Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Being pinged following flights with infected people – what has changed?The Corona Testing Centre continues to make strange claimsAnd how travel in Shetland remains defiantly analogue in a digital age.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s happening in Australia in terms of Covid and travel?Dodgy testing companies giving misleading “advice” on testing to leave the UK.And the Scottish travel experience right now.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could airlines be forced to tell you the environmental impact of your flight?How to spend those Avios.And a reminder about passport validity.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The health secretary, Sajid Javid, says he’s taking action on Covid testing charges. Will it do any good?What happens if you test positive while you’re away on holiday?And Ryanair’s amazing Winter expansion from the UK.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The £6 million mound.Gatwick loses £1000 per minute and says relax the testing rules.And a new new way to fly to Nice from Heathrow.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New kid in town at London Heathrow: jetBlue has landed from New York JFK.The UK is lagging behind the rest of Europe in holiday terms.And legal action against the government for its red list policies. Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emirates is back and ambitious.Virgin Atlantic returns to Edinburgh with a Caribbean connection.And Avanti West Coast is adding more trains to link London with Birmingham and Manchester.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How long will America be off-limits to British travellers?Hotels in Europe are looking empty, but the US and China are filling up fast.And what happens when your expected rental car simply isn’t available?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: the health secretary weighs in on testing when you return from abroad to the UK.Repeat after me. You don’t need a test to leave the UK – unless your destination asks for one.And gaze into the Cosmos later this week – and hopefully see the Perseid meteor shower.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m at St Pancras where the Eurostar link to Paris is coming back to life.Hotel quarantine and how to avoid it.And correcting more official nonsense about testing to travel to the UK.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why I don’t think any major holiday location will be going red.Pings on planes: what are the rules and how will they change?And why it’s the Yorkshire Riviera for me!Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mexican wave of escaping Brits.Nine out of ten returning holidaymakers take PCR tests. Really?And French bookings go through le toit – the roof.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France gets a reprieve after the Réunion affair.Mexico goes red, but India and the UAE turn amber.And the green list expands. A bit.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stretch out to Paris and Amsterdam in business class comfort.Beware of engineering works over the August bank holiday weekend.And a look ahead to tomorrow’s traffic light announcement.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All change for the Amber WatchlistThe view from Canada on the UK’s border rules.And British Airways is back between Belfast and Glasgow.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amber watch list: what is it, and should you be worried?International cruising restarts. Or does it?And what’s heading down the track in terms of rail fares?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could changing planes in “red list” countries become quarantine free?Stay away a day longer – if you’re coming in from an amber nation, fully vaccinated.And New York to Boston by seaplane, starting on Tuesday.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Covid numbers from Europe and what they could mean in the week ahead.With double-jabbed Europeans and Americans coming in to the UK from Monday, what are the rules on timing to avoid quarantine.And could a side-trip take you out of self-isolation? I’m waiting to find out.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France looks set be upgraded from its amber plus loneliness.Italy extends the quarantine spell for British holidaymakers.And Saudi Arabia opens up to tourists once again. Should you go?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new rules on quarantine-avoidance for people vaccinated in other countries.International cruising is allowed once more.And the bizarre story of Réunion and the amber plus list.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six months on, the UK may finally grant quarantine-avoidance to people vaccinated in other countries.The Home Office “passport checker” is back and it’s just about working.And the worst job in travel public relations is up for grabs.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: What is Checkpoint Bravo and what could it mean for your travels?Ryanair warns of “bogus discount scam”And a Paris landmark restaurant is under threat. Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foreign jabs – their status for avoiding UK quarantine.Heathrow and Ryanair report many millions more in losses.And the Home Office admits its online passport checker is useless.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The key questions you are asking me about travel in the time of coronavirus – what’s been weighing down my virtual mailbag, from travelling if you’re recovered from Covid to the chances of foreign vaccinations being recognised by the UK for the purposes of avoiding quarantine.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The race to the sun is under way – or is it?When your local airport will be busiest this summer.And could Queen Mary soon be sunk – deliberately?