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 and burnout to grief and big life changes, Andrew explains how Body Holiday and Stolen Time offer something deeper than five-star service—it’s wellness travel with extra TLC, designed to meet people where they are.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - 01:42 | Pioneering Wellness Tourism

01:43 - 03:28 | World's first overseas destination spa

03:29 - 07:14 | The concept of "stealing time away from the modern world

07:15 - 09:53 | The core purpose: "to change people's lives one person at a time"

09:54 - 12:58 | The crucial distinction between luxury pampering and transformative wellness

12:59 - 18:41 | Creating Sustainable Life Change

18:42 - 21:21 | The Magic of Saint Lucia

If you're interested in exploring a wellness journey that goes beyond pampering to create real, lasting change in your life, contact your Not Just Travel consultant who shared this podcast with you, or go to notjusttravel.com and enter your postcode to find a consultant near you.

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 what makes India truly unforgettable—from iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal to lesser-known destinations including Kerala’s beaches, Himalayan retreats, and tiger-filled jungles. Whether it’s your first time or a long-awaited return, you’ll discover how to approach India with curiosity, confidence, and the perfect itinerary.

Ready to see beyond the clichés and experience India in full colour? This episode is packed with inspiration and expert insight to help you plan your own adventure. And when you’re ready, your travel consultant is here to help you design an Indian escape as incredible as the destination itself.

Just contact your Not Just Travel consultant who shared this podcast with you, or go to notjusttravel.com and enter your postcode to find a consultant near you.

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 the Baltics and beyond.

Together, Steve and Charley explore how travel can reset your mindset, deepen friendships, and create genuine connection—whether you're crossing continents or simply chasing something new.

Whether you're a biker, an adventure holiday fan, or just love the idea of getaways that go beyond the brochure, this episode is packed with inspiration to spark your next great escape.

And if you’re ready to take the leap, there’s a Not Just Travel consultant ready to help plan your own unforgettable adventure. Want to recreate something like Charley and Ewan’s journey? Good news—we can make it happen.

Just contact your Not Just Travel consultant who shared this podcast with you, or go to notjusttravel.com and enter your postcode to find a Not Just Travel consultant near you.

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, Amy-Lou shares breaking news about Disney’s water parks for 2025 that has fans buzzing with excitement.

Could this be the perfect time to plan your ultimate Disney holiday? Tune in to discover how to experience the magic - without the financial stress!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

02:52 – 04:39 Who qualifies for free Disney dining?

04:50 – 06:02 A day in the Disney dining dream

06:31 – 08:21 Beyond burgers: Disney's hidden foodie paradise

08:37 – 09:45 The eye-watering amount this package could save you

10:47 – 11:42 Cocktails, coffee & everything in between

11:57 – 13:08 The Magic Ticket: Disney's best-kept secret

13:33 – 14:17 Magical without the mansion price tag

14:25 – 15:10 The 2025 water park announcement that changes everything

15:22 – 15:59 Why 'off-site' might be the most expensive option

16:13 – 17:26 Expert tips for magical experience

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Contact your Not Just Travel consultant who shared this podcast with you, or go to notjusttravel.com and enter your postcode to find a Not Just Travel consultant near you. They will help you to:

• Compare Disney resort options for your budget
• Get expert guidance on making the most of the dining plan
• Ensure your booking qualifies for the free dining offer
• Receive personalised support before, during, and after your Disney adventure

Whether you're a first-timer or a Disney regular, 2026 might just be the year to experience the ultimate magical holiday — where food, fun, and memories are all included!

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 Riviera Travel’s Solo Travel Specialist, Linda Harris.

With years of experience helping thousands of people take the leap into their first solo holiday (and doing plenty herself!), Linda shares the secrets behind Riviera’s booming Solo Exclusive trips — and why their guests come home with new friendships, unforgettable memories… and usually plans to do it all again.

You’ll discover:

• What makes a “Solo Exclusive” holiday different from a regular group trip (and why it matters)
• How Riviera guests go from nervous to totally at ease — often within hours
• The surprising part of solo travel most guests say is the best bit (hint: it’s not the destination)
• How solo holidays can be affordable — and what’s really included
• What if you want some social time, but also space to recharge?
• Who goes on solo trips? The real answer might surprise you
• Is this a dating holiday? (Spoiler: No!) But romantic connections have happened...
• What Riviera takes care of — and why guests love handing over the planning
• Linda’s final advice to anyone still sitting on the fence

Why use Not Just Travel to Arrange Your Solo Holiday?

Your Not Just Travel Consultant is your personal matchmaker for solo travel.

They work closely with their network of travel suppliers to help you choose the right itinerary — whether it’s a short city break to test the waters or an epic adventure further afield.

✔️ They’ll help you pick a trip that suits your personality and pace

✔️ Take care of flights, logistics and travel insurance so you don’t have to

✔️ Recommend options with the right balance of structure and free time

✔️ And if you’re nervous about going it alone, they’ll be with you every step of the way

Ready to go?

Visit notjusttravel.com and use the postcode finder to connect with your nearest Personal Travel Consultant.

Your next adventure could start with just a conversation.

