Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

I'm still hearing views on Heathrow, today from John Strickland of JLS Consulting – who wonders if he will still be around when a third runway is built? As the Labour government inches nearer a decision, this political football that has been round and round may be reaching a conclusion. But we've said that before, haven't we? This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly podcast. Sign up...

I'm back at Heathrow – where, as I discussed yesterday, reports suggest the third runway could be given the green light. Several developments since then: Environmentalist George Monbiot has revived calls for a frequent-flyer levy. easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis has said that his airline would only be interested in going in to Heathrow if it can do so at scale. And I speculate that "mixed mo...

As Labour backs airport expansion to boost growth, what’s the future of Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton? This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder chats with Matt Sims, host of the Motorhome Matt podcast, to uncover the secrets of hassle-free internet access while travelling. From budget-friendly hardware to choosing the best mobile data plans. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

Simon Calder discusses the impact of Avanti West Coast's cancelled strike on Sunday, January 19th, which leaves most trains between Manchester and London running on a reduced schedule. Learn why reinstating services isn’t as simple as it seems and the ongoing challenges facing UK rail travel. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have de...

I’m at London Heathrow Airport with my good friend Arvinder Singh Bahal, author of The Tireless Traveller , and one of the few people to visit every country on Earth. From skydiving above Mount Everest to navigating Turkmenistan visas, we discuss his incredible journeys across the globe. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have deliver...

Have you ever been subject to a Penalty Fare on a train, or even been prosecuted for allegedly travelling by train? If so, the Office of Rail and Road wants to hear from you. As Stephanie Tobyn, the organisation's Strategy, Policy & Reform Director told me, they are interested in understanding how the current rules are working. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, whi...

Part two of my report from the west coast of Florida – and I am in Anna Maria Island, meeting independent retailers and the local oyster hero, as well as finding out about the secret life of dolphins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have managed to swerve the worst of the wintry weather in the UK. I booked a £501 return flight to Tampa on the west coast of Florida and headed south to the city of Bradenton, which offers kayaking through revived mangrove – and a working fishing village. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Motoring in America is different from the UK. I'm driving along in an automobile with the cinematographer and director Douglas Bolton, who's an expert on US motoring. He's been putting me right about the key points to be aware of.  This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's newsletter. Sign up here for a weekly update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bradford begins its year as the UK City of Culture with an extraordinary opening event on January 10th. Simon Calder speaks with Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of the program, about the city's rich industrial heritage, stunning architecture, and diverse culture. From the Brontës’ wild moors to the newly reopened Science and Media Museum, Bradford promises a year of artistic innovation and explor...

Amid headlines warning of skyrocketing airfares due to a new "flight tax," Simon Calder unpacks the reality of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate. It's not a tax, nor Labour’s policy, but a step towards greener aviation adopted under Conservative leadership. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to  here  and have delivered every...

Mark Smith, the Man in Seat 61, joins Simon Calder to unravel the myth of a 13-country rail journey. They discuss the route’s logistical impossibilities, the story’s viral origins, and how it fuels excitement for international train travel. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to  here  and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. Se...

A third chaotic weekend in a row for the UK's airline passengers. Normally we expect disruption over Christmas but by the time it's the 6th of January things clear up, but not this year I'm afraid. We are talking serious flight disruption, the fog and snow are partly responsible. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to  here  and have del...

In today’s podcast, I speak with Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 Holidays and Jet2.com, about the airline’s ambitious expansion in 2025, including new bases in Bournemouth and Luton. We discuss the growing holiday demand, the company’s award-winning customer service, and the retirement of their last Boeing 757 this weekend, marking the transition to a cleaner, quieter Airbus A321neo fleet. This podcast i...

Sue Heath was removed from her British Airways flight to Malta just before Christmas, despite her UK passport meeting all post-Brexit EU entry requirements. In today’s podcast, I explore the alarming misunderstanding of passport rules by BA staff at Gatwick and the implications for travellers, sharing insights into Sue’s experience and advice for passengers facing similar issues. This podcast is f...

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025 and with it I'm sure there's a renewed optimism for places to visit and sights to see. So, I've run down the list of where I think is a great place to visit - all within five hours travel time of the UK. This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. That list in full: January - Bradfor...

In today’s podcast, British Airways’ controversial changes to its Executive Club are now rebranded as the British Airways Club. From April 2024, loyalty will be tied directly to spending, making it harder for budget travellers to earn perks like lounge access and seat upgrades. I discuss how the revamped system impacts frequent flyers, with insights from industry experts on whether this shift rewa...

I'm at my favourite airport hotel anywhere: the Thistle Terminal 5, which is not quite at London Heathrow Terminal 5 but has a priceless terrace overlooking the northern runway. I list the reasons why you'd enjoy stopping here before flying out of Heathrow Airport - as well as asking a plane spotter what he's taking a look at. This podcast is free, much like The Independent Travel newsletter. Subs...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas doesn't like Eurostar. Last year, a sudden strike by Eurotunnel staff thwarted thousands of passengers. And today the first London-Paris train broke down in the Channel Tunnel. Elsewhere, issues with some services from London Euston but train services on a whole are looking ok for what was scheduled to be running today. This podcast is free, as is the we...

Boxing Day – and many people are on the move around Britain. But how easily will they be able to travel? I’m at London St Pancras International, the UK’s best connected rail station – at least in normal times. In this episode, I run through what the train timetables look like as Network Rail runs engineering works across the network but if you're looking to catch the Boxing Day races in Liverpool,...

A round-up of all the festive travel disruption! This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While travel unravels across the UK, I have escaped to Vienna – where I caught up with Helena Steinhart of the Vienna Tourist Board. She tells me about Christmas celebrations, why January to March is a good time to be in the city and how Vienna differs from central European rivals Budapest and Prague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week before Christmas, loads of people are going to be travelling by train. I'm at London Blackfriars talking to Samantha Facey, Health, Safety and Security Director at the UK's biggest train operator, GTR, about staying safe. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

Thousands of Christmas travellers hoping to cross the Irish Sea by ferry face disruption due to Storm Darragh damage. The port of Holyhead – which provides the main ferry connection between Great Britain and Ireland – has been closed since last weekend, with no sailings to or from Dublin. Normally Stena Line and Irish Ferries have four daily ferries each way between the Anglesey and the Irish capi...