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:

• Riviera Travel's diverse portfolio: river cruises, escorted tours, yachts, and ocean cruises
• The growing solo traveler market and dedicated ship for solo cruises
• What’s included in a Riviera cruise: flights, transfers, all-inclusive drinks, excursions, and dining
• The boutique, five-star ship design tailored to the British market
• Upcoming ship launches and new destinations like the Mekong
• Differences between river and ocean cruising, with emphasis on relaxation, destination access, and cultural immersion
• Insider tips on experiences like the Eiffel Tower sailing and the value for money of river cruises

Timestamps:

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 cruises
• The benefits of river cruising versus ocean cruising, including destination access and relaxation
• Solo travel options and the innovative single-ship dedicated for solo guests
• What's included in a Riviera river cruise, from flights and transfers to drinks and excursions
• Design philosophy focused on customer experience, quality, and British guest preferences
• Future fleet developments including new ships like Riviera Reflection and Riviera Alba for the Mekong

Timestamps:

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 work
• Booking order: lock in the tour first, add flights when they release ~11.5 months out
• The real meaning of package protection — and why splitting flights from the tour is a risk
• Matching travellers to itineraries: Hidden Japan, Tohoku in autumn, Kinosaki Onsen, and classic routes
• Why families with teenagers thrive on these trips — and when younger families need a tailor-made option instead
• How 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 tour

Who 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 grabs
• Why Danielle's £800pp Norwegian Fjords cruise on Iona worked out at just £30 a month through the direct debit plan
• The cabin types that disappear first — and why accessibility cabins, interconnecting rooms and family groupings need launch-day priority
• Why 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 on
• The two itineraries Danielle recommends above all others — Norwegian Fjords on Iona and Malta-to-Greek Isles on Azura — and why they sell out first
• How P&O's free coach transfers from cities like Liverpool turn "I can't get to Southampton" into a non-issue
• The exact launch timeline: what happens on 21, 27, 28, 29 and 30 April — and what you need to do before each of those dates

Who 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 you
• The 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 holiday
• How multi-generational families use launch day to lock in accessible cabins, connecting rooms and prime locations before they vanish
• What makes P&O uniquely suited to the British market — from the food and entertainment down to the plug sockets
• The 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 back
• The 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 Japan
• When to add a rental car to your itinerary — and what paperwork you need before flying
• The real value of an Inside Japan "insider" — with two stories you won't hear elsewhere
• Small group vs large group tours: why 14 is the magic number
• How returning travellers unlock a deeper, bolder version of Japan

Who 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 2
• 00:08 – Autumn in Japan: koyo and why it rivals cherry blossoms
• 02:46 – Best regions for autumn leaves: Alps, Shikoku & beyond
• 04:11 – Winter in Japan: skiing, powder snow & Hokkaido
• 07:45 – The Sapporo Snow Festival: ice sculptures & Darth Vader
• 09:30 – Why Hokkaido in winter needs expert planning
• 10:26 – The perfect winter meal: nabe hot pot & hot sake
• 11:06 – How to choose the right season for your trip
• 14:37 – How far in advance should you book Japan?
• 17:34 – Why personalised Japan travel beats AI itinerary tools
• 21:15 – 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 overview
• 01:36 – How seasons shape Japanese culture, food & haiku
• 04:13 – Cherry blossoms: what makes them special & Hanami
• 07:30 – Avoiding the crowds: off the beaten path cherry blossoms
• 10:02 – Why using a travel professional makes the difference
• 11:26 – Summer in Japan: festivals, fireworks & the rainy season
• 15:41 – Personal travel memories & the sounds of summer
• 18:18 – 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 Trail
• Cycling across the Inland Sea
• Snowboarding in Hokkaido
• Visiting sand dunes in Japan
• TeamLab Borderless & futuristic art
• Why gardens often become surprise highlights
• How to balance culture, rest and activity
• Why professional planning matters

If 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 Japan
• 30:00 – Climbing Mount Fuji (what it’s really like)
• 32:00 – Samurai Postal Trail hiking
• 33:30 – Cycling across the Inland Sea bridges
• 35:55 – Onsen essentials (quick refresher)
• 39:46 – Natural wonders: snow, volcanoes & sand dunes
• 44:30 – Anime, manga & Akihabara
• 46:54 – Retro gaming heaven: Super Potato
• 48:17 – TeamLab Borderless & futuristic Japan
• 49:51 – Taiko drumming experience
• 53:45 – Overlooked highlights: Japanese gardens
• 56:01 – How to balance a Japan itinerary properly
• 1:01:40 – Why AI can’t plan Japan properly
• 1:05:13 – 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 sightseeing
• What a geisha really is (and what they’re not)
• The power of tea ceremonies and traditional crafts
• How to avoid over-tourism at temples and shrines
• Why insider knowledge transforms your visit

If 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 contrasts
• 01:56 – Modern Tokyo vs traditional Kyoto vs mountain solitude
• 03:58 – Why experiences matter more than box-ticking
• 06:45 – Moving from passive travel to immersive travel
• 07:55 – Hands-on cultural experiences explained
• 09:30 – Paper making & traditional crafts
• 10:46 – Tea ceremonies with a Maiko (apprentice geisha)
• 10:48 – What is a geisha really?
• 13:45 – Kimono culture & traditional dress
• 16:44 – Why young girls choose to become geisha
• 18:56 – Making temple visits meaningful
• 21:50 – Avoiding crowds in Kyoto
• 22:50 – Sanjuu Sangendo & hidden temple gems
• 24:50 – Samurai history you won’t find on Google
• 25:52 – Festivals: Awa Odori & Yosakoi dance celebrations