Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Today I'm discussing the context around the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham's tweet showing high-end train tickets from Manchester to London to be more expensive than a range of long-haul air fares. Train tickets are indeed too expensive, but what should be done about it? 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.

In May 2021, the government announced its plans for the biggest reform to the railway in three decades, bringing it back together, after years of fragmentation, under Great British Railways – a new public body that will run and plan the rail network, own the infrastructure, procure passenger services, and set most fares and timetables. But will it work?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.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country full of discoveries to be made - but the political and economic situation at the moment is giving many of you second thoughts about your travel plants to the country right now. I've enlisted the help of adventure tour guide and wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein on whether now is the time to visit.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.

More than one million train tickets are being slashed to as much as half-price in the “Great British Rail Sale”, and it is attracting a lot of interest. The government and rail industry are hoping the sale will boost ticket sales after the impact of the pandemic. But will it work? I explore what the sale is (deeply discounted Advance rail tickets between 25 April and 27 May) and what it isn’t (a solution to the problem of attracting vast numbers of people back to the railway).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.

Happy bank holiday! Chances are if you're travelling by train you might be passing through London's Waterloo station. It's the UK's busiest train station and I'm here to give you a guided tour of its history!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 am at London's Kings Cross, the only way to get to Scotland by rail this Bank Holiday.  Of course travellers should always choose train over plane, but often it's not as straightforward as that.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.

The great Easter getaway is most definitely on. I've been to hubs across the capital today to witness for myself the scenes of queues and hordes of people trying to get to their destinations. It all reminds me of the pleasure of travelling when most others aren't. In this episode I take you through when it might be best to visit, particularly Italy - when and where it might be the best time to get some of the world's most beautiful attractions to yourself.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.

Looking ahead to the Easter rush, we've unfortunately got a forecast of chaos potentially looming. Public transport works are happening on all the usual ways of getting to London's main airports - I give you the lowdown on what is and isn't working. Also I look at how to have a stress-free airport experience, as well as the best ways to handle your holiday money.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 lunching at the Da Pietro restaurant, facing the exquisite cathedral facade in the city of Como. How did an ambitiously priced €10 side salad come in at €15? And why the traveller needs to be wary of hidden charges when dining out across the world.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.

On this fine Spring day I'm hiking The Brunate Trail in Como, the Northern city in Lombardy, Italy, coveted by celebrities and holiday-makers alike. I explore how to get here and what gems there are to enjoy, from the homes of a-listers, to charming restaurants and bars, to 12th century churches. And if, unlike me, you can still catch your breath after climbing to the hill-top town of Brunate, you'll find it taken away by the stunning views of Lake Como below.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 in heaven, or at least as close as you can get to it within the UB7 postcode: room 177 at the Thistle Heathrow Terminal 5 hotel, looking out across the northern runway at succession of jets heading off for the US and southeast Asia. Airport hotels are primarily a convenience, but they can also be inspiring.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.

An important correction on yesterday's podcast. In an extraordinary reversal of an announcement made on Wednesday, Spain has withdrawn its promise to open up to unvaccinated British visitors. The Spanish tourist board in London has apologised "unreservedly for the miscommunication," explaining that the error was due to a "misunderstanding of the new entry requirements.” In all the confusion, I explain what we know so far and what entry requirements travellers will now need to meet to get across the Spanish border.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.

Britain's most popular destination to escape to, Spain has dropped restrictions around vaccinations and tourists from Britain as the great reopening gathers pace. It follows France, which has updated its terms and conditions for British travellers and is a welcome boost for Easter holidays. That is, of course, if you manage to get on a plane. While our most popular destinations open up, a host of airlines including British Airways are struggling to find crew for flights and operations meaning cancellations across the board. I give you the lowdown.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.

