The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

In this week’s episode, Simon and Greg explore the impending “staycation stampede” as the UK swelters in yet another heatwave: is it a real trend, or just the usual summer rush? They also discuss whether the best seaside towns are in the North or the South, and delve into the great debate of sandy versus shingle beaches. Moving from the coastline to the skies, they discuss the potential easyJet ta...

In this week’s episode, Simon and Greg welcome into the studio the co-founder of Lonely Planet, Tony Wheeler. Tony has travelled to every corner of the world, including 47 US states. To mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, Greg and Simon quiz Tony on his opinions on tipping culture, roadside motels, and the pros and cons of the Amtrak service. They also discuss the recent chaos across Eu...

You can watch The Travel Expert on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7B8r8XAkKIY In this week’s episode, Simon calls in from a boat in the Outer Hebrides while Greg roasts in central London. With the mercury surpassing 40°C in some corners of Europe, they discuss the best destinations to sidestep the Continental heat, including a “coolcation” in a laid-back Spanish coastal town. Plus, they discuss the For...

In this week's episode, Simon and Greg discuss the EU's controversial air travel reforms, which could affect British passengers. Under the proposals, airlines warn fares could rise, child-seating policies will be overhauled, and a new system is designed to make compensation claims easier. Plus, the latest news from Project Sunrise: Qantas' ambitious plan to link London and Sydney non-stop. Simon a...

In this episode of The Travel Expert, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson tackle the complex travel conundrums surrounding the 2026 World Cup. They discuss the US border headaches and travel rip-offs that have plagued the tournament so far, and delve into one quite extraordinary $1m package holiday to watch the final in New York City. Plus, Simon's strategies for a sub-£1,000 alternative. With the sol...

In the first episode of The Travel Expert, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson discuss the chaos caused by the EU's new biometric border measures, and dissect how to make things as painless as possible when travelling to Europe this summer. Plus, they share their greatest travel experiences – from Turkey's Lycian Way to the Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina – and answer your pressing travel conundrum...

Join Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson on The Travel Expert, a new podcast from The Telegraph. Available every Friday, wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.