Checked in with Ryan and Jo

What if your next dream holiday is somewhere you've never even considered?In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we're joined by Stuart from Newmarket for a deep dive into the world of escorted touring, hidden travel gems and lesser-known destinations.We go beyond the traditional bucket-list destinations to discover the unusual tours, new itineraries and off-the-beaten-track experiences that Newmarket offers — from exploring Kyushu and Shikoku in Japan to discovering underrated regions across Europe.In this episode, we explore:🌍 Why travellers are looking beyond traditional tourist destinations🗺️ How Newmarket discovers new and unusual destinations🇯🇵 Exploring Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto🇪🇺 Europe's most underrated destinations and hidden gems✨ New and exciting Newmarket escorted tours🍷 Specialist holidays for food and wine lovers🚂 Rail holidays and unique travel experiences🐘 Wildlife, safari and nature tours🏛️ History, art and architecture tours🥾 Walking holidays and spectacular landscapes🤫 Newmarket's "don't tell everyone" travel recommendationsWe also play our "I've Never Heard of That!" round, uncover some seriously underrated destinations and ask Stuart the ultimate question: what's the Newmarket tour that will make listeners say, "I didn't know they did that!"?Whether you're an experienced traveller looking for your next adventure, considering your first escorted tour, or simply searching for unique holiday ideas and lesser-known destinations, this episode is packed with travel inspiration.🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your travel podcast covering holiday ideas, destination guides, escorted tours, travel tips, hidden gems, cruise holidays, touring holidays and expert travel advice.Your next adventure might be somewhere you've never heard of.

It may be summer outside, but on this week's episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we're getting into the festive spirit and taking a magical deep dive into the best Christmas markets in Europe.From twinkling lights and festive food to mulled wine and fairytale city squares, we explore why European Christmas market breaks have become one of the most popular winter getaways—and why now is actually the perfect time to book.In this episode, we cover:🎄 The best Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, Prague, Budapest, Strasbourg and Bruges✈️ Why booking early gets you the best hotels and flights🍷 The festive foods and drinks you simply have to try🏨 Which Christmas market destinations are best for couples, families and first-time visitors✨ Hidden gems and our favourite festive experiences🎁 Tips for planning the perfect Christmas market city breakWhether you're dreaming of wandering through the markets of Cologne, enjoying the magical atmosphere of Vienna, or sipping hot chocolate in Prague, this episode is packed with inspiration for your next winter escape.🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering destination guides, city breaks, family holidays, cruise holidays, travel tips and insider travel advice.If you're thinking about a European Christmas market break in 2025 or beyond, this episode is your ultimate guide to festive travel in Europe.

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we take a deep dive into one of Europe's most loved holiday destinations — Greece.From iconic islands and crystal-clear waters to incredible food, rich history and unforgettable experiences, Ryan and Jo explore everything you need to know when planning a Greek holiday.Whether you're looking for a family-friendly beach escape, a romantic island getaway, a luxury retreat or an adventure-filled trip, Greece has something for everyone — and we're here to help you find the perfect island.In this episode, we cover:- The best Greek islands, including Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos and Zante- Bucket-list destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos- Hidden gems including Kefalonia, Skiathos, Lefkada and Naxos- Greek food, local specialities and must-try dishes- Island hopping, boat trips and unforgettable experiences- The best islands for couples, families and first-time visitors Greek culture, history and why visitors return year after yearWe also share our favourite parts of Greece, insider travel tips and advice on choosing the right island for your next holiday.If you're searching for Greece holiday ideas, Greek island guides, family holidays in Greece, luxury Greek escapes, island-hopping itineraries, or the best Greek destinations to visit, this episode is packed with inspiration.Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering destination guides, travel tips, cruise holidays, touring adventures, family travel and expert holiday advice.Whether you're dreaming of Santorini sunsets, exploring the Old Town of Rhodes, relaxing on the beaches of Crete or discovering hidden Greek islands, this is the ultimate Greece travel podcast.

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we're diving into the world of late holiday deals and revealing how to secure the best last-minute travel bargains without compromising on quality.Ryan and Jo share their expert advice on where to find the best late deals, which destinations offer the greatest value, and why being flexible with your airport, travel dates, hotel choice and destination can unlock some incredible savings.In this episode, we cover:The best destinations for late deals, including Greece, Türkiye, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Egypt and more- Why flexibility is the secret to finding the biggest bargains- How hotels and airlines price late availability- Common myths about last-minute holidays- When long-haul destinations can offer surprisingly good value- The benefits of booking through a travel expert rather than searching endlessly onlineWhether you're looking for a cheap holiday, last-minute sunshine, an all-inclusive escape, family holiday deals, luxury travel offers or winter sun inspiration, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you travel smarter and save money.Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering travel tips, destination inspiration, holiday planning, cruise holidays, touring adventures and insider travel advice.If you're wondering whether to book now or wait for a late deal, this episode could save you hundreds on your next holiday.

This week on Checked In with Ryan & Jo, Ryan is on location on Vancouver Island, bringing you a special destination deep dive from one of Canada's most spectacular regions.From rugged coastlines and ancient rainforests to charming towns, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor adventures, Ryan explores what makes Vancouver Island such a unique destination and why it deserves a place on every traveller's bucket list.In this episode, we cover: What makes Vancouver Island so special Wildlife experiences including bears, whales and eagles Stunning scenery, national parks and outdoor adventures Local food, drink and hidden gems The best way to explore the island Where to stay and what to expect Who Vancouver Island is perfect forWhether you're planning a Canada holiday, British Columbia road trip, wildlife adventure, or once-in-a-lifetime bucket list journey, this episode is packed with practical advice, destination inspiration and first-hand experiences.And a quick warning before you press play: we did consider turning it into a drinking game every time Ryan says "Vancouver Island"... but we'd be worried about the consequences by the halfway point of the episode! 🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering destination guides, travel tips, cruise holidays, touring adventures, family travel and insider knowledge from travel experts.If you're considering a trip to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, or Canada, this is one episode you won't want to miss.

