Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

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/privacy for more information.

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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 information.

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 information.

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 delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/privacy for more information.

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 citiesThis 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.

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/privacy for more information.

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. Subscribe here for it to be delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 travel conditions”.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.

I'm at Highways UK at Birmingham NEC, but I'm dreaming of my favourite UK A-roads – one in each of the four nations. All better driven than cycled!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.

Today's travel podcast is an exclusive report about the busiest airport terminals in the UK – if you agree with Jean-Paul Sartre that "Hell is other people" you might want to use Heathrow T4 rather than T5. The inside story is all laid out in today's podcast and here.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.

Judging from my inbox, there are growing concern about visits to Jordan, Egypt and other locations in the Arab and wider Islamic world. My view: if the Foreign Office says it is safe enough to go there, then there is no reason to cancel.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me, Simon Calder, from the old Eurostar terminal at London Waterloo. We explore Eurostar's storied past and discuss exciting prospects of fresh competition on the London-Paris route. Will this be the rail revolution we've been waiting for? Tune in to get the latest scoop from the heart of Britain's busiest station. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm joined by Matt Gatenby from TravLaw, and together we dissect the potential changes to the Package Travel Regulations. What does this mean for travelers and businesses alike? And just what is 'Covid-24'? This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At around 9pm on the 10th October, a car catching fire in a car park at London Luton Airport quickly engulfed the car park, subsuming other cars parked nearby. The fire has caused structural damage to the car park and led to the grounding of all flights from the busy airport until later today. I give you the lowdown on what's happened and what's going to happen next.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I, Simon Calder, discuss airlines' decisions to continue flying to Tel Aviv amidst regional tensions. How do major carriers weigh safety against service in such situations? Join me as we dive in.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the midst of the escalating events between Hamas and Israel, I discuss the unfolding repercussions for travellers. From recent travel advisories to how airlines are adapting, join me as I shed light on the shifting travel landscape against this backdrop.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My final podcast of the week is about the travel itch. And not in a good way. I tackle the apparent infestation of bedbugs in Paris, and what your rights may be if you are booked to travel there.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I unpack the government's bold move to redirect £36bn from HS2 to other transport projects across the North and Midlands. From new rail lines to road upgrades, I explore what this means for UK travellers.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, it’s another rail strike day in England. I’m at London Waterloo, normally the busiest rail station in the UK. Train drivers belonging to the Aslef union are walking out for the 15th day in a long and bitter dispute over pay and working arrangement. Meanwhile in Manchester, the prime minister is set to announce cancellations from Manchester to Birmingham – not just of all trains today, but of all high-speed in the future, as Rishi Sunak axes the important parts of HS2.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Simon Calder shares his observations and insights on the High-Speed 2 (HS2) project from his usual spot at Euston station. Reflecting on the project's 14-year history and recent developments, Calder discusses the impacts, both realised and potential, of this major transport endeavour. As he unpacks the decisions, delays, and deviations of HS2, the episode also touches on impending rail strikes, providing listeners with a holistic understanding of current UK rail challenges.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Simon Calder takes listeners on a journey from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Along the way, he encounters trail markers, rustic refuges, and navigates occasional misdirections. From tales of majestic mountains to moments of uncertainty, explore the wonders and challenges of the Pyrenees with him.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me, Simon Calder, as I navigate the rail disruptions causing upheaval across England. Dive deep into the ongoing tussle between the Aslef union and the government over pay cuts. It's more than just train delays; grasp the underlying politics, frustrations, and aspirations for a resolution.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another day, another spectacular library. This one is the hulk at the heart of Le Havre, the French port just 100 miles south of Portsmouth. It is part of a cultural centre known as Le Volcan – The Volcano – designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who also built the UN HQ in New York and largely designed the city of Brasilia. This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me, Simon Goer, as I wander through Helsinki's Central Library, a modern marvel blending culture and innovation. It's more than just books; imagine playing a Fender Stratocaster, diving into 3D printing, and embracing creativity. Step inside with me and see a library in a whole new light.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 30% of Gatwick's air-traffic controllers falling ill, we're seeing unprecedented disruptions. In this episode, I'll walk you through the emerging cancellations, unexpected diversions, and what you as a passenger need to know.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’ve been given a preview of the Scottish Galleries at the National in Edinburgh, Scotland’s leading art museum. From Saturday 30 September, you will be able to enjoy a wealth of Scottish art in spectacular new surroundings, as I heard from Dr Tricia Allerston, co-director of the Scottish National Gallery project.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Compulsory car-sharing has been officially scrapped by the prime minister. The announcement took many in transport circles by surprise, since the only place in the known world where the practice has ever been mandatory is communist Cuba; there were no proposals to adopt it in the UK. But at least a practice that is environmentally and economically advantageous is now being talked about.Speaking of economically advantageous, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak told the public on Wednesday. “The proposal to create new taxes to discourage flying – I’ve scrapped that.” I was unaware of any government proposal to create new aviation taxes. But just in case anyone was in doubt about the government’s attitude to aviation: deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden has used the RAF Airbus A330 to fly to New York JFK. At a time when many other commercial flights were available. It takes me back to Liz Truss, when foreign secretary, taking a private plane to Australia rather than slumming it on Qantas.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.

