Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Today I speak to you from the kitchen where I am trying to apply for a visa to India. Breathtaking bureaucracy and a fall at the last hurdle.Of course, this podcast is free as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe to it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the end of the Covid crisis, UK passport holders have been barred from the eVisa scheme due to a political dispute on access to Britain for Indian travellers.The option was restored for nationals of 156 countries, including all 27 European Union members. But the UK was in a small minority of nations whose citizens must apply in person for a visa.The process is far more expensive and time-consuming than the online eVisa, and there is a long waiting list for appointments at Indian visa centres in the UK.But the High Commissioner for India in London, Vikram Doraiswami, has now issued a video message saying: “This service will be made available for you forthwith.“That should enable friends from the UK to travel far more easily to India."The video was accompanied by a tweet saying: “eVisa facility will again be available for UK nationals travelling to India. System upgrade is underway and the visa website will soon be ready to receive applications from friends in the UK”.But it is not clear exactly when operations will resume. The UK does not appear on the list of nationalities for which the eVisa is an option.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can find at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm in London Paddington station with news of intensified competition on the line between the English and Welsh capitals.Starting in 2024, Grand Union Trains will run five times daily from Carmarthen via Cardiff and Bristol Parkway to London, in competition with GWR.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travellers hoping to escape by train to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam in the run-up to Christmas could have their plans wrecked by the latest strike call.Members of the RMT union working at London St Pancras as security staff for Eurostar will walk out on four days in a dispute over pay.Read the full story here: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/eurostar-strike-london-paris-brussels-amsterdam-b2236106.html This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a recent trip to Doha, and wrestling with the airport's rubbish wifi, I've had a think about airports and their proximity to the cities they serve. Whether it's Florence or Gibraltar, there's a host of great airports within walking distance of the city centre.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup is reaching the knockout phases and many are looking to head to Qatar on a last-minute whim. Which might be great timing, for I can reveal collapsing air fares to Qatar for the World Cup, and slumping hotel rates when you get there. There are some catches and things to be aware of though, which I explain.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get every Friday by subscribing here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder gives you the rundown on what is and isn't running with Saturday's Aslef union strike action.This podcast is free, as is Simon's weekly newsletter, which you can get every Friday by subscribing here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As train firms warn rail passengers to “only travel by train if necessary” on Saturday 26 November, ahead of the next strike, the leader of the rail union has begun talks with the new transport secretary. I'm outside the Department for Transport to ask Mick Lynch how planned industrial action will hit passengers around Christmas.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Just sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've come across the story of a farmer who was hoping to enter the US but her occupation has meant that her fingerprints have all but been erased on her hands, which causes an interesting problem for biometric measures at borders. In this episode I talk about how frontier fingerprinting can be frustrating – but facial recognition is the way forward for travel.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe to it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long flights between the UK and Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore) currently take even longer as they are obliged (because of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine) to take a southerly track.Given that, is it worth changing planes in the Gulf to reduce the rigours of a 6,000-mile-plus journey?This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Just sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder reflects on the latest rules imposed on the tournament - including an 11th-hour beer ban - which kicked off in the Gulf state over the weekend.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Just sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been in Singapore for a week, here is what I have learnt about this fascinating and friendly city-state.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Just sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Airways used to fly to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and many places in Australia besides Sydney. BA has just announced another route from London Heathrow. But it's not restoring any of these dropped destinations ... the link is to Cincinnati, Ohio.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe for it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m in Holland Village in Singapore, where it is possible to eat and drink your way around the world along Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput. From Irish and German via Thai and Chinese to the multi-purpose “Indian-Western-Italian-Mexican” combine known as the Pink Panther. If you can’t find it here, you’re probably better off without it.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In praise of daytime flights between the UK, the Gulf, South East Asia and Australia. Grab a proper night's sleep in each location along the way and arrive feeling human (as I very much didn't after the 13-hour flight to Singapore).Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hotels: why it's worth going "old school" and checking out a room before you take it. As well as asking if there's a wedding group booked in.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As another rail union calls another national strike, I'm despondent about the future of the railway.The train drivers’ union, Aslef, has announced a one-day strike at a dozen train operators on Saturday 26 November. The walk out will trigger widespread cancellations.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's travel podcast, I'm speaking to you from London's Elizabeth line on a strike day. Better than nothing, but could do better.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's podcast comes from the Manchester Metrolink, which three years ago was selected as one of the top five tram systems. Not sure I would rate it that highly.But from the Belgian coastal tram to Melbourne's free city-centre network, trundling along is a pleasure.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m at the annual World Travel Market in London’s ExCel centre - back in full swing for the first time since the pandemic - where I’m looking at how a red tape tangle has ruined thousands of holiday plans to India.Before the pandemic, the vast majority of UK visitors entered India on an eVisa – a relatively simple online system.But when the nation opened up to tourism in February 2022, and the eVisa system was restored for over 150 countries, travellers from the UK were excluded.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rail strikes were called off on Friday afternoon. So why will disruption continue until Thursday morning? The rail industry is complicated and you can't just flick a switch and watch the trains come back to life.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to tell you about a new project from the travel desk at The Independent — Travel Smart.It's a brand new series of videos from the travel team that aims to provide viewers with all the information and inspiration they need to plan their next trip.Learn more about the first episode here: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/travel-smart-tv-show-launch-b2215105.htmlOf course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is about celebrating the new €49 one-month ticket that provides access all areas on public transport in Germany.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I tell you the world’s busiest air routes around the world, according to a list compiled by the schedule analysts OAG – and they are very different compared with before the Covid pandemic.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's podcast comes from an interminable passport queue at Heathrow Terminal 2. Only a limited number of planes are allowed to touch down at the UK's busiest airport before 6am, which means they avoid having to fly holding patterns before arrival and the wait for UK Border Control is short. That’s one reason I paid a premium for the pre-6am arrival on Singapore Airlines. But when the carrier decided to wait for transferring passengers before leaving Singapore, the schedule started to unravel.  Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 I'm in Singapore, and here's a few things I've learnt from travelling here – from airport formalities to the all-you-can-eat buffet with penalties attached.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final podcast of the week is brought to you from King’s Creek Station in Australia's Northern Territory. But I’m not talking about Australia - except in the context of how to get to and from there over Christmas since Heathrow Airport announced it will lift the passenger cap this weekend.Of course this podcast is free, like my weekly newsletter, which is available to subscribe to at: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's travel podcast comes from a very echoey Simpson's Gap just outside Alice Springs in central Australia. This is a gorge carved over millions of years through the West MacDonnell Ranges – Tjoritja in the language of the Aboriginal caretakers of this land.Simpson's Gap is the most accessible of the gorges that perforate the ranges. You can also take in Standley Chasm, with 80-metre high walls, and Ormiston Gorge – where your reward is a dip in a natural waterhole.Of course this podcast is free, like my weekly newsletter, which is available to subscribe to at: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Australian adventure continues as I enjoy two very different sunset cruises in the country’s Northern Territory; the Yellow Water Cruise in Kakadu National Park, and a tour of the Nitmiluk Gorge in the Katherine River.Of course this podcast is free, like my weekly newsletter, which is available to subscribe to at: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings from a hot, tropical Darwin! I'm in the capital of Australia's Northern Territory – a city transformed, full of life and diversity, and quite different from the one I last visited 15 years ago.Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe for it today: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder is in Darwin, Australia, where he's talking you through why you don’t need to fret over connecting flights (or even check any luggage).Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the final travel podcast of the week, I have come along to one of my favorite transport hubs anywhere: Victoria Coach Station in central London. The range of destinations is remarkable, the building is beautiful, and there is a real sense of shared humanity.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s podcast is brought to you from London’s Carnaby Street where, amongst the throngs of shoppers, I’ll be talking about Spain, which has rather abruptly announced the ending of Covid-19 restrictions.The nation, which is the most popular overseas destination for British holidaymakers, has lagged well behind most of the rest of Europe in removing vaccination and testing rules.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest round of national rail strike dates have been announced. The ongoing dispute shows little sign of ending but slowly there seems to be more dialogue about what the government is expecting and what they feel the unions have to accept. But what will bridge the gap between the two sides?Of course this podcast is free, like my weekly newsletter, which is available to subscribe to at: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's been a couple of cases of voyages going a little bit wrong the past week or so, and it can be very annoying for passengers. I tell you all about it.