The Travel Podcast

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.

Say 'I Do' to Paradise: Why Wedding Abroad Costs Could Be 1/3 of UK Prices!

In this eye-opening episode, Hayley from TUI returns to reveal why getting married abroad isn't just more affordable – it could transform your entire wedding experience.

With nearly two decades of planning destination weddings, TUI has mastered the art of creating unforgettable ceremonies in stunning locations around the world.

🎧    Episode Highlights:

[00:02:00] How much weddings abroad cost vs. UK weddings

[00:04:31] How dedicated wedding coordinators help make everything easy

[00:10:55] Top overseas weddings destinations

[00:13:26] Options for same-sex couples

[00:15:51] Accessibility: How TUI ensures smooth travel experiences for all wedding guests

[00:18:18] Hen and stag destination inspiration

[00:19:49] Honeymoon options for every budget, with or without children

Perfect for: Engaged couples looking to maximise their budget, wedding parties seeking a celebration with built-in holiday vibes, and anyone curious about how destination weddings actually work.

The Travel Podcast is brought to you by Not Just Travel.

READY TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING ABROAD?

Planning a wedding abroad doesn't have to be complicated. Your Not Just Travel Consultant can handle all the details, from legal requirements to perfect venue selection.

They'll take the stress out of planning so you can focus on what really matters – creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.

To find a Not Just Travel Consultant near you, go to notjusttravel.com and use our postcode finder.

Think you know Australia? There's a whole other side waiting to be discovered!

Fresh from her recent trip, Nic Marston from Gold Medal joins host Hayley Sparkes to reveal why Western and South Australia offer experiences you won't find on the traditional tourist trail.

From swimming with wild dolphins to waking up with kangaroos at your doorstep, discover a different kind of Down Under adventure.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

[01:43] Why Perth is the perfect starting point for your alternative Australian adventure

[03:52] Fremantle: Historic prisons, weekend markets, and boutique stays in converted wardens' cottages

[06:10] Swan Valley discoveries: Wine tasting, river cruises and authentic Aboriginal experiences

[07:05] A unique safari: Tracking 300 wild kangaroos by golf buggy

[08:00] Rottnest Island: Why this day trip should be on every Perth itinerary

[10:27] Swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat - an unforgettable encounter

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

[14:03] Adelaide reinvented: Rooftop adventures and city surprises

[14:31] Kangaroo Island: Luxury eco-lodges and wildlife on your doorstep

[16:45] Conservation success stories and authentic local experiences

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

[26:54] Exclusive offers to help you explore Australia's other side

Perfect for: Return visitors to Australia, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience authentic Australia beyond the usual tourist trail.

The Travel Podcast is brought to you by Not Just Travel.

READY TO PLAN YOUR AUSTRALIA HOLIDAY?

Planning a holiday across a country as vast as Australia can be a logistical nightmare. However, if you use one of our Not Just Travel Consultants, they'll make the whole process easy.

They'll take a brief from you and plan your trip so it works like clockwork, saving you time and stress. Plus they can access exclusive offers you can't find online yourself, such as the ones Nic mentions in this episode.

To find a Not Just Travel Consultant near you, go to notjusttravel.com and use our postcode finder.

Ever wondered why some travelers come back from their holidays with incredible stories while others just come back with photos?

In this eye-opening episode, Claire from the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (ATAS) reveals the surprising truth about modern touring holidays (hint: they're nothing like the stereotypical bus tours you might be imagining).

You'll discover:

• The surprising truth about group tours that's making them the fastest-growing trend in travel
• Why DIY travel could actually be costing you 30% more than you need to spend
• The unexpected way tours are creating lifelong friendships (including the heartwarming story of a 25-year-old teacher and 85-year-old traveler)
• The hidden benefits that most travellers never consider when planning their trips
• Why the "tours are for old people" myth is completely wrong
• The shocking percentage of the world's countries you can access through ATAS members

Plus, Claire shares the insider secrets about:

• How to make sure you're choosing the right tour for your personality
• The crucial mistakes to avoid when booking your first tour
• Why some travellers are doing up to 5 tours per year
• The real reason local guides are the "heroes" of adventure travel

Key moments:

[00:51] What ATAS really is and why it matters to your travel plans

[02:50] The surprising benefits of touring that most people don't know about

[06:13] The different types of tours (there are more than you'd think!)

[15:40] The post-pandemic trend that's changing how people travel

[22:05] How to choose the perfect tour for you

If you're thinking touring could be for you, then contact your Personal Travel Consultant, or head over to notjusttravel.com and find your nearest Not Just Travel Consultant.

They can help you find the perfect tour for you depending on your style of travel and who you want to travel with.

About Not Just Travel

One of the UK's fastest-growing companies (FastGrowth200) and winner of Global Franchise Awards' #1 Lifestyle Franchise and #1 European Franchise, Not Just Travel Consultants make planning a holiday feel like a holiday.

Join us on this episode of the travel podcast as we delve into the vibrant world of Carnival Cruises with Sales Director, Luke Smith.

Find out what sets Carnival apart as a leader in fun-filled sea adventures, perfect for both seasoned cruisers and those new to the experience. Here's a glimpse of what to expect:

• 'Choose Fun': Luke discusses the brand's core ethos of "choosing fun," and how this philosophy shapes the diverse experiences available to guests.
• Family and Multigenerational Cruising: Discover how Carnival caters to families, with facilities that range from kid-friendly activities to private adult spaces. How do they balance the needs of all age groups, and what makes them a top choice for family holidays?
• First-time Cruisers: Luke addresses common reservations newcomers have about cruising and explains how Carnival makes its voyages accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
• Unique Features and Attractions: Learn about Carnival’s newest innovation, Celebration Key, a private island experience that promises unparalleled enjoyment and relaxation.
• Destination Focus: Find out the destinations that Carnival excels in.

Tune in to uncover how Carnival creates unforgettable holidays and why it might just be the perfect choice for your next cruise holiday.

Most people picture cruising as vast ocean liners and endless sea views—but what if there was another way? One that lets you wake up in the heart of Europe’s most beautiful cities, explore multiple destinations in a single day, and never worry about seasickness?

In this episode, Hayley is joined by Andy from the Cruise Line International Association to uncover the rising trend of river cruising. Why are more travellers are opting for intimate, destination-packed river journeys? What hidden gems can only be reached by river? And is it really as luxurious as its ocean-going counterpart?

Before you book your next holiday, listen in—you might just discover the perfect way to travel.