Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

200 flights to and from London Heathrow are to be cancelled on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday as a result of airspace closures for the Queen's funeral. Here's what it means for travellers.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find in your inbox every Friday by subscribing here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m walking through the amazing aircraft graveyard of Lourdes, where Airbus A380s go to die. It was, at the start of the 21st century, the plane that was going to revolutionise the world. So, what went wrong?This podcast is free, as is my newsletter, which you can find at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I traipse across the Pyrenees, I cast my mind back to other adventures hiking and recollect which summits I've enjoyed climbing. Now, I'm not great with heights, wouldn't say I'm an athlete and my hiking kit consists of a pair of 25yr old boots. So this list is for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors with.This podcast is free, as is my newsletter, which you can find at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am in the French Pyranees, walking along the GR 10 trail — a path that climbs up and down over the mountain range, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.With a wide choice of flights and trains from the UK, and from Paris, you can quite easily get over here for a short trip.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in February 1952, the jet age had yet to begin (though it would within weeks of her becoming Elizabeth II). Third Class still existed on British Railways (it would be scrapped four years later). And the vast majority of her subjects in the UK could simply not contemplate the idea that they could travel abroad on holiday.By the end of her reign, British citizens enjoyed extraordinary mobility – with her final act, of many, in launching transport innovations being the Elizabeth Line beneath London, which she opened in May 2022.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The joy of exploring a railway station – so long as it is Bristol Temple Meads, one of the great achievements of Brunel.I take you with me on a little tour of the station in today's podcast.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My travel podcast is rather different today, I'm on the West Somerset Railway, travelling from Watchet to Dunster – one of the UK's many great heritage railways.A vintage steam locomotive is hauling British Rail carriages from the 1960s, all very retro and scenic, but I am using it to get from A to B – so much more relaxing than the bus.I hope that the tantalising gap of a few miles between the Great Western main line at Taunton and the start of the WSR at Bishops Lydeard can be closed – allowing Minehead and the north west Somerset coast to be reconnected with the national railway. Meanwhile, do check out if there's a heritage railway that can help you with part of your next adventure.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 travel podcast is about the painfully slow process of aligning international travel rules in the era of Covid-19.It's now 30 months since the coronavirus pandemic started triggering border closures around the world – and while frontiers clattered shut very swiftly, they are taking an age to loosen.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s back to work, college or school for millions today – and, with the squeeze eased on the transport system, I should be looking forward to an autumn full of travel opportunities. But another series of rail strikes have been announced for September in disputes over pay, working conditions and jobs. One date in particular will see the biggest national disruption for rail for 40 years: Thursday 15 September.Some advice for the new prime minister – and the rail unions.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, the consumer group branded as Which? has stepped up its campaign against reforming air passengers’ rights rules for flights within the UK.Campaigners say that any reduction on the statutory £220 compensation for passengers whose flight are delayed by three hours or more will simply encourage airlines to become slacker on timekeeping.I disagree...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 I’m at London St Pancras International station, talking about the decision of Eurostar to end its link to Disneyland Paris. The direct train to the Magic Kingdom has been going for 26 years, and survived the coronavirus pandemic, but the extra costs and red tape associated with Brexit make it impossible for Eurostar to continue it beyond June 2023.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.

