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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: Riviera Travel's diverse portfolio: river cruises, escorted tours, yachts, and ocean cruisesThe growing solo traveler market and dedicated ship for solo cruisesWhat’s included in a Riviera cruise: flights, transfers, all-inclusive drinks, excursions, and diningThe boutique, five-star ship design tailored to the British marketUpcoming ship launches and new destinations like the MekongDifferences between river and ocean cruising, with emphasis on relaxation, destination access, and cultural immersionInsider tips on experiences like the Eiffel Tower sailing and the value for money of river cruisesTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Riviera Travel and Gemma's Background 00:56 River vs. Ocean Cruises: A Personal Perspective 06:07 The Growing Popularity of River Cruises 09:53 Insider Tips and Recommendations for River Cruising 11:24 Top Itineraries and Destinations to Explore

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, destinations, and inclusive packages. Main Topics: Overview of Riviera Travel's product portfolio including river cruises, escorted tours, yachts, and ocean cruisesThe benefits of river cruising versus ocean cruising, including destination access and relaxationSolo travel options and the innovative single-ship dedicated for solo guestsWhat's included in a Riviera river cruise, from flights and transfers to drinks and excursionsDesign philosophy focused on customer experience, quality, and British guest preferencesFuture fleet developments including new ships like Riviera Reflection and Riviera Alba for the MekongTimestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Riviera Travel and episode overview 00:36 - Gemma's travel background and career journey 02:33 - Favorite cruise experiences including Seine in Paris and bucket list destinations 04:07 - An overview of Riviera Travel products: river cruises, escorted tours, yachts, and ocean cruises 05:39 - Customer-focused approach including sampling tours for quality assurance 06:48 - Solo travel market growth and dedicated solo ship 07:32 - Who is solo cruising for? Diverse demographics embracing solo options 09:02 - What's included in a Riviera river cruise: flights, transfers, drinks, excursions, and meals 10:49 - Onboard amenities: treatment rooms, afternoon teas, and cabin comforts 12:05 - Ship design: boutique hotel style, service, and navigation 13:18 - Future ships and fleet expansion, including Riviera Reflection and Riviera Alba

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 itinerary to the right traveller. They cover why solo travellers have quietly become one of the biggest audiences for these tours, how families with teenagers fit in (and when younger families need something different), and what's actually on offer across the 11 Inside Japan itineraries — from Hidden Japan through Shikoku to autumn in Tohoku and winter highlights in Hokkaido. Jason also pulls back the curtain on the boring-but-essential stuff most travellers only think about when it's too late: why booking your tour before flights is the right order of operations, what you lose when you book flights separately, and why travel insurance is the next podcast on his list. Key Highlights: Why solo travellers consistently rate small group tours highest — and how single supplements workBooking order: lock in the tour first, add flights when they release ~11.5 months outThe real meaning of package protection — and why splitting flights from the tour is a riskMatching travellers to itineraries: Hidden Japan, Tohoku in autumn, Kinosaki Onsen, and classic routesWhy families with teenagers thrive on these trips — and when younger families need a tailor-made option insteadHow insiders build camaraderie fast (and the real story of a solo traveller absorbed into a Gibraltar family mid-tour)Charlie's one must-do for return visitors — a Gion and Pontocho food tourWho It's For: Anyone weighing up a small group tour for Japan, solo travellers who want the experience without the isolation, and families trying to work out whether their group fits a tour or needs something fully tailor-made. This episode closes out the Japan mini-series — but if it's inspired a trip, this is exactly the kind of planning conversation we have with clients every day. ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back: Part 2 of the Japan finale 00:18 – Why small group tours feel different from large group tours 01:01 – Who these tours suit: solo, families, newlyweds, retirees 01:40 – Small group tours with teenagers vs younger families 02:35 – Essential, luxury and extravagant ranges explained 03:16 – When to book: locking in the tour before flights release 04:26 – Package protection vs booking flights separately 05:06 – Why travel insurance still matters (plus a future episode tease) 05:56 – Matching itineraries to travellers: Hidden Japan, Tohoku, Hokkaido 07:00 – Traditional routes with an off-the-beaten-path twist 07:40 – Kinosaki Onsen and the 11 itinerary options 08:24 – How solo travellers fit into small group tours 08:40 – Single supplements explained 09:30 – Why shared experiences lower the cost of premium activities 10:26 – A personal story: getting Jason's mum travelling solo 11:24 – The camaraderie of small group tours (the Gibraltar family story) 12:43 – Charlie's one must-do for a returning traveller 14:15 – Of course it was food 14:22 – Closing thoughts and how to start planning your Japan trip

