Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Where's my plane? That call has gone out thousands of times this summer with so many delays. Flightradar24 can usually supply the answer – bringing an incredible amount of real-time aviation intelligence to the world. Ahead of the publication of a Flightradar24 puzzle book called You're the Captain (for which I have contributed the foreword) I have been talking to co-founder Mikael Robertsson and...

Gatwick Airport is planning to add a second runway to improve resilience and capacity. I discuss how this could benefit travelers and the London aviation market, while also addressing the environmental concerns and potential hurdles the project might face This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

London bike wars: the cycles you can pick up here, and leave there. In the green corner, Anthony Smith, transport supremo, is championing the Lime electric bikes that are allowed to roam free (as are the people who hire them, within limits). In the red (and grey) corner, I am a true believer in Santander Cycles. This episode is free, much like the Independent travel newsletter. Subscribe now . Hos...

I'm talking to Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary about record amounts of air rage; European Union plans to standardise cabin baggage; and how he expects air fares to fall during the autumn and winter. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm sitting down with Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet who revolutionised travel guides with his iconic 1970s journey, Across Asia on the Cheap . Tony has now completed a dream trek through southern England, walking the entire length of the River Thames, from its source to the heart of London. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here . Hosted on...

It's bank holiday Monday in England and Wales, which spells chaos on trains, planes and automobiles. I take you through the weekend's troubles and what is being done to mitigate it. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will the entry-exit system mean for car drivers and coach passengers using the UK's busiest ferry port, Dover? I've been talking to Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover. He says they can cope with the new rules on fingerprinting and facial biometrics until April 2025, but once things get busy new options are needed. This podcast is free, much like the travel weekly newsletter....

In today’s podcast, I tackle the confusion surrounding new travel requirements for UK citizens heading to Europe. I clarify the timeline and facts about the upcoming entry/exit system and ETIAS, debunking myths and explaining what you need to know.   This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

Once again I'm at London King's Cross station, a hub for the East Coast main line to Yorkshire, northeast England, and Scotland. Two significant fare changes, neither of them beneficial: ScotRail's experiment to abolish peak fares will end in late September after it failed to lure enough travelers out of their cars. And LNER is expanding the area where off-peak fares are unavailable to include the...

Join me as I chat with Bram Houtenbos, who earned third place in the thrilling race from London to Tirana. We explore his race strategy, the challenges that came his way, and his reflections on finishing in the top three once again. Join me as I chat with Bram Houtenbos, who earned third place in the thrilling race from London to Tirana. We explore his race strategy, the challenges that came his w...

I’m at London Gatwick Airport in today's podcast, delving into an exclusive survey that ranks the world's best-connected airports. Gatwick impressively secures 15th place, highlighting London’s dominance in global air travel. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm Simon Calder, and I'm sharing insights on the end of the ASLEF rail strike from London Euston Station. While the pay dispute is settled, significant hurdles remain for the UK rail system, requiring urgent action from Transport Secretary Louise Haigh. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

I'm Simon Calder, and in this podcast, I guide Taylor Swift fans on the best ways to reach Wembley Stadium. You'll be well-prepared for the eras tour with tips on avoiding the busiest routes and selecting the most efficient transport options. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

The first country in the world to close at the start of Covid pandemic in January 2020 will finally open this winter. Simon Calder hears the latest from Simon Cockerell of specialist operator Koryo Tours. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's happening in Greece and what are travellers' rights if they are there and want to come home early or cancel a pre-booked holiday? This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday 17 August, 180 competitors will set off from Trafalgar Square in London, destination Tirana in Albania, in the second Race Across Europe staged by Lupine Travel – using only public transport. Today I'm talking to the organiser, James Finnerty. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

Leeds Bradford Airport has unveiled its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming for more flights and more passengers but a more gentle environmental footprint. Simon Calder speaks with Vincent Hodder, the airport’s chief executive, about plans to boost the transform the gateway to – and from – Yorkshire. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox...

London Euston, London King's Cross and London St Pancras International. I've visited them all this morning to explain what will happen to intercity trains on north-south routes over the impending August bank holiday weekend. Network Rail engineering work will lead to some interesting changes. A mention, too, for London Paddington to South Wales services, diverted via Gloucester from 24 to 26 Augus...

I'm at London St Pancras International, hub for Eurostar trains to Paris and Brussels. The lowest return fare from London to Paris, looking a day ahead for a 48-hour stay, is £338. Airlines are charging at least £100 less. What we need on this most essential intercity link is proper competition between rail firms. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every...

I'm Simon Calder, and today I discuss why Jordan and Egypt are excellent travel destinations despite current travel advisories. With rich histories and welcoming atmospheres, these countries offer unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip to these underrated gems today. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See a...

With tension rising in the Middle East, what are the implications for travellers? A range of airlines have suspended their operations to Tel Aviv although a couple haven't. If you want to continue flying to a no go area you may also want to check your travel insurance. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See ac...

I’m at Land’s End, but not the one you might expect. This is Cap Gaspé in Québec, Canada, the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. It’s also the start of the Appalachian Trail, a breathtaking 1,000km journey that winds through the scenic landscapes of Québec and crosses into the United States, passing through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Join me as we explore the stunning...

On the first day of the peak travel month of the year, Simon Calder gives you the lowdown on BA’s misleading advice on passport validity - which it has now finally corrected. British Airways had claimed, wrongly: “To travel on an international flight your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter a country.” The airline now says, correctly, than non-EU nationals w...

Play is the latest Icelandic airline to join the fray between the UK and Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik – with onward connections to five North American destinations. I've been talking to the chief executive and largest shareholder, Einar Örn Ólafsson – and heard about starting an airline during Covid and the unusual appeal of Iceland in winter to Brits (with everyone else it's summ...

In the past 24 hours I have been to three different airports – Paris Orly, London City and Dublin. Here's what you need to know about the different security procedures at each for your own travels. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.