Europe’s largest budget airline, Ryanair, has set out plans for its biggest-ever winter schedule from the UK. Yet at the same time the chief executive, Michael O’Leary, has been berating the current prime minister and warning of economic turmoil because of the hard Brexit. And what does he think about Ryanair flying from Heathrow?Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis has slammed Air Canada as the “worst airline in North America” after he was allegedly kicked out of first class on a recent flight from the US to Canada.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 I’m on a ferry in the harbour of Marseille, southern France. But I’m talking about events this week under the Channel – when Eurotunnel car carrying shuttle had to be evacuated. What can we learn from it?Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Make sure you subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I am in Villefranche in the south of France. In search of Sir Elton John – in a very relaxed sort of way. Mostly, I want to celebrate the beauty and the ambience of this corner of the Mediterranean. Spoiler alert – I don’t meet the great man.Of course this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s podcast is all about the remarkable move by Scotrail to persuade people not to travel on one of its key inter-city trains, the 10.51am from Inverness to Edinburgh. Is it a sign of the shaky shape of railways in the UK – or a smart plan to nudge people to take less busy and cheaper trains?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 is brought to you from on board the surprise Florence Express after my delayed indirect train became a direct train – a minor Italian rail miracle. I'll talk you through how trains in Italy work, from ticketing (yes, you can book on Trainline) to high-speed competition. A nation where rail is really important – and a joy for the traveller.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m walking along the north coast of Sicily, between Capo d’Orlando and Brolo, to the accompaniment of some chirruping cicadas. Along the way, a rather fancy yacht marina and the ghostly peaks of the Aeolian islands. Sicily is the essence of the Mediterranean, and a gorgeous distillation of Italy.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's podcast comes to you from a slow-moving security queue at Heathrow. Britain's biggest airport has extended its cap on departing passengers to the end of October, adding to wider uncertainty. And with British Airways' mass cancellations, it's a dismal summer for travellers.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m on board yet another delayed Air Canada flight. I don’t even know if there’s such a thing as an on-time departure on the Canadian national carrier but certainly, the experience of hopping around Canada has been much inferior to budget airlines in the UK.When flights are disrupted, passengers want to be kept informed. But on my series of late flights from Chicago to Montreal, Quebec City to Toronto, Winnipeg to Toronto, and Toronto to London - gate staff, cabin crew, and pilots have opted to keep quiet and let passengers stew. It’s a useful reminder that the likes of EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair are generally good at communication.Other Canadian airlines, such as Air Transat and WestJet, are available.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm stepping out from the absolutely gorgeous 1930s Ambassador Hotel and into the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As I do so, I share with you my best tips for booking hotels and what you can do to get yourself the best possible deal.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulling out of Detroit by rail, you really get a glimpse of America hurtling by. As I made my way to Chicago, you can see the ghosts of suburbs long gone, forests and woodland and a slightly archaic train system in operation. Here's what to be aware of if you're making your way by train in America.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the shining examples of America's post-war optimism and wealth creation as millions chased the American Dream, Detroit has fallen on rather hard times of late. It's fall from grace is well documented, but my visit to the home of motown has left me wondering where the soul is now.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that is available every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have just checked out of The Clarence Park hostel in central Toronto, which is a joy – on a budget.In today's podcast, I talk to you about the opportunities that hostels offer when travelling. If you don’t want to pay too much for your trip, then it's your best bet!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.

Today I’ve travelled 100 miles north from Quebec City to the thoroughly intriguing city of Saguenay. As you approach, you drive through the usual North American suburban tedium – and suddenly find yourself on the shore of a fjord that runs east to the St Lawrence River. A waterside boardwalk takes you towards a compelling industrial archaeological site. The old papermill is now a museum, while the ruins of an early hydroelectric project on “Electric Island” are at the centre of a thrilling urban park.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.

Swimming in the rain, I've just been swimming in the rain. Quebec City has created something special at the docks this summer: L’Oasis. This an Olympic-sized swimming pool in the port, where you bathe in the water of the St Lawrence River. It is quite the most exhilarating urban experience I have had in a long time. An entire dock has been filled with the essentials for a top-class swimming pool: boardwalks, proper lanes and a children’s area. It’s a little rudimentary, but the water is tested each day for cleanliness and the temperature is entirely agreeable. Let’s hope it becomes a summer regular – and that other cities pick up the idea.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.

Even in the third summer since the start of the Covid pandemic, many traps await the unwary traveller. One of the strangest, to my mind, is the new requirement from the Canadian authorities for a post-arrival test for a random selection of travellers, including international visitors. Anyone who tests positive must go into 10 days of hotel quarantine. I got through Montreal airport successfully, but I’ve been hearing from people who were chosen...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.

And the winner of the worst flight of 2022 goes to Air Canada flight AC8968 from Chicago to Montreal. We join Simon on board at 2am after they have been waiting half-an-hour for an airbridge, extending the delay to three hours.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can sign up for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In praise of the impromptu airport lounge: from his usual perch at Pret à Manger, overlooking the runway at Luton airport, Simon recommends the pre-boarding experience at Caffe Nero at Heathrow Terminal 5; Wagamama in North Terminal at Gatwick; and Wetherspoon’s at Stansted.Of course, this podcast is free, as is Simon's weekly newsletter which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Airways has announced that there will be no chance to book short-haul flights until August 16th at the very least, in a bid to keep themselves under the passenger cap at Heathrow airport and to try and stop the chaos that has befallen those of us looking to get away this summer. The removal of bookings doesn't mean that the flights pre-booked won't be happening, thankfully, but I take a look at what British Airways announcement means and what your options are when trying to book your trip abroad.Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is a tale of two French-speaking nations, France and Canada – and their very different attitudes to travel and Covid.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m speaking to you from gate B 14 at Naples International Airport in Italy and taking you through my experience of travelling through Italian airports this week.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m in the bay of Naples where I take you through a few of the ferry routes that used to run from the UK to ports in Continental Europe.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I stroll through a scenic (if slightly noisy) Ponza, I take you through some of my favourite Italian islands. 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.

