Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast
Episodes
September 8th - Touch Down in Singapore
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The desperate state of inbound tourism to the UK has been revealed.Europeans touch down in Singapore for a quarantine-free holiday.More on those cheap...
September 7th - With One Eye Closed
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
New cheap trains between England and ScotlandAs one London Eye lookalike closes down, another is set to open up.And talking of opening up – that’s...
September 6th - That's your Queue
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve been at Heathrow assessing the queues to get into the UK.Ryanair breaks up talks with Boeing – is it a flounce or a strategy?And that Brazil ...
September 5th - Sunday Best
05 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Travel restrictions: the three reasons why even the most bizarre remain in place.Flights are being cancelled – can you expect more than a refund?And...
September 4th - Tourism, Queues and Airports
04 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Inbound tourism to the UK is being destroyed. Should you care?What’s happening with queues at airports?British Airways explains its plans for Gatwic...
September 3rd - I Have a Dream (of Stockholm)
03 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Should the UK scrap the “red list” requiring hotel quarantine?Why cruises cost more from Liverpool than from Southampton.And if you want to pay an...
September 2nd - Bit by Bit
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Portugal opens up – a bit.Australia closes down – a bit more.And Russia may be back on the travel map soon.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newslett...
September 1st - Meddling Middle Names
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is your journey to Devon or Cornwall by rail really necessary?What could happen to Turkey at the next “red list review”And does your middle name h...
August 31st - Ryanair: Attack on Autumn
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryanair declares a fares war for autumn.Italy’s new rules on travel start today.More trouble on the rails – bring back the relief trainsSign up to...
August 30th - Montenegro Evacuation Chaos
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chaos on evacuation flight from red-list MontenegroConcern that the European Union could reinstate restrictions on American visitors.And Qantas sets o...
August 29th - Save Our G&T's
29 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Italy opens up to British holidaymakers – my pick of September escapes.Short-notice cancellations – why are they still happening to holidaymakers?...
August 28th - A Funny Kind of Amber
28 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I warned you yesterday of a bank holiday squeeze on the railways this weekend – well, I’m caught up in it.What to do when it all goes Tango Unifor...
August 27th - Traffic Light Fallout
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After Thursday’s bizarre “traffic light” changes, the fall-out continues from furious travel industry bosses.British Airways has a cunning plan ...
August 26th - New to the Green List
26 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The new green list announcement – Canada is good to go, Turkey stays on the red list.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/...
August 25th - Covid Travel Trap
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been described as the unanticipated Covid travel trap – could your vaccination record lose its sheen as early as the end of the year?Gatwick ...
August 24th - Return to Oz
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
New green list possibilities?British Airways signals a return to Australia seven months from now – with a faster journey but smaller plane.And could...
August 23rd - Too Little Too Late
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Action at last against the “cowboy” firms on the government’s register of travel testing providers – but it is too little too late. And l...
August 22nd - Raab in Heat After Crete
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week there’s another traffic light review. I don’t know exactly what changes will be made, but I can guide you through the practicalities.Tra...
August 21st - Touching Down in Berlin
21 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve just touched down in Berlin, location for probably the world’s least successful new airport project.75 weeks into the coronavirus pandemic, a...
August 20th - Sale on the LNER
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
News of a seat sale on LNERLikely moves in the next traffic light announcement.And another reminder: you need no test to leave the UKSign up to Simon'...
August 19th - Spain will Remain
19 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Please stop worrying about Spain going on the red list everybody.Booking “insurance” flights – how to do it.And on the final full day of my trip...
August 18th - September in the Med
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A leading analyst gives a damning verdict on the UK’s travel rules.More holiday cancellations coming in for late summer and autumn. Why?And my recom...
August 17th - Analogue Shetland
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Being pinged following flights with infected people – what has changed?The Corona Testing Centre continues to make strange claimsAnd how travel in S...
