Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Next weekend, 15-18 March, will see the first closedown of a stretch of the M25 for engineering work. The shutdown of this critical piece of national infrastructure will cause problems for many travellers. What is the recommended diversion? (Don't even think about trying it.) How should you travel between Gatwick and Heathrow airport? On Thameslink and the Elizabeth Line, via Farringdon station in...

In the Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said Air Passenger Duty will increase beyond the rate of inflation for travellers who travel in all but the cheapest seats. I’m talking to Paul Charles, former Virgin Atlantic communications director – who doesn’t pull his punches about what it will do for the British travel industry. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up for it here an...

I explore British Airways' cautious return to Bangkok with limited service and compare it to the extensive offerings by Gulf carriers to Southeast Asia. Despite BA's modest re-entry, the move signifies a strategic step towards increased competition and choice for travelers. I also touch upon BA's full-scale return to Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the competitive landscape and alternatives for reachin...

I spoke with Marianna Oleskiv, chair of Ukraine's State Agency for Tourism Development, about the future of tourism in post-war Ukraine. She detailed the importance of domestic tourism during these times and the potential for international tourism to aid economic recovery once peace is restored, focusing on the natural and rural attractions awaiting global explorers. This podcast is free, as is my...

Today, I chatted with Martin Gilbert about revolutionising UK rail travel with open access services like LUMO and Hull Trains. We delved into their success in expanding access, fostering sustainability, and offering competitive fares, painting an optimistic future for rail innovation. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Ho...

Today, I had the pleasure of exploring the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy's induction of 100 new cadets, including Jasmine, Maria, and Lux. This significant initiative highlights BA's dedication to fostering a diverse and skilled future pilot workforce, emphasising safety, innovation, and inclusivity. As these cadets begin their rigorous two-year training, it underscores the airline's com...

Amy Leversidge, BALPA's pioneering general secretary, discusses the critical balance between technology and human expertise in aviation, expressing concerns over reduced crew proposals. She emphasises the importance of addressing air pollution for passenger safety and champions a more inclusive future for the industry. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it deliv...

Wendy Wu's innovative approach transformed a personal travel setback into a thriving global business, Wendy Wu Tours. Expanding beyond Asia to new, unique destinations, the company champions sustainable, specialised travel, ensuring memorable experiences while prioritising environmental care and customer delight. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered t...

Could your holiday flight cost more because of an inflight scare and a problem with contaminated “powder metal”? Delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries because of safety concerns, combined with an issue affecting some Airbus planes, mean some airlines are struggling to fulfill their planned operations. That could mean air fares in Europe will rise by as much as 10 percent, according to the boss of E...

Welcome to today's independent travel podcast with me, Simon Calder. I have the great fortune to be looking at the Irish Sea from Skerries Beach, north of Dublin and the northernmost point of the Dublin Coastal Trail. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You might have missed it, but today the UK extended its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to cover another six Middle East countries. Visitors from these countries must enroll online and pay £10 before boarding a flight to the UK. But how does it differ from schemes with similar acronyms – Esta and Etias – and why is the insistence on transit passengers relevant to British travelers? This podc...

Heathrow’s new chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, tells me about the return to profitability for the UK's biggest airport; how to plug a £400m gap in revenue; the possibility of a third runway; and asks for the onerous ETA requirement for transit passengers at the hub is removed. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on...

For today’s travel podcast I’ve been talking to one of the UK aviation leaders: Marion Geoffroy, UK managing director for Wizz Air. We talked about the potential for more air-traffic control problems in Europe in 2024, the issues of competing with Ryanair and easyJet – and, first, the remarkably young fleet of Wizz Air’s UK operation. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here...

In today's podcast, I'm thrilled to share the unique story of Al and Colin, a couple emigrating from London to Auckland, not by air but via a six-week cruise on Queen Victoria. Their journey encapsulates a love for adventure, a strategic avoidance of jet lag, and an opportunity to fulfil bucket list dreams like witnessing the Panama Canal. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up...

In today's podcast from sunny Sarajevo, I explore the legacy of the 1984 Winter Olympics and delve into the current fare wars shaping travel to Bosnia. Walking the historic luge track, now a woodland path adorned with street art, offers a unique window into Sarajevo's past and present. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. H...

Today, I discuss the multi-dimensional rail disruptions in the UK, spotlighting the Aslef union strikes and separate disputes affecting LNER and Northern. I also touch on the dire situation in France, where weekend rail strikes pose significant problems for families returning to the UK. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday....

Today's discussion focuses on the implications of passenger weight for airline safety, fuel use, and the comfort of plus-size travelers. We explore how airlines like Finnair and Air France are addressing these concerns. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I uncover the charm of travelling Europe in a motorhome with a twist: escorted tours that offer social interaction, guidance, and peace of mind. We discuss the popular routes, the logistics of flotilla travel, and why some travellers choose to return year after year. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Aca...

Join me as I explore the concept of political tours with Nicholas Wood, revealing how travel can deepen our understanding of global political events. From witnessing the tension in Kosovo to anticipating elections around the world, we discuss the unique blend of journalism and tourism that makes these tours truly one-of-a-kind. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have...

Join me as I explore why Krakow and Reykjavik are now among the favourites for city breaks, and I reflect on my own experiences to recommend the perfect duration for urban adventures. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, join me and Alistair Gunn as we navigate the fascinating world of aviation museums and graveyards. We highlight must-see exhibits like the Fokker Friendship and the Concorde and share tips for visiting places like Duxford and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted...

Hear from Charlie Hopkinson on how Dragoman Overland weathered the storm of COVID, managed a fleet stranded worldwide, and the brand's exciting transition to new ownership, ensuring its adventurous spirit lives on. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Sanna Daw, the adventurous accountant, as she shares her unique Christmas experience in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the cultural nuances and the evolving role of women. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as Captain Andy Mills shares his experiences flying Concorde, from the unmatched thrill of supersonic travel to the iconic aircraft's untimely retirement. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I share my experience navigating the bustling, chaotic Guatemala City Airport, revealing the unexpected hurdles from arrival to departure. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.