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 sought-after itineraries like the Norwegian Fjords on Iona and the Greek Isles on Azura. Danielle Dry shares exactly what happens on launch morning, why her own 60-strong family group books this way every single year, and how paying £30 a month over 24 months turns a dream holiday into an everyday affordability. What you'll learn in Part 2: What launch morning actually looks like from inside a travel agency — the 7am starts, the waiting lists, the real-time cabin grabsWhy Danielle's £800pp Norwegian Fjords cruise on Iona worked out at just £30 a month through the direct debit planThe cabin types that disappear first — and why accessibility cabins, interconnecting rooms and family groupings need launch-day priorityWhy P&O's onboard pricing is closer to high street than most cruise lines (one listener's £280 first-night bar bill story says it all)Drinks package strategy: when to book, what's included, and why the all-inclusive option is worth running the numbers onThe two itineraries Danielle recommends above all others — Norwegian Fjords on Iona and Malta-to-Greek Isles on Azura — and why they sell out firstHow P&O's free coach transfers from cities like Liverpool turn "I can't get to Southampton" into a non-issueThe exact launch timeline: what happens on 21, 27, 28, 29 and 30 April — and what you need to do before each of those datesWho this episode is for: Anyone planning a summer 2028 cruise, group organisers coordinating multi-generational holidays, people with accessibility requirements, nervous first-time cruisers, and anyone who's ever wondered if launch-day urgency is real or just marketing. If you've been thinking about a 2028 cruise, the booking window is now. The conversations need to happen this week. ⏱ Chapters (YouTube / Spotify timestamps) 00:00 — Welcome back to Part 2 00:07 — What launch morning is really like on the shop floor 02:20 — Why repeat cruisers never miss a launch 03:00 — How Danielle pays £30 a month for her P&O cruise 05:13 — Cabins explained: why the right one changes your whole holiday 06:56 — Accessibility cabins, interconnecting rooms & why agents see more 08:13 — P&O onboard pricing: why it beats other cruise lines 09:01 — Drinks packages, the new all-inclusive, and when to book 11:25 — A £280 cautionary tale from a non-P&O sailing 14:27 — Danielle's favourite itinerary: Norwegian Fjords on Iona 17:19 — Close second: Malta & Greek Isles on Azura 18:16 — Why Fjords sailings are cost-effective AND sought-after 19:44 — P&O's free coach service from UK cities 21:27 — The 60-strong family group (and how it keeps growing) 23:45 — Not sure if P&O is right for you? Start here 26:37 — The exact launch timeline: 21st to 30th April explained 30:43 — How to get in touch with Jason before launch morning

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 launches every single year, and is about to take her eighth P&O cruise. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on what really happens on launch day and why waiting costs you more than you think. What you'll learn in Part 1: Why P&O is one of the only cruise lines in the world that gives agents early access — and what that means for youThe real difference between launch-day pricing and "fluid pricing" (with a live example of a couple who missed out on over £1,000)Why early birds don't just get the cheaper cabin — they get the better holidayHow multi-generational families use launch day to lock in accessible cabins, connecting rooms and prime locations before they vanishWhat makes P&O uniquely suited to the British market — from the food and entertainment down to the plug socketsThe hidden value of booking through a personal travel agent at launch (spoiler: you pay exactly the same price)Who this episode is for: Anyone planning a 2028 holiday, repeat P&O guests wondering whether launch-day hype is real, first-time cruisers weighing up their options, and multi-generational family organisers who need to get the logistics right. This is Part 1 of a two-part special. Part 2 goes deeper into the Summer 2028 itineraries, the payment window strategy, and exactly what to do in the next 24 hours if you want in. ⏱ Chapters (YouTube / Spotify timestamps) 00:00 — Welcome & why this episode matters 00:34 — Meet Danielle Dry: 28 years in travel, 8 P&O cruises and counting 02:36 — What is P&O pre-registration, and why should you care? 04:43 — Why P&O gives agents early access (and no other cruise line does it this way) 06:30 — The hype around launch day: is it actually justified? 07:39 — Real example: how one couple missed out on £1,000+ by waiting 08:58 — Early birds get the better cruise, not just the cheaper one 10:15 — What makes P&O the perfect cruise line for the British market 13:17 — The little things that matter: British plugs, British humour, British hospitality 13:59 — "Why not just book direct?" — the honest answer 15:55 — When things go wrong: why a travel agent matters most in a crisis 18:52 — Coming up in Part 2