Welcome back to Checked In with Ryan & Jo for the start of Season 2!After a busy month of travelling, we're back behind the microphones to catch up on everything we've been up to throughout May. From destination visits and hotel stays to travel highlights, funny moments, and the experiences that have inspired us for future adventures, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at life as travel professionals on the move.We also introduce our brand-new podcast intro music and share some of the exciting plans we have for the new season ahead.In this episode:✈️ Ryan & Jo's travel adventures from May🌍 Destination highlights and hidden gems discovered along the way🏨 Hotel visits and travel industry insights😂 Funny travel moments and unexpected surprises💡 Travel tips picked up during our recent trips🎙️ What you can expect from Season 2Whether you're looking for travel inspiration, holiday ideas, destination recommendations, travel tips, or behind-the-scenes insights from the travel industry, this episode is the perfect way to kick off the next chapter of the podcast.And don't miss our teaser for next week's episode, where Ryan will be reporting from the spectacular Vancouver Island, British Columbia, sharing everything from stunning scenery and wildlife encounters to why this incredible part of Canada deserves a place on your travel bucket list.🎧 Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering destination guides, cruise holidays, touring adventures, family travel, travel news, insider tips, hotel reviews and real-world travel experiences.Subscribe now and join us for another season packed with travel stories, expert guests, holiday inspiration and plenty of laughs along the way. 🌍✈️☀️

In this special episode, join Jo with fellow retreat host Fiona as they take you behind the scenes of their first Awaken Retreat — a journey of connection, growth, and coming back to yourself.Hosted in beautiful Morocco, they reflect on the magic that unfolds when like-minded souls come together, from sunrise yoga sessions and soulful conversations to moments of stillness, laughter, and unexpected breakthroughs. Hear personal highlights, what surprised them most, and the deeper purpose behind creating these experiences.This episode is an honest, heartfelt look at what really happens on retreat — beyond the aesthetic — and how stepping away from everyday life can open the door to something far more meaningful.Whether you’ve joined us before, are thinking about booking your first retreat, or simply need a reminder to slow down and reconnect, this one’s for you.Expect:– Real reflections from the retreat– The impact of shared experiences & community– Why retreats can be truly transformative– A little inspiration to live life more fullyCome and check in with us. This is last episode for Season 1, as Ryan and Jo are travelling a lot in May. Season 2 will be back in June, but until then, stay Checked In.

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we explore the growing world of rail holidays with special guest Paul from Fred Holidays, the experts in tailor-made rail journeys and touring holidays.From iconic European train travel to bucket-list scenic routes like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Rocky Mountaineer, we break down why rail travel holidays are becoming one of the most popular ways to see the world.We cover:What a rail holiday is and how it worksThe best scenic train journeys in Europe and worldwideWhy rail travel is a stress-free alternative to flyingPopular multi-destination rail itinerariesLuxury rail experiences vs classic train travelWho rail holidays are perfect for — couples, families and first-time travellersExpert tips for planning a rail holiday in 2026 and beyondIf you’re searching for European rail holidays, scenic train trips, luxury train journeys, Switzerland rail tours, Canada rail holidays or slow travel experiences, this episode is packed with expert advice and inspiration.🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering cruise holidays, escorted tours, destination guides, travel tips and insider travel knowledge.

This week on Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we’re keeping it real… and slightly off script 👀We’re diving into our personal holiday preferences — are we poolside loungers or out-all-day explorers? Plus, how our travel styles (and standards!) have evolved over the years.Along the way, Ryan shares some of his funniest — and slightly questionable — holiday stories… the kind that only ever seem to happen abroad, especially from his days as a holiday rep 🍹Expect plenty of laughs, including a sneek peak into our breakfast treats we enjoy whilst recording our podcast!We also give you a teaser at what’s coming up over the next few weeks — Jo will be on location in Morocco, hosting a yoga retreat and Ryan will be in Canada exploring Vancouver Island. Plus our next guest joins us next week, Paul from Fred Holidays, talking all things rail travel!So whether you’re planning your next trip or just daydreaming about one… come and get Checked In with us ✈️

New episode just landed 🎙️🇯🇵This week on Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we’re off to Japan… and its safe to say, Ryan’s already planning his snack stops while Jo’s chasing temples, sunsets, and all the slow moments in between ✨We’re joined by the lovely Holly from Inside Japan (one of the UK’s leading Japan specialists), who brings all the insider knowledge you actually want — not just the guidebook stuff. Think where to go beyond the obvious, how to travel Japan without feeling overwhelmed, and those little cultural details that can make or break your trip (including why KFC is a 'thing' for Christmas dinner in Japan 😅).We chat cherry blossom season vs autumn colours, the magic of Kyoto, the buzz of Tokyo, and why Japan somehow manages to feel both wildly different and incredibly comforting at the same time. Holly also shares some of her favourite hidden gems and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you’ve come home.Expect a bit of chaos, a lot of wanderlust, and Ryan asking the important questions… mainly about food 🍜If Japan’s been sitting on your “one day” list, consider this your sign to start turning it into a “book it” moment ✈️🎧 Listen now & come travel with us...Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering cruise holidays, family travel, destination guides, hotel reviews, and expert holiday planning advice.