Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

March 17th - Travel to dangerous places: your questions answered.

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many of you, I know, are the thrill-seeking kind that go off to far-flung places looking for adventure. Others of you sometimes have to travel to area...

March 16th - It's midway through March, what better time to visit the Mediterranean?

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The weather's not quite turned for the better, you've been at work for far too long already and summer holidays seem a mile away. What better time to ...

March 15th - Train delays and cancellations. Your rights to compensation and care.

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The rail industry is facing cancellations and delays due to strike action, with the London Underground workers striking today and a national rail stri...

March 14th - Turkey's Bodrum Peninsula, full of surprises and well worth exploring

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm in Turkey, in the wonderful Bodrum Peninsula, which I am finding full of surprise and in this episode I'll tell you all the bits worth exploring.T...

March 13th - Flight delays, your rights and how to claim them

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recently airlines have been letting us down, with a lot of delays to journeys across the industry. It's a good time to be reminded of your rights as a...

March 10th - Wintry weekend travel disruptions

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Extreme wintry weather plus air-traffic control strikes in France spell a miserable day for many travellers. Problems are likely to continue into the ...

March 9th - Heathrow passenger charges

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m in the Taurus mountains of southern Turkey, beside a tranquil reservoir, but the row over how much each passenger at the UK’s busiest airport ...

March 8th - Network Rail strike cancelled

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Members of the RMT union working for Network Rail have called off their strike that was set to take place on 16 March. They called off the strike (alo...

March 7th - Your baggage questions answered

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Baggage, a sometimes fraught and confusing system many of us encounter when things go awry. In today's episode, I sit down and go through the post bag...

March 6th - Rail’s North–South Divide

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m on my way from London to Leeds – the pretty way, via Sheffield, using a £45 Advance ticket on East Midlands Railway to a station called...

March 3rd - Luton's new Airport DART system

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I'm recording from a live test of the new Luton Airport DART system connecting the Parkway rail station with the terminal.I talk to Javeria Huss...

March 2nd - A new way of getting to America

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Norse Atlantic is the new kid on the block from Gatwick to the US this summer. It might have a terrible name, in my opinion, but could it mean savings...

March 1st - March rail strikes

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the first of March — Happy St David's Day — so I thought I should warn you about what you can expect if you're travelling around by trai...

February28th - What to do when passenger names are wrong

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is about what to do if a passenger name is incorrect on a booking. Airlines are very eager that names b...

February 27th - ETIAS postponed again

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I regularly trawl the European Union site for news about the “ETIAS” scheme and have seen that they have quietly changed the target date.It turns ...

February 24th - The golden age of air travel

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why has air travel become so fraught with difficulties?" So asks a reader. "50 years ago travelling by plane was exciting and reliable. Now it seems l...

February 23rd - Visiting the Armistice Carriage

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm in Compiègne in northern France, which has a compelling chateau to rival Versailles and Fontainebleau, and also the 'Armistice Carriage' – the ...

February 22nd - Why I value being the last person on the plane

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you get the best seat on a plane? Well, I'll outline my strategy: I tend to get on last. But let me warn you that it doesn't always work. This ...

February 21st - French trains, on a budget

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time, I am trying the French notion of no frills trains. French railways has a budget brand called Ouigo. It uses the same high spe...

February 20th - How to get the most from a Safari

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's travel podcast, I speak with wildlife guide and safari camp owner Paul Goldstein about how to get the most from a Safari.This podcast is fr...

February 17th - A talk with Manchester Museum Director, Esme Ward

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today's podcast, I chat with Manchester Museum Director, Esme Ward about what visitors can expect from the museum, having just opened its doors for...

February 16th - Claiming your just deserts when things go wrong with travel

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm joined on today's podcast by my colleague Charlotte Hindle, and we're discussing how to get your money back when travel plans go awry.This podcast...

February 15th - In praise of overnight sleeper trains

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today's travel podcast is in praise of overnight sleeper trains – but many of them exist only because they are hugely subsidised by taxpayers.This p...

February 14th - The least and most romantic places in the world

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today is Valentine's Day and I'm joined by Travel Editor (and also, I like to think, Chief Romance Correspondent) of the Independent, Helen Coffey, to...

February 13th - The interminable rail strike

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's travel podcast, I answer the big question on everyone's mind: when will the next rail strikes...strike? This podcast is free, as is my...

February 10th - UK Border Force strike

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Home Office is warning British travellers to “prepare for disruption” during a strike by members of UK Border Force.I'm on the ...