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, the rarely-visited southern islands of Shikoku and Kyushu, why renting a car unlocks a completely different Japan, and how returning travellers become braver, hungrier and far more willing to push past the tourist trail. Charlie also pulls back the curtain on small group tours — explaining the real difference between a 14-person insider-led trip and a 30-person coach tour, and sharing two unforgettable examples of what a local insider adds: a hidden izakaya district tucked under Tokyo's train arches, and a Kyoto temple with a ceiling made from samurai-stained floorboards. Key Highlights: Why Japan is rarely a "one and done" destination — and what keeps pulling travellers backThe case for Hokkaido in summer vs winter (and why most people get the timing wrong)Shikoku & Kyushu: the southern islands missed by 80% of visitors to JapanWhen to add a rental car to your itinerary — and what paperwork you need before flyingThe real value of an Inside Japan "insider" — with two stories you won't hear elsewhereSmall group vs large group tours: why 14 is the magic numberHow returning travellers unlock a deeper, bolder version of JapanWho It's For: Travellers who've already ticked off Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima and want to know where to go next — plus anyone considering a small group tour and wondering what they're actually paying for. If you've been to Japan once, you already know it won't be your last visit. This episode is the roadmap for everything that comes after. ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Japan mini-series finale 00:39 – Why Japan inspires so many repeat visits 03:15 – Retiring in rural Japan & the countryside house market 05:50 – Where to go on a second or third trip 06:50 – Exploring the islands: Hokkaido in summer 07:50 – Shikoku & Kyushu — the Japan most tourists miss 09:00 – Adding a rental car to your itinerary 10:11 – Driving in Japan: the paperwork you need 11:09 – How returning travellers experience Japan differently 14:07 – Self-guided vs small group vs large group tours explained 15:00 – What an "insider" actually is at Inside Japan 15:30 – Tokyo hidden gem: the Yurakucho izakaya arches 16:30 – The Kyoto temple with a ceiling made of samurai history 18:30 – Why 14 is the magic number for group size 19:30 – Flexibility in action: adapting the itinerary on the fly 20:24 – Wrap-up and what's coming in Part 2

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 picture of a country transformed by reds, golds and yellows stretching for miles across mountainous terrain. The conversation then moves to winter, covering Japan's legendary ski powder in Hokkaido and Niseko, the extraordinary Sapporo Snow Festival with its towering ice sculptures (including a life-sized Darth Vader), and why a bowl of nabe hot pot with hot sake is the ultimate winter warmer after a day on the slopes. Charlie also flags why winter travel in Hokkaido requires expert guidance due to road closures — a perfect example of where a travel professional makes all the difference. The episode closes with essential practical advice: how to choose the right season based on your priorities, why you should start planning 12–18 months in advance, and why AI itinerary tools still fall well short of the personalised, specialist knowledge that makes a Japan trip truly unforgettable. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Recap & intro to Part 200:08 – Autumn in Japan: koyo and why it rivals cherry blossoms02:46 – Best regions for autumn leaves: Alps, Shikoku & beyond04:11 – Winter in Japan: skiing, powder snow & Hokkaido07:45 – The Sapporo Snow Festival: ice sculptures & Darth Vader09:30 – Why Hokkaido in winter needs expert planning10:26 – The perfect winter meal: nabe hot pot & hot sake11:06 – How to choose the right season for your trip14:37 – How far in advance should you book Japan?17:34 – Why personalised Japan travel beats AI itinerary tools21:15 – Wrap up & preview of Episode 6: revisits & small group tours

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, why it's so hard to time, and crucially, how to avoid the crushing crowds at famous hotspots like Kyoto and Tokyo by venturing to smaller cities like Kochi on Shikoku Island. Charlie shares the Hanami tradition of cherry blossom viewing parties, complete with blue tarpaulin mats, nighttime illuminations, and picnics beneath the petals. The episode then turns to Japan's underrated summer season — festivals, yukata-clad crowds, extraordinary fireworks displays (including Pikachu and Anpanman lighting up the night sky), humidity management tips, and why the rainy season is nothing like the UK's grey drizzle. Practical advice covers everything from Pokari Sweat electrolyte drinks to using Japan's iconic convenience stores as air conditioning pit stops. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Japan seasons overview01:36 – How seasons shape Japanese culture, food & haiku04:13 – Cherry blossoms: what makes them special & Hanami07:30 – Avoiding the crowds: off the beaten path cherry blossoms10:02 – Why using a travel professional makes the difference11:26 – Summer in Japan: festivals, fireworks & the rainy season15:41 – Personal travel memories & the sounds of summer18:18 – Managing the heat and humidity: practical tips