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 experience specialising in authentic Italian experiences. Daniele shares his passion for helping travellers discover the "real Italy" beyond the tourist hotspots, with insider tips on hidden gems, regional cuisine, and how to experience the authentic dolce vita.

Episode highlights:

[00:02:03] What "Real Italy" Means

[00:04:56] Authentic Italian Food Experiences

[00:09:51] Regional Food Traditions

[00:11:57] Hidden Gems in Italy

[00:19:23] Popular Multi-Centre Itineraries

[00:26:07] Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors

Ready to experience the real Italy? Contact your Not Just Travel consultant who shared this podcast to start planning your authentic Italian adventure today. Or visit notjusttravel.com and use the postcode finder to connect with your local Travel Consultant.

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 country.

From unexpected regional contrasts to unbeatable value-for-money, Nigel shares his 20+ years of firsthand experience and reveals what most travellers don’t know — but should — when planning a trip to Turkey.

Tune in to discover:

• (04:15) The surprising differences between Turkey’s most popular regions — and how to choose the right one for you
• (10:28) Hotel recommendations by budget — including hidden gems you’ll wish you’d found sooner
• (14:15) The best times to go (and why timing your trip right can make all the difference)
• (16:14) Culture shock in the best possible way — unique experiences that go beyond sun and sea
• (18:48) Why your holiday budget stretches further here — without compromising on quality
• (20:56) What makes Turkish cuisine so addictive (and where to try the real thing)
• (22:16) Excursions and historic sites you’ll still be talking about months after you’re home

Ready to discover Turkey for yourself?

Your Not Just Travel Consultant works hand-in-hand with luxury experts at Classic Collection to design bespoke Turkish escapes tailored exactly to you — whether that’s a five-star beach resort in Antalya or a culture-packed stay near Ephesus.

From choosing the ideal region to sorting flights, hotels, transfers, and excursions, your Consultant makes the whole experience effortless — and gives you access to exclusive trade-only deals you won’t find online.

Don’t have a Consultant yet?

Head to notjusttravel.com and use the postcode finder to connect with your local expert.

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 Audley Travel. With eight years at Audley and extensive experience living and working in the African bush, Dickie shares insider knowledge about what makes safari experiences so special and how to plan the perfect trip.

Key Highlights:

03:57 - 08:42 - What does a typical day on safari look like?

10:37 - 14:07 - Types of safari accommodation

14:07 - 17:00 - Safety considerations on safari

17:00 - 22:53 - Choosing safari destinations across Africa

22:53 - 25:29 - Best times to travel for safari

25:29 - 29:08 - Budgeting for safari experiences

29:08 - 33:21 - Common safari planning mistakes

Ready to plan your own safari adventure?

Your Not Just Travel Consultant makes planning your safari easy.

They’ll take time to understand your wishlist, budget and travel style, then work with Audley Travel’s experts – like Dickie from this episode – to create a tailor-made itinerary just for you.

From choosing the perfect destinations and lodges to sorting flights, transfers and tricky logistics, they’ll handle it all.

And if plans need to change? They’re just a call away.

Get started at notjusttravel.com – use the postcode finder to connect with your local Travel Consultant.

Have a question?

Have a question, an idea for a future episode, or a guest you’d love to hear from? Just follow this link in to share your thoughts - we’d love to hear from you.

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 — with no ports, no crowds, and no compromise on luxury.

Join us as Pierre shares:

• The unexpected way to explore remote places like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic
• The jaw-dropping destinations you’ve probably never heard of — but will want to see
• Why expedition cruising is for everyone (even people in their 90s!)
• How your days unfold with expert guides, wildlife encounters, and five-star service
• What makes Silversea’s expeditions feel more like a travelling university (in a very good way)

Whether you're an adventure-seeker, wildlife lover or just curious about a more meaningful way to travel, this episode opens the door to a world few get to see

Ready to find your perfect expedition cruise?

Visit notjusttravel.com to connect with a Not Just Travel Consultant who’ll match you with the right trip for your style, interests, and budget.

They'll take care of every detail—from flights and transfers to insurance and pre- or post-cruise stays—so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

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 you thought city breaks weren’t family-friendly, Dom busts the myth and explains how to make short-haul trips work with kids.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

03:06 – The secret ‘shoulder seasons’ when flights and hotels are cheaper, but the cities are even better

05:54 – Budget vs luxury: How to upgrade your city break experience without breaking the bank

07:15 – Europe’s most-booked city breaks – and the rising stars that are trending for 2024

11:27 – The best city breaks for families with young kids (and how to avoid common mistakes!)

14:25 – New and unexpected city break routes – could these be the next must-visit places?

16:40 – Planning your itinerary? The biggest mistake most travellers make on short breaks

24:19 – The hidden costs of Disneyland Paris – and how to cut them down dramatically

Planning a city break isn’t just about booking flights and hotels – it’s about making sure every detail is perfect.

A Not Just Travel Consultant can:

1. Find the best flights so you maximise sightseeing time
2. Recommend the right area to stay in – so you’re close to the action but away from tourist traps
3. Book excursions in advance – so you don’t waste time queueing

Find your nearest NJT Consultant now – head to notjusttravel.com and enter your postcode.