Summary

In this episode of the Jason Boull Travel Podcast, host Jason Boull speaks with Sue Lennox from Hayes Travel about the critical importance of travel insurance. Sue shares her personal experience of a family trip to Paris that turned into a medical emergency when her son required urgent surgery. The conversation highlights the often-overlooked necessity of having adequate travel insurance, the potential financial implications of not being covered, and practical advice for travelers to ensure they are protected while abroad.

Takeaways

• Travel insurance can save you from financial disaster.
• Always carry your insurance documentation when traveling.
• Medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly, even on short trips.
• Check the fine print of your travel insurance policy.
• Not all insurance policies cover the same things.
• Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind.
• Emergency medical care abroad can be extremely costly.
• Don't assume your EHIC card covers everything.
• Be aware of additional costs like repatriation.
• Always prioritize your family's health and safety while traveling.

Titles

• The Crucial Role of Travel Insurance
• A Family's Unexpected Medical Emergency
• Sound bites
• "The bill was over £40,000."
• "You never know what can happen."
• "It can ruin people's lives."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travel Insurance

03:10 Sue's Personal Experience with Travel Insurance

06:06 The Importance of Travel Insurance

08:56 Unexpected Medical Emergencies Abroad

11:35 The Cost of Medical Care Without Insurance

14:33 Lessons Learned from a Travel Insurance Claim

17:14 Understanding Travel Insurance Policies

19:56 Advice for Travelers on Insurance

22:53 Final Thoughts on Travel Insurance

In this episode, Jason Boull shares why booking a holiday shouldn’t feel stressful — it should feel like the start of your break. Discover how Boullies Travel removes the overwhelm by doing all the research, planning, and behind-the-scenes work for you, leaving you free to enjoy your evening while your perfect trip comes together.

Jason also highlights key upcoming opportunities, including Lapland holidays and the highly anticipated release of 2027 trips, with priority access for those already on the list. With extended payment timeframes, expert support, and personalised service, this is the easiest way to secure your next adventure.

If you're ready to travel smarter, skip the endless searching, and experience a concierge-style holiday service, visit boulliestravel.com/book-online to arrange your appointment. Follow, like, and share to stay up to date with the Jason Boull Travel Podcast.

Get the full transcript at: https://share.descript.com/view/0EfruwLiK2P

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Western Canada, Jason and Michael Brabin of Destination Vancouver and Tourism Whistler take you beyond the highlights and into the adventure, culture and magic that make this region unforgettable.

We begin in Whistler in summer—a vibrant, energetic, adventure-packed mountain village that welcomes more visitors in summer than winter. Michael explains why Whistler is far from a quiet off-season resort, with its buzzing plazas, legendary mountain biking scene, and a calendar full of festivals, open-air concerts, and lakeside events.

You’ll discover the best must-do experiences, including:

• The Peak 2 Peak Gondola and jaw-dropping viewpoints
• Heart-racing ziplining, bungee jumps, and heli-adventures
• Dawn black bear safaris ideal for making the most of jet lag
• Magical night-time storytelling at Vallea Lumina
• And even the chance to try skeleton on the Olympic sliding track – one of the only places in the world you can do it

The episode also uncovers under-the-radar Vancouver experiences, from the extraordinary Museum of Anthropology at UBC, to tranquil pockets of Stanley Park, and the beloved Vancouver Aquarium with its rescued otters and sea lions.

Michael then shares expert guidance on crafting the perfect Vancouver–Whistler itinerary—including how long to stay, how to avoid the common “too many stops, not enough time” mistake, and why speaking to a specialist transforms a good trip into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

We wrap with a passionate discussion about what makes this region so personal, so memorable, and so uniquely suited to travellers who want nature, city life, wildlife, food, culture and adventure all in one trip.

Whether Vancouver and Whistler are already on your list, or you’re hearing about their magic for the first time, this episode will inspire your next great adventure.

Full Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/wt3MfXMHYVz

In the final episode of our Canada series, Jason is joined by Michael Brabin of Destination Vancouver and Tourism Whistler to explore why so many visitors come home from Vancouver and Whistler saying, “I could move there tomorrow.”

In Part 1, we dive into Vancouver as a true year-round city: mild winters, warmer summers, and a unique mix of ocean, mountains and rainforest that never feels like a typical concrete jungle. Michael shares his favourite British Columbia memory – a stunning float plane journey from Whistler to downtown Vancouver – and explains why Canucks ice hockey nights, Stanley Park, and compact, walkable neighbourhoods like Gastown, Chinatown, Yaletown and Coal Harbour make this city so special.

We also unpack who Vancouver and Whistler are perfect for:

• Families who could swap plastic theme parks for whales, bears and wild landscapes,
• Older travellers who are more adventurous than ever,
• Couples looking for active city breaks with incredible food, culture and nature in one trip.