August 16th - The Scottish Experience
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
August 15th - Avios to Burn
15 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
August 14th - Ryanair's Winter Expansion
14 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
August 13th - £6 Million Mound
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
August 12th - New Kid in Town
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
August 11th - Emirates Returns with Purpose
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Emirates is back and ambitious.Virgin Atlantic returns to Edinburgh with a Caribbean connection.And Avanti West Coast is adding more trains to link Lo...
August 10th - The American Question
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 happen...
August 9th - Perseid Meteor Shower
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 – un...
August 8th - Eurostar Revival
08 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
August 7th - Pings on Planes
07 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 Yorks...
August 6th - Mexican Wave
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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....
August 5th - France's Reprieve
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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'...
August 4th - The Stretch
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 tomo...
August 3rd - All Change for the Amber Watchlist
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 S...
August 2nd - Amber Watch List
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ra...
August 1st - New York to Boston
01 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
July 31st - Side-tripping
31 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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, w...
July 30th - Italy Extends Quarantine
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
France looks set be upgraded from its amber plus loneliness.Italy extends the quarantine spell for British holidaymakers.And Saudi Arabia opens up to ...
July 29th - Island of Réunion
29 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The new rules on quarantine-avoidance for people vaccinated in other countries.International cruising is allowed once more.And the bizarre story of Ré...
July 28th - Passport Checker in Check
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Six months on, the UK may finally grant quarantine-avoidance to people vaccinated in other countries.The Home Office “passport checker” is back an...
July 27th - Checkpoint Bravo
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
July 26th - The Status of Foreign Jabs
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Foreign jabs – their status for avoiding UK quarantine.Heathrow and Ryanair report many millions more in losses.And the Home Office admits its onlin...
July 25th - Who, What, Why, When & Where?
25 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
July 24th - Sinking of Queen Mary
24 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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?S...
July 23rd - What's Wrong with Canada?
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 Canad...
July 22nd - Testing for Croatia
22 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
July 21st - Hypersonic Air Travel
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
July 20th - The Irish Experience
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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.eas...
July 19th - Freedom Day
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 s...
July 18th - The French Flavour
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
July 17th - France Goes Amber Plus
17 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
July 16th - Ireland Goes Green
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
July 15th - Balearics Downgraded
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
July 14th - Buy on Board
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 closure...
July 13th - Bank is Closing
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
July 12th - Center Parcs is Coming Home
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 inde...
July 11th - Journey to Space
11 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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.S...
July 10th - Malta's Vaccine Surprise
10 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Just started quarantining from an amber list country? Keep going.Malta’s vaccine surprise.And Wizz Air drops its UK domestic flights before they’v...
July 9th - Issue with European Vaccines
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
July 8th - When Amber Turns Green
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
July 7th - The Word of Committees
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
July 6th - Face Mask Special
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
July 5th - The Legacy of Thomas Cook
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 confus...
July 4th - Passport Perils
04 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
July 3rd - Set Sights to Ukraine
03 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 India...
July 2nd - Flights on the Rise
02 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Could an Indian vaccine scupper your planned trip?More on Spain’s tests for British travellers.And the number of flights is increasing – particula...
July 1st - Prove It!
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
June 30th - Not All Roads
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
June 29th - Gateway to the Highlands
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
June 28th - It's the Small Things
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today: as Mediterranean Islands go green for travellers to the UK, the barriers go up for British visitors.A leading analyst says 22 more countries de...
June 27th - Elephants in Central London
27 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Could a new health secretary change the way that travel opens up?The Boeing 737 Max is back and starting operations for the summer.And the elephants h...
June 26th - Who Can Go to Malta?
26 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The new rules brought in by Malta just one day after they were put on the Green List.What happens to your insurance and points if you are to go agains...
June 25th - Who's Gone Green?
25 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Who’s gone green? Who hasn’t, and why not? And the red list arrivals.Sign up to Simon's free weekly newsletter at independent.co.uk/newsletters an...
June 24th - Passport Problems
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Holidays postponed: most travel bookings last week were for next year.The Foreign Office drops its warning against travel to China.And a reminder abou...