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m at a particularly busy Waterloo station as many services have been delayed or cancelled owing to signalling problems. But today’s podcast is thinking forward to Christmas, with travellers growing frustrated as rail tickets are currently not available to book for the festive period. Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last travel podcast of the week – I'm confused about the government. Not the trouble at the top, but why a travel journalist should have to be alerting various parts of the UK government to what the actual rules are for British travellers to Europe since Brexit.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm aboard a Moroccan train, from Casablanca heading north to the capital Rabat. This nation has the best network in Africa, with proper high-speed trains running between Tangier and Casablanca, plus user-friendly ticketing. For once, I am travelling in first class – upstairs in a comfy seat. Fares here are such good value that you can afford to treat yourself. Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe for it today: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was the warm-up act for today's Transport Select Committee hearing about travel disruption over the summer. Here's what I said, and what I learnt.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe to it at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it's a special edition from the 2022 Travel Convention – featuring Mark Tanzer, chief executive of the travel association Abta, on sustainability, consumer protection and the value of travel professionals.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can get directly to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool has beaten Glasgow to be the host city of 2023's Eurovision song contest. Ukraine memorably won 2022's competition and while they would have had several fantastic locations, the war with Russia has meant that Britain have been asked to host this year. Many will be happy to see Liverpool, where some would say modern music emerged from, has won the right to host but already prices for accommodation have skyrocketed and alternatives may need to be sought out as the rest of Europe descends upon the city.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More train strikes are coming, but remember: if a train is running, and you have a flexible (off-peak/anytime) ticket and can physically squeeze on board, then you are able to travel – so if it says "no tickets available", don't be deterred.Of course this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British travellers are being impeded by decisions made by lawmakers elsewhere in the world, and it's not on. America's laws to isolate Cuba further has seen British travellers. If you've been to Cuba since March 2011 then you're not eligible for the ESTA scheme, which is ridiculous. And Indian politicians are also making laws that impede us British travellers. I give you the lowdown on what the rules mean.Of course this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's podcast is brought to you from a deserted Paddington Station, as train workers stage another strike as part of a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. Of course this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been at the Annual Hotel Conference in Manchester, which from a travel point of view is more exciting than the Conservative conference in Birmingham. My takeaways: hotel rates are well up on pre-pandemic levels and could stay high; properties are still in the 20th (or even 19th) century, requiring guests to line up at reception to check in; and "the last place I would be thinking of going for Christmas shopping is New York".Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to at: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major commuter train operator has announced that it will scrap first class on its trains linking Kent and East Sussex with London. Southeastern says making its trains one-class-only from December 2022 onwards will allow it to add more standard class seats. Could the move signal the wholesale removal of first class?Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to at: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of the next round of Rail strikes, could hitchhiking provide an alternative transport solution? I’m on the road in Wales, where I search (in vain, I might add) for a lift and tell you about my experiences of hitchhiking and how its changed in my time thumbing for a lift.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter that arrives in your inbox every Friday. To subscribe, you can find it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday 1 October will see the biggest shutdown of the Great Britain rail network by industrial action for 40 years. Only one train in nine will run. And there will be further disruption right through to 10 October.Of course this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can get delivered to your inbox every Friday. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm currently near Stuttgart, and I'll be spending the day travelling around the city and ending up at its airport, all through the use of trains.So let me share with you what it is like to travel using Germany's rail network.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can find by subscribing here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The extra passport checks the UK requested after leaving the EU are “not sustainable”: that is the damning view of Jacques Damas, outgoing chief executive of Eurostar.The boss of the cross-Channel train operator revealed that post-Brexit border arrangements have reduced capacity on links from London to Brussels and Paris by one-third – forcing Eurostar “to charge higher prices to our customers”.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can find by subscribing here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.