As of 1 June, Covid-19 restrictions on entering Italy have been lifted.I’m in Rome to give you an update on the travel experience from London Heathrow to the Italian capital, which all felt very relaxed compared with the last time I visited during the Covid pandemic.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tourist traffic is now flowing freely through Dover and Folkestone after widespread long delays during the main getaway weekend. Ministers have blamed the French authorities for failing to deploy more border staff to fulfil the more onerous post-Brexit rules to which the UK asked to be subject and I examine what British passport holders must now have done with their travel documents. The next steps of this implementation doesn't bode well either, which are due to be introduced in May 2023, as they will involve more red tape. The good news: passport stamping will end. The bad news: every traveller must be fingerprinted and provide a facial biometric.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the great summer getaway kicks off, journeys have been beset by issues while millions of Brits are expected to travel this weekend as the school holidays begin. Those attempting to travel by ferry to France from Dover are enduring waits of four hours or longer, with the port blaming the French for “woefully inadequate staffing”.The issue has been exacerbated by the extra checks at border control necessitated by Brexit, and I'll take you through what's happening.Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter that you can subscribe to at: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday I gave evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on how the present passport palaver is hurting prospective travellers.I told them how, in the last century, the Passport Office at times of stress would give people an extra six months or year on their passport, for free and instantly, on the spot. Now it seems that idea could be reborn.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I visited London Euston station in order to bring you the latest on how railway networks have been handling the aftermath of the UK’s hottest day.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I went to Paddington Basin – and Paddington station – in central London to observe how many trains were cancelled as operators deal with Britain's current unprecedented heatwave.As some – but by no means all – of the national rail network shuts down, I'm concerned about the reputation for reliability that the railway needs and deserves.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain is in the grips of an unprecedented heatwave, with records expected to tumble over the coming days. I've taken a look at the response by the transport networks and companies and give some advice on what's been altered to accommodate for the high temperatures.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It could be a very tricky summer to navigate Britain's rail systems, even when temperatures aren't hitting record levels. A host of rail unions have announced their strike dates after the RMT union staged their first walkouts in June. It will mean lots of disruption across Britain's network - here I run you through what's happening and what it's likely to do for passengers.This podcast is free, much like 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.

Civil aviation? Not any more at Heathrow, as Emirates rebels against the airport's demand to cut passenger numbers. It's a summer of discontent in the aviation industry so far and as schools break up for summer, it might be about to get worse. Will Heathrow's idea work or make any difference at all? And what could it mean for the future?As always, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter which is delivered every Friday. Subscribe for that here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the school holidays in England and Wales approach, so many people are telling me that they are concerned about passports, and their expiry dates. I tell you the steps that you can take to avoid unnecessary issues.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heathrow airport today announced a 100,000-a-day passenger capacity until September to try and deal with staff shortages in baggage and front-desk services that has been bedevilling the airline industry as we've all returned to flying with gusto. It sounds like a worrisome development, but I argue the case that no one should really be affected by the announcement, with safeguards and compensation hopefully covering all who are looking to travel through Heathrow this summer.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter that you can have delivered to your inbox every Friday. Details on where to subscribe can be found here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's podcast, I am in Ashford, Kent, to visit the ghost terminal that used to connect Eurostar trains between mainland Europe and the UK before the Covid-19 pandemic severely diminished passenger numbers.The building is a fascinating sight, let's hope this travel stop gets reconnected soon.Of course, this podcast is free, as is my newsletter which you can subscribe to http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I want to talk to you about overbooking and what a fantastic thing it is, if it is done correctly. I explain how airlines overbooking their flights can have a positive environmental impact, and keep costs down for both business and passengers.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

our questions answered – seeking (as always) to put minds at rest about the very likely absence of travel chaos this summer, but also concerned to read about certification requests from some cruise companies.Of course this podcast is absolutely free, as is my weekly newsletter that you can subscribe to at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BA is taking nearly five million seats off the market, drastically reducing availability and pushing up fares “It’s the right thing to do for our customers and our colleagues,” said a British Airways spokesperson on Wednesday.They were describing the latest cull of summer flights: a further 10,300 short-haul departures between August and October, affecting at least one million passengers with existing bookings. I take a look at what it means and how you can find out if your flight is one of those affected.Of course, this podcast is free, as is my newsletter which you can subscribe to http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks on from the first national rail strike, I'm at London Bridge station to assess the prospects of the summer ahead – with strike ballots under way at the train drivers' union, Aslef, and the white collar TSSA, my expectation is that a big strike involving all three could be called for late July. I hope I'm wrong.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.