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the start of what should the busiest weekend of the year for Britain’s airports, my best guess on traffic light changes.What’s wrong with Canada, exactly?And an update on rail travel.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advice for rail passengers this summer.The two testing issues that international travellers from the UK most often get wrong.And Croatia is the latest quarantine-free country to demand tests from British holidaymakers. Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: As the summer getaway begins, if you’re driving, these are the key congestion locations in the UK.Italy: what’s happening with quarantine for Brits?And hypersonic air travel: coming to an airport near you?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: sadly I’m back from Ireland already, but I want to give you an update on the travelling experience between Great Britain and the Republic.easyJet loses £40 per second – but the boss tells me the future looks bright.And Crossrail could accelerate Heathrow airport journeys.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: I’m in hot and sunny Dublin, capital of the only no-hassle foreign country.“Freedom day,” at least for some.And how to launder red list status from Turkey.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a French flavour with France making access much easier for vaccinated visitors.And how the transit rules will apply for people returning via France.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France goes to amber plus – I’ll be talking through all the implications of that overnight move.And in one piece of good news: Ireland is as green as can be.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Green light for Ireland from Monday.In quarantine and already double jabbed? What happens from 4am on Monday?And Thailand's Koh Samui opens up.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Balearics downgrade to amber list, while Bulgaria and Croatia get upgraded – what it means for your trip.Malta softens its stance on the Indian variant of the AstraZeneca jab.And I’m in Carlisle for a new exhibition, opening today.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On British Airways, “buy on board” is back for economy passengers in Europe.Travelling by train on the West Coast main line? Watch out for closures tonight.And Manchester’s revived Terminal 2 opens today – with Heathrow Terminal 3 following tomorrow.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rail Fare Reform – I’ve been hearing from a train ticket guru.Beneath the City of London, the Bank is closing for four months.And is red to green feasible in Thursday’s traffic light shuffle?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Green list speculation mounts.Center Parcs is coming home. To Crawley.And Heathrow’s woes continue.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journey into space – will orbital tourism take off?Planning your August trip? Not so fast.And how to avoid peak prices on the West Coast Main Line.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just started quarantining from an amber list country? Keep going.Malta’s vaccine surprise.And Wizz Air drops its UK domestic flights before they’ve even started.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How bad will the queues be for passport control this summer?What’s wrong with European vaccines?And some of the possible green list countries.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Amber turns Green – I’ve got all the details of the new “vaccination vacation” plan.When does it start?How will it work, especially for children?And how does the travel industry respond?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New vaccination trials at Heathrow. What’s happening – and what isn’t?Face masks on the Tube could continue.And MPs demand action to win back the confidence – and business – of rail passengers.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Face masks on public transport after England's rules are relaxed on 19 July.What’s happening on trains, boats and planes? I have the answers.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

180 years on from Thomas Cook’s first excursion, what is his enduring legacy?Face masks on trains. What’s happening?And cutting through the confusion on testing.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The passport perils of BrexitTravel industry's great and good demand freedomAnd new air routes possibly coming to an airport near you.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why you should go to Ukraine.It’s a year today since the great unlocking of international travel: how different things are now.And more on the Indian variant of the AstraZeneca vaccine: no need to panic.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could an Indian vaccine scupper your planned trip?More on Spain’s tests for British travellers.And the number of flights is increasing – particular on Ryanair.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain spells out what tests you will need to visit.Malta makes a U-turn on how to prove you’ve been jabbed.And the next candidates for the red list?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: not all roads lead to Rome for England fans.Malta seems to get tougher – but Portugal eases its restrictions.Who said travel was supposed to be easy?Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: more on those Mediterranean restrictions.Labour wants the borders closed.And how to travel in Scotland during the Covid era.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters and all the very latest is available 24hrs a day at independent.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.