June 23rd - Travel Day of Action
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Travel Day of Action”: What the industry is demanding – and what it might get?“We won’t do anything to put public health at risk” – so ...
June 22nd - More Vaccines Less Travel
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The strange tale of vaccine contraction: the more British people are jabbed, the less travel there is.Will Matt Hancock ease quarantine?And Indiana Wa...
June 21st - Take a Chance on Malta?
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pilots’ union says UK is doing worst in Europe for flying.Should you take a chance on Malta going green?and Aer Lingus starts charging for cabin bag...
June 20th - What Could Go Green?
20 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As the next “traffic light review” approaches, what “green list” additions might there be? Could British Airways abandon Gatwick?Seven ye...
June 19th - Turning Point in the Towel War
19 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Germany’s tabloid press mocks the UK’s travel restrictionsItaly makes arrivals from the UK quarantineAnd when will the UAE escape the UK’s red l...
June 18th - England Receives Red Card
18 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jersey gives England a red card – but allows vaccinated travellers to swerve quarantine.Rail passengers face disruption from London to Inverness as ...
June 17th - Airline Industry Take on Government
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Manchester airport and Ryanair take legal action against the government“We have the toughest border measures anywhere in the world,” says the prim...
June 16th - Boeing 737 Max
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Boeing 737 Max is on its way to Ryanair – would you step aboard?Manchester passengers lose the Irish connection to America for the su...
June 15th - Delay Day
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Delay day – what does the postponed reopening in England mean for travel?Ryanair’s Belarus diversion: new revelations to MPsAnd a new ferry link b...
June 14th - What a Difference a Month Makes?
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Four weeks since the Green List was created – what has changed since then?Cancelled flights: be sure of your rights.Faster trains promised from Edin...
June 13th - Stobart Air Takeover
13 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aer Lingus and British Airways take over from failed Stobart Air.easyJet cancelling flights in July.Lufthansa deploying its biggest planes.Sign up to ...
June 12th - Portugal Eases Testing Requirements
12 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stobart Air collapses: why, what it means and your rights.Postponement for 21st June domestic reopening looks bad for travellers.And in the unlikely e...
June 11th - The Mountain of Domestic Tourism
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Holiday prices collapse to Portugal – but soar to Jersey.Domestic tourism: a mountain to climb.And Heathrow numbers are down 90%, once again.Sign up...
June 10th - President in Cornwall
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As Joe Biden arrives in Cornwall … the UK gets another travel taskforce, this time looking at restarting transatlantic travel.British Airways and Ry...
June 9th - It's All Cancel Culture
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Scottish cruise cancellation – more misery on the ocean wave.Another round of travel industry fury with the government’s “traffic light” polic...
June 8th - A Tale of Two Futures
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’ve spoken to two top travel chief executives: the boss of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and the CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, a consortiu...
June 7th - The Cost of Travel Restrictions
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today leading travel boss reveals some business owners are losing their homes due to restrictions around coronavirus.Airline execs say there should be...
June 6th - Cabinet Summer Bust-Up
06 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Revelations of a cabinet bust-up over the freedom to travel this summer – a battle that the transport secretary, the travel industry and the ho...
June 5th - Escape from Portugal
05 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Escape from Portugal – what are the options?As Portugal closes down, the Faroes open up.And how long does passport control at Heathrow actually take...
June 4th - The Shadow Over Travel
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Travel industry responses to the extraordinary downgrading of Portugal to the amber list – and your rights if you are booked to travel imminently to...
June 3rd - Despair in the Departure Lounge
03 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The travel industry is in utter despair at leaks from government that indicate no more countries are being added to the "green list" and that Portugal...
June 2nd - The Waiting Game
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We still don’t know when the green list will change.Gibraltar starts warning travellers of the consequences of a trip across the border to Spain.And...
June 1st - From the Rock of Gibraltar
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm looking at Heathrow's brand new Red List Terminal and what that means for airport operations and passengers.An on location report of the exp...