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 works
• The best scenic train journeys in Europe and worldwide
• Why rail travel is a stress-free alternative to flying
• Popular multi-destination rail itineraries
• Luxury rail experiences vs classic train travel
• Who rail holidays are perfect for — couples, families and first-time travellers
• Expert tips for planning a rail holiday in 2026 and beyond

If 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.

Lanzarote Travel Guide with a Toddler | Family Travel, Things to Do & Hotel Review – Sentido Aequora

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we’re recording on location from the beautiful island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. We share our real-time travel experience exploring the island with a toddler, along with practical tips for families considering a Lanzarote holiday.

Ryan and Jo talk about what it’s like travelling with a toddler, how to plan a family-friendly holiday, and why Lanzarote is such a great destination for sunshine, beaches and relaxed family travel.

We also dive into:

Our stay at the Sentido Aequora Lanzarote Suites

The best things to do in Lanzarote with young children

Exploring Puerto del Carmen, volcanic landscapes and island highlights

Why the Canary Islands are perfect for year-round family holidays

Tips for travelling with toddlers, packing smart and keeping travel stress-free

If you’re planning a Lanzarote holiday, Canary Islands family trip, or travelling with a toddler, this episode is packed with honest insight, travel advice and destination inspiration.

🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering cruise holidays, family travel, destination guides, hotel reviews, and expert holiday planning advice.

Perfect for listeners searching for Lanzarote travel tips, Canary Islands family holidays, toddler travel advice, Puerto del Carmen hotels, and family-friendly resorts in Lanzarote.

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we dive into two very different ways to see the world: classic escorted touring holidays and staying in one hotel and exploring at your own pace. Ryan and Jo break down the pros and cons of each style, share tips on how to choose the right approach for your personality and holiday goals, and discuss how to combine both for the ultimate travel experience.

We cover:

• How classic tours let you see multiple destinations with everything organised for you
• How staying in one base allows you to explore at your own pace while enjoying a home-away-from-home hotel
• Top destinations for touring vs base-style travel
• Which travel styles suit families, couples, or first-time travellers
• Insider tips for planning stress-free holidays

Whether you’re planning a Europe tour, Caribbean holiday, Mediterranean escape, or multi-destination trip, this episode gives you practical advice to make the most of your next adventure.

🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is your weekly travel podcast covering holiday planning, travel tips, destination inspiration, cruise advice, and insider knowledge.

Perfect for anyone searching for touring holidays, guided trips, base-style travel, self-exploration trips, or family-friendly travel advice.#traveltips #travelagent #independenttravelagent #checkedinwithryanandjo #escortedtour

Solo Travel & Escorted Tours Explained | Just You Solo Holidays with Bev

In this episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, we dive into the world of solo travel and escorted tours with special guest Bev from Just You, the leading tour operator specialising in holidays exclusively for solo travellers.

With solo travel holidays, singles group tours, and escorted touring experiences becoming more popular than ever, we explore how Just You tours make it easy, safe and social to travel the world independently without travelling alone.

Ryan and Jo speak with Bev about how solo group travel works, why escorted tours for solo travellers are growing in popularity, and what guests can expect when booking a Just You holiday.

In this episode we cover:

• How solo travel tours and escorted holidays for singles work

• Why Just You escorted tours are designed specifically for solo travellers

• The most popular solo travel destinations around the world

• What’s included in a Just You escorted holiday

• How solo travellers meet people and build friendships on tour

• Why escorted touring is one of the best ways to experience group travel for singles

Whether you're considering your first solo holiday, escorted touring holiday, singles travel group, or a guided travel experience, this episode gives you insight into how solo group travel can open up the world.

🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo is a weekly travel podcast covering cruise holidays, escorted tours, destination guides, travel tips, and holiday planning advice.

Perfect for listeners searching for solo travel ideas, singles holidays, escorted tours for solo travellers, small group travel, and Just You travel experiences.

#solo #touring #adventure #Justyou # travelagent #tour #solotour #solotouring #arrangemyescape

www.arrangemyescape.com

Call 01684 214848

Email malvern@arrangemyescape.com

Or visit us in store at 16 Worcester Road, Great Malvern

Join Jo for this special solo episode, as she shares the highlights from an unforgettable journey through Northern Thailand with G Adventures and Gold Medal.

From exploring the iconic Wat Pho temple and canals of Bangkok, to reflecting on history at the River Kwai and Death Railway, this trip blended culture, history and adventure in the most inspiring way. Including some Changs and toasties in Chiang Mai.

From the sleeper train to Chiang Mai, where the sunrise over misty hills made for one of her most magical travel moments, to the hidden forest temple of Wat Pha Lat.

Along the way, Jo shares insights into responsible travel, including a visit to the G for Good Yimsoo Café in Bangkok, and a fascinating conversation with G's Chief Experience Officer (Jo's guide) about how small group travel can create meaningful connections and positive impact for local communities.

If you love immersive travel, cultural experiences and discovering destinations in a deeper, more responsible way, this episode will take you right into the heart of Northern Thailand.

#GAdventures #Thailand #Touring #smallgroupadventure #adventuretravel #ChiangMai #Bangkok #Asia

In this special bonus episode of Checked In with Ryan & Jo, Ryan is joined by Jennifer, General Manager of arrangeMY Escape, to discuss the ongoing travel disruption in the Middle East and what it means for holidaymakers right now.

With changing flight routes, airspace restrictions, airline schedule changes, and regional travel uncertainty, we break down what is happening, which destinations and airlines may be affected, and how travellers should respond.

We cover:

• The current Middle East travel disruption explained

• Airspace closures and airline rerouting

• Flight delays, cancellations and schedule changes

• How tour operators and travel agents manage disruption

• Why booking with a travel company provides protection and support

• What affected customers should do next

• How arrangeMY Escape is proactively managing clients during uncertainty

This episode is essential listening for anyone travelling to or through the Middle East, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Asia connections, or long-haul destinations in the coming weeks.

If you’re concerned about travel disruption, flight cancellations, rebooking policies, travel insurance, or ATOL protection, we explain what you need to know and how professional travel management makes a difference during uncertain times.

🎙️ Checked In with Ryan & Jo — providing real-time travel insight, expert advice, and behind-the-scenes industry knowledge when it matters most.

Stay informed. Travel smart. And remember — you’re not navigating disruption alone.