The cost-of-living crisis is forcing many people to cut back on their spending, and holidays tend to be one of the first things to get the chop. However, that dream get-away you've been planning may still be possible, even on a tighter budget than expected. So today I'm rising to the challenge and answering your questions about how to travel around North America without breaking the bank. 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 normality returns and restrictions are eased, the UK’s two biggest airlines are finding it hard to cope. There are widespread cancellations by easyJet because of Covid-related staff shortage – 100 yesterday, the same again today, with more than 40 to and from its biggest base at London Gatwick. At Heathrow, British Airways has made almost 100 cancellations so far, with some very long delays as well. So what's going on?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.

Airports and airlines are under pressure at the moment, with passenger numbers soaring and staffing issues leading to crowds, confusion and cancellations. What are your rights when it all goes, in the travel industry's acronym, Tango Uniform?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 end of my week of travel across the Baltic states where I've encountered the most majestic scenery, vibrant cities full of history and with very modern ways of living and communities who could not be friendlier or more accommodating. Unfortunately for them though, and felt especially here in Tallinn, so close to the Russian border, the invasion of Ukraine has really dampened their reopening to tourism following the pandemic. But if you can, I implore you to visit to see the for-the-moment hidden gems of these friendly, beautiful countries.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.

Right now is a fine time to the a stranger in a strange land – that is both friendly and safe - and as I continue my journey around eastern Europe I explain the joy of getting a long-distance bus. It's the most popular mode of travel in these parts and is a great way of getting a sense of the place and people, as I discover as I slalom through to my destination in Estonia.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 do love to be beside the seaside, and it's been a while. To my right, the waves are breaking; to my left, a beautiful pine forest. The sand is incredibly soft: a gorgeous place to be, apart from the temperature which is approximately zero. Yes, it’s Baltic in the Baltics. But come summer the beach here at Jurmala in Latvia will be picture-postcard perfect.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.

Reporting for you from the newly reopened South Terminal at Gatwick, de-mothballed after almost two years. This summer the competition to Europe from the Sussex airport is set to intensify, with Wizz Air setting up a new base and British Airways launching a low-cost subsidiary, BA EuroFlyer, for its short-haul ops.BA will also operate 35 short haul routes to destinations across Europe, Wizz Air 25 European routes and Vueling a total of 16 routes, all from the reopened South Terminal meaning that the competition from Gatwick for London's other airports could be more substantial now and will hopefully mean better travel for passengers.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.

The government has vowed to make P&O Ferries "undo" its the mass-sacking of 800 of its workers. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, said the ferry firm had “exploited a loophole” that would now be closed off by legislation and applied retrospectively. The Prime Minister has also weighed in, saying at PMQs that, "We will be taking steps to protect all mariners that are working in UK waters and ensuring they are paid the living wage." I give an overview of how the uproar around P&O Ferries has come about and what this means for mariners and passengers going forward.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.

The world is slowly reopening, as more countries drop their covid-era restrictions. Some like Singapore, South Korea and South Africa are dropping their requirements for passengers to be vaccinated and providing PCR test results. But as Maggie asked me on my AMA, Morocco might not be ready for the easter holidays. So I take you through the differing rates of restrictions being lifted and where is still being strict on the requirements to be let into their territories.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.

Air New Zealand is planning to launch one of the longest flights in the world, a direct track from New York to Auckland. From 17 September, the carrier will fly the 8,828-mile route three times per week, using a Boeing 787-9 – the same type used by Qantas for its even longer nonstop link from London to Perth. Currently, all but 27 per cent of the direct flight path is over the Pacific Ocean, but this is likely to be significantly modified according to wind patterns. I discuss all you need to know about the new flight, and whether long haul flights such as this are really needed.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.

On 5 March 2020, the UK’s largest regional airline collapsed. Flybe was mired in debt. Yet on 13 April 2022, the familiar Q400 aircraft in a purple livery will take off from Birmingham airport, destination Belfast City – with 22 more routes to follow. Where will Flybe fly, and how will it fare?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.

An airliner, operated by China Eastern Airlines, has crashed in the southern province of Guangxi while carrying 132 people on board. A rescue operation is underway and the number of casualties is yet to be confirmed. In light of this sad tragedy, I give an overview of the latest developments in aviation safety and of Boeing 737 aircrafts.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.