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 Mount Fuji (what to expect)Hiking the Samurai Postal TrailCycling across the Inland SeaSnowboarding in HokkaidoVisiting sand dunes in JapanTeamLab Borderless & futuristic artWhy gardens often become surprise highlightsHow to balance culture, rest and activityWhy professional planning mattersIf you’re investing in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, make sure it’s designed around you — your pace, your interests, your travel style. Boullies Travel specialises in crafting personalised Japan journeys that go far beyond generic itineraries. Chapter Guide (Part 2) 29:03 – Active & adventurous Japan30:00 – Climbing Mount Fuji (what it’s really like)32:00 – Samurai Postal Trail hiking33:30 – Cycling across the Inland Sea bridges35:55 – Onsen essentials (quick refresher)39:46 – Natural wonders: snow, volcanoes & sand dunes44:30 – Anime, manga & Akihabara46:54 – Retro gaming heaven: Super Potato48:17 – TeamLab Borderless & futuristic Japan49:51 – Taiko drumming experience53:45 – Overlooked highlights: Japanese gardens56:01 – How to balance a Japan itinerary properly1:01:40 – Why AI can’t plan Japan properly1:05:13 – The importance of personalised planning

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 landmarks. We discuss: Why Japan rewards hands-on experiences over passive sightseeingWhat a geisha really is (and what they’re not)The power of tea ceremonies and traditional craftsHow to avoid over-tourism at temples and shrinesWhy insider knowledge transforms your visitIf you want more than a checklist holiday, Boullies Travel will help design a Japan itinerary that balances iconic sights with meaningful, personal experiences. Chapter Guide (Part 1) 00:45 – Introduction: Why Japan is a country of contrasts01:56 – Modern Tokyo vs traditional Kyoto vs mountain solitude03:58 – Why experiences matter more than box-ticking06:45 – Moving from passive travel to immersive travel07:55 – Hands-on cultural experiences explained09:30 – Paper making & traditional crafts10:46 – Tea ceremonies with a Maiko (apprentice geisha)10:48 – What is a geisha really?13:45 – Kimono culture & traditional dress16:44 – Why young girls choose to become geisha18:56 – Making temple visits meaningful21:50 – Avoiding crowds in Kyoto22:50 – Sanjuu Sangendo & hidden temple gems24:50 – Samurai history you won’t find on Google25:52 – Festivals: Awa Odori & Yosakoi dance celebrations

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 worldThe story behind Japan’s Christmas KFC traditionDining etiquette and simple mistakes to avoidHow dietary requirements are handled (and why advance planning matters)Fugu (blowfish!) and one unforgettable mealIf you’re planning a trip and want to experience Japan’s food scene the right way — from hidden izakayas to once-in-a-lifetime dishes — Boullies Travel will build your itinerary around your tastes, your comfort level, and your travel style. 📍 Chapter Guide (Part 2) 28:00 – Street food in Japan: yatai culture explained29:26 – Takoyaki, karaage & riverside food scenes31:49 – Regional food differences across Japan32:58 – Udon in Shikoku & ramen in Fukuoka33:50 – Hiroshima vs Kansai okonomiyaki36:00 – Osaka: “Japan’s Kitchen”36:30 – Vegan & gluten-free discoveries in Osaka38:18 – Presentation vs flavour: why ritual matters40:13 – Cookery classes & making mochi with a mallet42:58 – Japan’s famous KFC Christmas tradition45:03 – Dietary requirements: what’s improving & what isn’t49:27 – Dining etiquette: eating in public, chopsticks & rice rules53:49 – Is food in Japan expensive?55:42 – The unforgettable Fugu experience58:14 – If you could eat one dish forever… yakiniku59:15 – Why food is central to designing your Japan trip

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

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

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

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 blend of modernity and tradition, and the unique experiences that await travellers, from bustling cities to serene countryside. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with locals to create lasting memories, as well as practical tips for first-time visitors, including must-see destinations and cultural etiquette.As they explore the allure of Japan, they touch on the country's rich history, vibrant culture, and the various regions that offer distinct experiences. Charlie provides recommendations for first-time travellers, suggesting key cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, while also addressing common misconceptions about language barriers and navigating the country. The episode wraps up with advice on how to make the most of a trip to Japan, encouraging listeners to embrace the local cuisine and immerse themselves in the culture, ensuring a memorable journey.