You’ll hear about food tours, Michelin-accredited dining, street food, Granville Island’s public market, and why Easter and late spring/summer are secretly some of the best (and best value) times to visit Western Canada.

👉 In Part 2, we head deeper into Whistler in summer, hidden gems like Vallea Lumina, heart-pounding adventures from ziplining to skeleton on the Olympic track, local festivals, and how to build the perfect Vancouver–Whistler itinerary with expert help so you don’t waste a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Full Transcript Here: https://share.descript.com/view/SRvpRuqzeEM

In this episode of The Jason Boull Travel Podcast, we dive into one of Canada’s most charming and culturally rich destinations — St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador — with expert guest Della Tully from Tourism Canada.

Just five hours from the UK, this Atlantic Canada hidden gem is bursting with Irish heritage, jellybean-coloured houses, dramatic ocean views, world-class seafood, and some of the warmest hospitality in North America.

From whale watching in Iceberg Alley to hiking the East Coast Trail, sipping local brews, and joining in a quirky “screech-in” ceremony, this episode uncovers why St. John’s is perfect for couples, families, solo adventurers — and anyone looking for an authentic, unplugged travel experience.

We also share:

• ✈️ Flight tips from the UK & Ireland (including WestJet’s direct service)
• 🌊 When to see puffins, whales, and icebergs
• 🍽️ What to eat, drink, and where to soak in the local vibe
• 🚗 Why to pre-book car hire & tours — and how to make your trip stress-free
• 🔥 Our top tips for first-timers (spoiler: don’t skip Signal Hill or George Street!)

👉 Whether you're planning your next Canadian adventure or just love discovering new places, this is your complete guide to St. John’s — told through expert insight and real travel passion.

Click here for the full transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/rD55phNP9jK

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Ottawa, Jason Boull reconnects with Vladimir Jean-Gilles of Ottawa Tourism to uncover the city’s food and drink culture, its vibrant seasons, and how visitors can plan their dream trip to Canada’s capital.

Discover Ottawa’s incredible culinary scene — from historic bank-turned-fine-dining at Riviera to late-night shawarma and maple beer microbreweries. Learn how winter transforms the city into a skating wonderland, how Astro Tourism and shoulder seasons offer unexpected charm, and why Ottawa is a perfect match for both families and couples.

Plus, find out what’s ahead in 2026 as Ottawa celebrates its 200th anniversary, and get expert tips on how to plan your own tailor-made Ottawa adventure with Boullies Travel.

👉 Highlights in this episode:

• Hidden foodie gems, speakeasies, and street eats
• Ottawa’s booming craft beer scene + year-round beer festivals
• Why locals love Fall in the capital
• Winter lights, Christmas magic & skating to work
• Perfect itineraries for families, couples & road-trippers
• How to plan your Ottawa adventure (and where Boullies Travel comes in)

🎧 If this episode gave you the travel bug, email us at Holidays@BoulliesTravel.com or visit www.BoulliesTravel.com to plan your dream trip. 💬 Got questions, feedback or future topic ideas? Drop us a note at Podcast@BoulliesTravel.com

The full transcript is available here: https://share.descript.com/view/oK8s8oh2zn1

In this first part of our special feature on Ottawa, Jason Boull sits down with Vladimir Jean-Gilles of Ottawa Tourism to explore Canada’s capital in a way you’ve never heard before.

From a personal arrival story that starts on Canada Day itself, to the vibrant cultural heartbeat of the city’s neighbourhoods — Vlad brings to life the soul of Ottawa through powerful storytelling. We explore what makes this city feel both globally diverse and warmly local, dive into Indigenous culture and sacred landmarks like Chaudière Falls, and uncover the best local traditions — including midnight shawarmas, hidden art galleries, and the city’s small-town charm with big-city flair.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or rediscovering Ottawa with fresh eyes, this is the ultimate warm-up to what the capital has to offer.

👉 Highlights in this episode:

• Canada Day through a newcomer’s eyes
• Local foodie traditions you won’t want to miss
• Ottawa’s most authentic neighbourhoods
• Indigenous heritage and respectful travel
• Free museums, urban trails & vibrant festivals

🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and subscribe — and catch Part 2 where we dive deeper into art, music, and planning your own Ottawa adventure with Boullies Travel.

Get the full transcript here: https://share.descript.com/view/qiR2MJEBkSX

In Part 2 of our journey through Yukon, Jason continues the conversation with Della Tully to explore the soul of this incredible territory — from bucket-list adventures to cultural immersion and off-the-grid escapes.

Hear about dog sledding, wild hiking trails, unique festivals, and the ways travellers can respectfully connect with Indigenous communities. Plus, we share travel planning tips, seasonal highlights, and powerful stories of how Yukon changes the people who visit.

👉 Whether you’re planning your first trip or just craving something different, Yukon might be exactly what your soul needs.

For the full transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/4gKmyO3gQtj