japanese cuisine03:52 – Why Japan is a foodie paradise05:52 – How the UK lost seasonality (and Japan didn’t)08:00 – “Try it first, ask what it is later” – overcoming food fear09:10 – Cow tongue & eel: perception vs presentation11:55 – Why a food tour early in your trip is a game changer13:10 – Small specialist restaurants vs big menus15:47 – Iconic dishes: sushi, ramen, tempura & how to experience them16:16 – Kaiten sushi (rotating sushi belts) explained17:52 – Regional ramen: Fukuoka’s Hakata style19:19 – Okonomiyaki: Japan’s misunderstood “pancake”21:28 – Why insider knowledge makes a huge difference23:10 – Hidden food districts under Tokyo’s train tracks23:18 – Convenience stores: why 7-Eleven is part of the culture25:40 – Vending machines: myth vs reality

    29 min
  2. Discover Japan Where to Stay in Japan| Best Areas, Machiya Stays Part 2

    FEB 6

    Discover Japan Where to Stay in Japan| Best Areas, Machiya Stays Part 2

    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 discuss overlooked bases like Nagoya, the importance of mixing traditional and modern accommodation styles, how romantic stays work in Japan (including private onsen options), and the reality of planning around budget, value, and availability — especially during cherry blossom and autumn peak seasons. If you want accommodation that suits your pace, your priorities, and your budget — without missing out on the moments you’ll wish you’d booked — Boullies Travel can build the itinerary properly from the start. Chapter Guide (Part 2) 24:25 – Part 2 begins25:04 – Why hotel location matters so much in Tokyo and Kyoto25:29 – Tokyo strategy: Asakusa first, Shinjuku/Shibuya for the big finish26:10 – Kyoto: staying central enough for sightseeing and day trips26:27 – Machiya townhouses: self-catered, residential Kyoto, “local life” feel28:10 – Why relationships with the right properties change the experience28:40 – Unique gem: staying in Kyoto’s former Nintendo offices29:54 – Overlooked bases and responsible tourism30:01 – The “top 10 problem”: most visitors only see the same places30:35 – Why Nagoya is worth considering (food, day trips, fewer crowds)31:39 – Overtourism in Kyoto and alternatives with fewer crowds32:42 – Mix modern + traditional: ryokan + machiya + city hotels34:47 – Romantic stays: what actually matters (you won’t be in the room much!)36:01 – Restaurant reservations: strict timings and why flexibility often wins37:11 – Privacy in ryokans + private baths for couples39:09 – Cost, value and what “ground arrangements” actually include40:00 – Mixing price points: where to splurge and where to simplify42:21 – What your package covers: transfers, pacing, experiences, logistics44:30 – Budget honesty: why being upfront protects the experience46:10 – Value over “cheap vs expensive” + day-to-day costs can be reasonable49:49 – Booking timelines: cherry blossom and autumn peaks vs off-season51:47 – Availability moves fast: why you can’t sit on a quote too long52:37 – Final recap: why variety in stays improves the whole trip53:06 – Wrap-up + tease of Episode 3: Food in Japan

    29 min
  3. Discover Japan Where to Stay in Japan | Ryokans, Onsen Towns & Unique Stays - Part 1

    JAN 30

    Discover Japan Where to Stay in Japan | Ryokans, Onsen Towns & Unique Stays - Part 1

    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, how futon bedding works, what makes onsen towns so special, and the small etiquette tips that help first-time visitors feel instantly more confident. You’ll also hear why some of the most authentic stays are still beautifully “old school” — including ryokans that only take bookings via fax. If you’re planning Japan and want the perfect blend of comfort, culture and seamless pacing, Boullies Travel can design the itinerary around you — so you experience Japan properly, not just “see” it. Chapters: 00:49 – Recording set-up and Episode 2 begins01:13 – Welcome back + today’s topic: accommodation in Japan01:56 – Why Japan has such a wide range of accommodation styles04:36 – Why accommodation matters more in Japan than most destinations05:27 – The perfect pacing: city energy → ryokan relaxation07:21 – What a ryokan room looks and feels like (tatami, sliding doors, gardens)08:17 – Futons vs “sleeping on the floor” + accessibility options09:17 – The “magic” of returning to your room and it’s all set up10:26 – Kinosaki Onsen explained: bath-hopping, yukata, clogs and canal streets11:43 – Family-run ryokans + why dietary needs must be flagged early12:43 – The fax machine reality (and why that’s how you access the true gems)13:52 – A proper hidden gem: cliffside luggage being craned up to reception15:06 – Ryokan etiquette and what Western travellers should know17:40 – Most memorable ryokan experiences: surfing → onsen reset19:42 – Futuristic and quirky options: themed hotels, capsules, modern stays20:49 – Iconic luxury: film-famous and standout high-end hotels23:30 – What differs from UK hotels most: room sizes and packing smart

    25 min
  4. “We Crashed in the Jungle”: Natalie’s Sri Lanka Arrival Horror Story (Part 1)

    JAN 2

    “We Crashed in the Jungle”: Natalie’s Sri Lanka Arrival Horror Story (Part 1)

    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

    21 min
  5. Travel Insurance: The £40,000 Lesson Every Family Needs to Hear

    12/19/2025

    Travel Insurance: The £40,000 Lesson Every Family Needs to Hear

    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 InsuranceA Family's Unexpected Medical EmergencySound 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

    29 min

About

The Jason Boull Travel Podcast is your front-row seat to the world of unforgettable travel experiences. Hosted by luxury travel expert and founder of Boullies Travel, Jason Boull, this show blends inspiring destination guides, insider interviews, and real-world advice for travellers and entrepreneurs alike. 🎧 Each week, Jason dives into: ✨ Must-see destinations from Lapland to the Caribbean🚢 Cruise line comparisons for savvy holidaymakers👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family travel tips and hidden planning secrets🏝️ Luxury resort breakdowns (think: Sandals, Disney, and more)🌍 Conversations with travel reps, tourism boards, and content creators💼 Behind the scenes of running a travel business in today's worldWhether you're a parent planning a magical family holiday, a retiree eyeing a world cruise, or a budding travel entrepreneur looking for direction — this podcast is your passport to clarity, confidence, and elevated experiences. 👉 New episodes drop weekly. 🎙️ Subscribe now and start planning smarter, dreaming bigger, and travelling deeper.