Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

I'm at London Gatwick Airport talking to the chief executive, Stewart Wingate. He says that if a second runway gets the go-ahead, the Sussex airport would almost double the passengers it presently handles. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm on a rail route I've not done before today. That's right, I'm on the new course that's cost quarter of a billion pounds to build to transform the railway experience at London's Gatwick airport. Listen in as I explain what's different, what the owners of Gatwick are hoping to achieve and how I fared on my first journey. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here to get it...

Join me, Simon Calder, as I chat with Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnership, about current challenges in tourism, including Egypt's downturn and Brexit travel complexities. We also look ahead to 2024 and discuss how general elections influence customer behaviour in the travel sector. This podcast is free, like my weekly newsletter with the latest travel stories. Subscribe here...

Today, I'm exploring the impending rail difficulties in the UK. As we brace for a difficult period, with strikes and operational challenges, rail journeys face numerous hurdles. Stay informed on what to expect and how best to adjust your travel plans. This podcast is free, like my weekly newsletter with the latest travel stories. Subscribe here to get it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. Se...

Rail strikes will resume in early December – but with a difference. Train drivers belonging to the  Aslef  union will walk out during the course of the first week of next month. But rather than being an all-out national strike, cancellations will instead ripple across Britain during the course of the week as drivers at different operators stop work. I explain how this will work and how i...

I'm in Sharm El Sheikh, assessing the state of tourism during these turbulent times. Despite challenges, there's remarkable value and a chance to support this vital industry, all while enjoying the resort's famed hospitality. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe  here  for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

Join me, Simon Calder, in a captivating conversation with Kuoni UK's Mark Duguid. We're delving into what defines luxury travel today, how preferences have evolved, and where the savvy high-end traveller is heading next. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe  here  for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...

Southwest Iceland is seismically seething, causing some alarm for travellers. Is it safe to visit Iceland when the island is so geologically excitable? And will we see another Europe-wide shutdown caused by volcanic ash if it all goes pop? This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe  here  for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

Join me, Simon Calder, at Gatwick Airport, where I'm about to experience Volotea's first UK flight to Strasbourg. We'll uncover how Volotea is carving out its niche in the bustling European air travel market and the significance of this newly restored route. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe  here  for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Aca...

In the long and bitter rail disputes between the rail unions and the train operators, a glimmer of hope has emerged – with the RMT for the first time making an offer to its members. The online referendum concludes on 30 November. So could it be all over by Christmas? I’m at the UK’s busiest rail station, London Waterloo. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe  here  ...

Today’s travel podcast features James Asquith, founder of Global Airlines – a start-up that aims to fly the Airbus A380 “SuperJumbo” across the Atlantic and to other destinations with an unbeatable inflight experience. I caught up with James at World Travel Market 2023 in London – where he told me that the double-deck plane is the key to success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...

Join me as I sit with Darrell Wade to uncover the raw thrills of his travel exploits and tackle the big issues in tourism. We cut through the noise, revealing how travel shapes our world and our selves. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe  here  for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary travel guide writer Tim Burford, who's been writing for Bradt Guides for three decades, gives the inside track on his world – and where you should be going in 2024. We're talking at World Travel Market in London. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's early November, some fresh snow is promised in the Alps and so a good time to catch up with Chris Radford, director of the Ski Club of Great Britain. He has advice for novice skiers – starting with lessons on a dry ski slope. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...

Due to Storm Ciaran British Airways have made weather adjustments across the UK and Europe. Around 50 flights have been affected. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 I'm talking to travel royalty: Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, the largest independent travel agent in the UK. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government makes a screeching U-turn on closing rail ticket offices. What was a really good idea in the summer is now not a good idea at all, it seems. Anyone would think there was a general election on the horizon. And talking of which: Labour really needs to explain what it would do, if elected, with the railways. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be...

Join me, Simon Calder, on a ferry sailing from Rhodes towards Marmaris. Integrating the charm of the Greek Islands with the allure of Turkey is quite an experience, though ferry connections are sparse. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder here, taking you through Heathrow's Q3 financial intricacies, where passenger numbers still haven't rebounded, and retail revenue is facing a downturn. With an increase in average plane size, we also ponder the future of the third runway. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

I'm Simon Calder, coming to you from a trendy café, joined by Andy Harmer of the Cruise Lines International Association UK. We're chatting about the cruise industry’s impressive bounce back post-pandemic and addressing environmental worries. Andy sheds light on new ship launches and cruising’s rising popularity, plus we touch on the industry’s careful coordination with major tourist cities This po...

Following on from the amazing airport lounge survey, my thoughts on the cheapest/most expensive/best/worst – with a little help from my friends at frequent flyer website Head for Points, who have rather more experience of these oases of calm than I do. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

Lounge lizards: one in four people say they pay for an enclave of calm for a couple of hours before their flight. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode I share my personal journey and insights on the various public transportation options available for commuting to and from Heathrow Airport, explore the intricacies of the Piccadilly Line, introduce the newly launched Elizabeth Line, and provide my top tips and tricks to ensure your travel experience is as smooth as possible. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscri...

Concorde 20 years on. The last supersonic passenger jet flew from New York to London on 24 October 2003. Good riddance, say I! Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trains, planes and ferries are being affected by Storm Babet – which, warns the Met Office, will bring “exceptional rainfall and impactful wind for some”. Forecasters have issued a red warning for rain for parts of eastern Scotland, affecting Angus and Aberdeenshire, because of “a danger to life from flood water, extensive flooding to homes and businesses and severely disrupted trav...