In a sudden announcement yesterday, P&O Ferries made 800 of its UK seafaring staff redundant. The British shipping company plans to replace the former employees with cheaper agency workers in an effort to reduce its losses of £100m year-on-year. Union representatives have threatened legal action against the company and advised those affected to carry out sit-in protests against the job cuts. As the holiday period approaches, I give my opinion of what might be to come. 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.

Unions are threatening legal action against P&O Ferries after making 800 workers redundant earlier today. The company suspended its sailings after making all UK seafaring employees redundant with immediate effect. The former employees are to be replaced with cheaper agency workers in an effort to reduce the company's current annual losses of £100m. Like many transport companies, P&O Ferries suffered from a drastic reduction in passengers during the coronavirus pandemic. A spokesperson for the company said in a statement, “In its current state, P&O Ferries is not a viable business." I have come to Dover to find out how the situation unfolded for the unfortunate former staff members, and what is likely to come.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.

The UK's leading airport, Heathrow, has ended the requirement for passengers to wear masks in the terminals. In a statement, the airport said it “strongly encourages those at the airport to continue wearing a face-covering – particularly when coming into close contact with others”. I've come to Heathrow to see how it feels to wander around mask-free, and how other passengers are reacting to the policy change.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 I take a seat in the unusual (for me, anyway) surrounds of first class on my way to Crewe, I take advantage of the extra legroom and complimentary tea to have a think about the direction of travel for first class rail seats. The economics for rail travel is becoming harder to cover costs and I wonder where first class sits in that future.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.

Budget airlines are hoping to recover from the huge impact of the coronavirus pandemic by offering some incredible deals on flights. In fact, I've discovered that is even possible to travel around the world on a budget. Here is my itinerary for a round-the-world trip that takes advantage of the best flight deals being offered by the world's low-cost airlines.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.

It's the eve of the centennial anniversary of the birth of literary legend, Jack Kerouac. The 'On The Road' author, who pioneered the radical beat generation of the 1950's, holds a special place in my heart. To commemorate his life, work and too-early death, I go out on the road and down memory lane to discuss the magic and mishaps of hitchhiking.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 rather unusual: taking as its starting point a selection of questions asked by readers of the Independent about travel. I not only provide the answers – including strong views on some subjects – I also give a score out of 10 as to whether or not I would want to undertake the trip that the questioner has asked about.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.

Gatwick airport, located in picturesque West Sussex, is ordinarily the UK's second busiest airport with flights to hundreds of destinations worldwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has left Gatwick struggling to control huge losses, of £1 million a day in 2021, as well as an 84% drop in passenger numbers compared to 2019. Now, Gatwick is getting ready to restart a reduced short-haul programme, of about half of its previous scale, for the Summer season. This is due to the government's "Living With COVID" plan, which ended all remaining travel restrictions in England and Northern Ireland earlier this year and will be extended to Scotland and Wales by the end of March. Jumping on the chance for recovery, Gatwick will be reopening its South Terminal on 27th March, and even has plans to bring into use a standby runway.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.

St. Petersburg is one of the biggest cities involved in cruise line tours, with many operators stopping along the way in the Russian city. But as the invasion of Ukraine continues and Russia becomes evermore a pariah due to sanctions and companies pulling out of doing business there, I've had a lot of correspondence with readers and listeners asking whether they should be thinking again about their cruises that involve St. Petersburg as some cruise lines begin to cancel trips well into the summer.I may be fatally optimistic, but I hope the awful atrocities in Ukraine will cease soon and the sanctions will have done their part in bringing about change for the better, so my advice is to hold on for now unless you really do feel uneasy about taking a trip to the region - and if you do, I'll talk you through your options.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.