February 9th - Capturing the best travel photograph

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, I sit down with award-winning photographer Paul Goldstein as he encourages people to improve their camera skills, and be more...

February 8th - Answering your questions about travel vouchers

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm answering your questions on the thorny issue of travel vouchers — I think it's better to just get cash.This podcast is free, as is my weekly new...

February 7th - A talk with the general manager of Belfast’s Europa Hotel

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I chat with Andy McNeill, general manager of the Europa Hotel in Belfast.We talked in the Titanic Suite of the Northern Ireland landm...

February 6th - Return rail tickets to be scrapped - or will they?

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The government says it will go for "single leg pricing" on the railways – an extremely valuable and overdue change, but I am not convinced it will h...

February 3rd - Talking travel with Adrian Phillips

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast, Simon Calder talks with leading travel writer and author of Bradt guides to Budapest and Hungary, Adrian Phillips.Of course, this ...

February 2nd - Heathrow boss to stand down this year

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some big news broke this morning: the chief executive of Heathrow airport, John Holland-Kaye, it to stand down after nine years in the role.Here's my ...

February 1st - Where to grab a drink now Dry January's finished

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dry, cold January is done with and you might be contemplating celebrating the fact with a tipple somewhere nice. In today's episode, I speak with Lucy...

January 31st - All you need to know about the next rail strikes

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The next round of national rail strikes are set to begin on Wednesday (tomorrow). Here's all you need to know about the services likely to be affected...

January 30th - Your rights as passengers of Flybe

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Flybe, the UK regional airline, has gone bust for a second time – with the loss of hundreds of jobs and leaving the travel plans of thousands of pas...

January 27th - When your booking doesn't meet expectations

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most common questions sent to me is what to do if your booking isn't as was advertised. I take you through what you as a consumer can deman...

January 26th - Three great travel options on Australia Day

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On Australia Day – a time of contemplation more than celebration these days – I've sought advice on three great travel options from Tony Wheeler, ...

January 25th - Why are Eurostar trains running with empty seats?

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eurostar is capping the number of passengers on its trains through the Channel Tunnel because of the squeeze created by post-Brexit passport checks. I...

January 24th - Newark Works: Bath's renovated landmark

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Roman remains, Georgian glory and Jane Austen’s chapters: there are plenty of good reasons to travel to Bath.But I’ve been discovering a new dimen...

January 23rd - First class for the price of Standard on Southeastern Trains

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The posh seats on trains from Kent and East Sussex to London are still fitted, but anyone can sit in them. But while one train firm scraps first class...

January 20th - Havoc caused by closure of Manchester airport

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester airport closed down briefly on Thursday morning – causing havoc for thousands of travellers. Many of them are still struggling to get whe...

January 19th - Could we soon see an end to one of the bitter rail disputes?

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Could we soon see an end to at least one of the long and bitter rail disputes? I'm 70% optimistic.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Su...

January 18th - Why is there increased demand for flights?

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On the day the Office for National Statistics said air fares had soared by 44% in December 2022, Simon Calder looks into what is driving the increase ...

January 17th - What you need to know about passport expiry

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's been quite a bit of confusion around passport validity and expiry times with regards to being able to travel, with Brexit leading to changes f...

January 16th - Leon Daniels discusses the future of surface transport

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ten days ago I was waxing lyrical about London's 63 bus. The future of surface transport in the capital, I called it. Well, after that Leon Daniels –...

January 13th - When that bargain looks too good to be true, it probably is

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Travel fraud is on the rise as people become ever more desperate to find a bargain. But what are the warning signs? I'll take you through the ways to ...

January 12th - How will US/Cuba tensions impact travel?

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm joined by my colleague Charlotte Hindle and we are tackling a frequently asked question — this time on the US/Cuba tension, and how it could imp...

January 11th - FAA outage: What is a NOTAM?

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, is so very important in keeping air travel safe — but what is it?In today's podcast I'll explain what happened d...

January 10th - What is the state of the railway?

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rail passengers across Britain are experiencing the first days free of industrial action for weeks. The last of five days of strikes ended in the earl...

January 6th - The new number 63 bus

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm on the new all-electric 63 bus — the first route in London that has that characteristic. It's very much an experimental bus route that's been cr...

January 5th - Rail strikes: When do they end?

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following a 48hr strike by RMT members, Aslef members are now striking, crippling train services across much of England. It's a truly miserable start ...

January 4th - My stay in Hurghada

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast I've made my way to the Egyptian beach resort town of Hurghada, and I tell you all about how my journey is going so far…Of course...