In today's chat, I tackle the Tube and National Rail strikes. Whilst the right to strike is clear, what about the traveller's right to reliable transport? I'll discuss whether unions are treading on thin ice.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every week. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryanair are back in the news with the airline’s no-compromise attitude to online check-in. This concerns Damian Lloyd and his family, who were told their pre-printed boarding passes were not valid and that they would have to pay £165 if they wanted to fly to Gran Canaria. Ryanair says they had “unchecked” themselves the day before travel; Mr Lloyd says he has no such recollection. My thoughts ahead of a Ryanair flight …This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which I can hand-on-heart say is purely human-made. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m exploring the technological future of travel with brainbox Kate Doodson, joint chief executive of Cosmic UK – a social enterprise that works with destinations on travel tech.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which I can hand-on-heart say is purely human-made. Subscribe here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gatwick: Another night of chaos for thousands of passengers after an air-traffic controller went sick. It was the third bout of air-traffic control disruption in 18 days. What went wrong – and could it happen again next week?This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up to it here to receive every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland is to abolish peak-time rail fares for a six-month trial.The only “walk-up” fare for immediate purchase and travel will be the cheaper off-peak ticket. Savings for rush-hour commuters will range from 20 to 48 per cent, with passengers between Edinburgh and Glasgow seeing the price almost halve, falling by £14 to £14.90. Could it happen in the rest of the UK?This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the start of 2023, I asked the aviation data analysts, Cirium, for the top 20 airports by unique destinations. This week, I asked the brainy boffins to crunch the numbers to the final three months of the year, and the results are intriguing. This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most familiar names in travel over the turn of the century is back – with a very different proposition.First Choice offers flight-free travel and backpacking experiences including camping and hostels stays, in an attempt to lure younger travellers who currently are more likely to put together trips independently. This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The weekend saw a hugely destructive earthquake occurring in Morocco, with thousands unfortunately losing their lives. One of the worst-hit areas was Marrakesh, a longed-for destination for travellers. The earthquake and repercussions as Morocco tries to find survivors and recuperate has left many wondering what they should do about bookings that are still going ahead. Simon explains the situation on the ground, what airlines are saying and what you can ask for if you had a holiday booked for Marrakesh.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I speak with the joint CEO of Cosmic UK, Kate Dodson, about how augmented reality might change travel in the future and whether AI is going to be used for marketing destinations.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m speaking to one of the leading lights of the travel industry: Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive, Advantage Travel Partnership – a members' group of about one in five of the travel agents in the UK. These independent travel agents sell everything from cruises to business travel. Does Julia agree with me about the scale of disruption in the travel industry this summer?This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many more things can go wrong this summer? Floods, staff sickness at Gatwick's air traffic control, and missed flights and ferries due to a manhunt. All exogenous events – but are they getting worse?This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently we saw one of the busiest travel days of the year and a complete failure of the National Air Traffic Service. This meant that controllers had to reduce their workload to just 15%. With thousand of cancelled flights and hundreds left stranded, I've gone through the key events to try and get everyone some answers.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe now to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.