The UK boasts of 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, forming a tranquil network of inland waterways that span the length and breadth of the country. Today, I'm celebrating the benefits of using canals to explore cities and countryside alike, whether you're on the water or using the well-maintained towpaths beside them.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 the Russian military invasion of Ukraine continues, many are feeling apprehensive about travelling in Eastern Europe. I look at how to navigate the dangers of travelling to countries in conflict, and how Russia's bombardment and the resulting refugee evacuation may affect transport in neighbouring countries.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 Runcorn railway station! Living the dream, in spite of the mega-rise in the cost of train tickets. This week train fares rose 3.8%, the highest price increase for the last 9 years. But whether you're a commuter or hoping to embark on a long-awaited getaway, it is still possible to save money on your train journeys. Listen in for my money-saving travel tips, from finding cheaper alternate routes to exploring more diverse modes of transport. 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.

To help you plan your upcoming journeys, I give an overview of the rail disruptions to look out for and why they are happening.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 to you from a rare London Underground train on a day when Tube workers are striking. I explain what the dispute is about, and what it will mean for passengers going forward.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.

The world has fundamentally changed in the last week as Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine has brought about unprecedented shifts in Europe and sanctions aimed at thwarting Russian plans effect everything from air routes to the cost of oil.In this episode of the podcast, I answer some listeners' questions about what impacts global events might have on travel plans around Europe as we all hope for peace.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.

Clean, green and convenient. Today I'm celebrating trams, and all the advantages they have over almost every other form of urban transport. And of all the cities providing tram networks, Melbourne is truly one of the best.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.

Russia has launched a military invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. I give an overview of how the Russian military operations are affecting the European airspace, and what this means for airlines already struggling to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.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.

Before booking the tickets for your next flight, one thing you may want to consider is the many benefits of cabin baggage. If decanting your body wash into 100ml bottles doesn't faze you, then it's worth checking the amount of cabin baggage allowed by your airline as it may be more generous than you expect. Be warned that bags are going missing in airports, so restricting yourself to cabin baggage could protect your belongings from the risk of being rummaged through by baggage handlers or stolen from the luggage carousel. Plus, freeing yourself from the baggage check-in queue could have a big impact on the overall cost of your tickets, and give you more options should any problems arise with your flight.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.

Strict travel restrictions are having a huge impact on the number of tourists in Australia, and local businesses are feeling the hit. But I find myself experiencing Sydney harbour in a way that no one has done in the modern era, almost entirely to myself.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.

Coming to you from Sydney Harbour, tourists seem to be far and few between. But it is more straightforward than you might think to travel to this lovely part of the world, so here are the latest entry requirements for travelling to Australia from the UK.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.

From commutes to holidays, Storm Eunice has caused devastation to millions of people's travel plans. Is severe weather becoming more of a frequent occurrence, and if so, how can we be better prepared next time? I explore the ways this can be achieved, from giving customers more notice about train cancellations and grounded planes, to being more efficient in organising compensation arrangements. Tweet me your suggestions @SimonCalder and if you do have to travel, take care.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.

Storm Eunice will create mayhem for travellers on the roads, railways and seas throughout the Southern half of the UK from around dawn on Friday 18th February. Most train operators are encouraging passengers to travel either today or after the storm has passed, warning of delays and fewer trains. A 50mph speed limit will also be imposed on rail services in affected areas due to safety concerns about debris falling onto the tracks. In Wales, all trains will be cancelled and ferries will also be affected, with links from Fishguard to Rosslare being cancelled. The Met Office has issued a Red Weather Warning for Storm Eunice, which is expected to cause winds in excess of 90mph. So if you do have to travel, be careful out there and stay safe.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 explain how the rise in fuel prices is affecting your plane tickets.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.

Railway companies are having to adapt to a myriad of changes in our travel patterns due to the coronavirus pandemic, from how we spend our holidays to our daily commute. I explain how railway companies have been impacted and how they are trying to recover.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.

The coronavirus pandemic has left car rental companies with a shortage of cars, meaning car rental prices are three times higher than usual. But never fear! Here are some useful tips to save you money on your travel plans this Valentine's Day. 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.