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.

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.