January 3rd - A speedy dash through Gatwick Airport

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today's travel podcast comes from Gatwick Airport, where I hope to begin my last-minute travels to Egypt.Of course, this podcast is free, as is my new...

January 2nd - Bus fee cap introduced until end of March

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Millions of people across England can save money on bus travel with the introduction of a £2 cap on fares for more than 4,600 routes. It lasts until ...

December 29th - Will the UK impose restrictions on travellers arriving from China?

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After Italy, the US and several other countries imposed restrictions on travellers arriving from China, what is the likelihood the UK could follow sui...

December 28th - Hong Kong finally opens to vaccinated travellers

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hong Kong, one of the last big tourism destinations in Asia with onerous Covid travel restrictions, has lifted almost of them for vaccinated visitors ...

December 27th - Can the railways be rescued?

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I'm at Paddington Station where the great reset following the Christmas break and recent industrial action was supposed to be behind us. Unfortunately...

December 26th - Lamenting the state of the railways

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As industial action plays on, I take a look at what's gone wrong and what is actually running on the rails today,Of course, this podcast is free, as i...

December 22nd - Rail increases... a fair fare?

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rail fares in England will rise by nearly 6 per cent in March, the Department for Transport (DfT) have said.The DfT has set a cap of 5.9% for increase...

December 21st - Christmas travel this coming weekend

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Travellers are getting really stressed about reaching their Christmas destinations.I would advise to please start as early as you can — and if you w...

December 20th - Explaining British Airways cancellations

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

British Airways has been forced to cancel dozens of long-haul flights. I explain what caused the problem, what the likely consequences will be and you...

December 19th - Next rail strike to cause Christmas Eve cancellations

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I'm on a train yet again – the 100mph (average speed!) new nonstop from Coventry to London. But less than brilliant news about the extreme Christmas...

December 16th - Airport security rules for baggage over the Christmas period

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You will have heard that airport security rules surrounding cabin baggage are to be relaxed in June 2024. It'll allow you to leave liquids, laptops, a...

December 15th - Train strikes: TSSA union accepts National Rail pay deal

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There has been a development with the train strikes. As rail workers belonging to the RMT union prepare for 10 more days of national strikes...

December 14th - So what exactly is the Network Rail strike all about?

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A listener asked me what exactly the train strikes that have been endured this week are about, a question that's not that simple to answer. But here I...

December 13th - Mick Lynch, rail strikes and terrible weather

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the UK deals with the latest round of national rail strikes, I'll be talking about the interesting media figure, and person, that is the general se...

December 12th - Airport chaos after a weekend of snow

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Airline schedules have been torn up on Monday, withThe Independent identifying more than 320 flight cancellations to and from London’s airports...

December 9th - Where you’ll be able to travel by train during the rail strikes

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The most protracted and disruptive national rail strikes since 1989 begin on Tuesday 13 December. They involve walk-outs on a total of 12 da...

December 8th - UK Border Force strikes and what it could mean for your journey

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The UK Border Force have announced a series of strike days as Britain's winter of discontent continues. I detail what the strike is over and when the ...

December 7th - Despairing at the state of the railways

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's podcast is from Burton-upon-Trent station in Staffordshire, and I am speaking about the state of the railways, and why I am despairing.I've ba...

December 6th - Trying to apply for an Indian eVisa

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today I speak to you from the kitchen where I am trying to apply for a visa to India. Breathtaking bureaucracy and a fall at the last hurdle.Of course...

December 5th - India's eVisa opens again for UK travellers

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Since the end of the Covid crisis, UK passport holders have been barred from the eVisa scheme due to a political dispute on access to Britain for Indi...

December 2nd - Train provider competition to intensify between English and Welsh capitals

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I'm in London Paddington station with news of intensified competition on the line between the English and Welsh capitals.Starting in 2024, Grand Union...

November 30th - Eurostar security staff to strike in December

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Travellers hoping to escape by train to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam in the run-up to Christmas could have their plans wrecked by the latest strike ca...

November 29th - Airports within walking distance of the city centre

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On a recent trip to Doha, and wrestling with the airport's rubbish wifi, I've had a think about airports and their proximity to the cities they serve....

November 28th - World Cup fever at a discount

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The World Cup is reaching the knockout phases and many are looking to head to Qatar on a last-minute whim. Which might be great timing, for I can reve...

November 25th - Looking ahead to Saturday's Rail Strikes

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Simon Calder gives you the rundown on what is and isn't running with Saturday's Aslef union strike action.This podcast is free, as is Simon's weekly n...

November 24th - RMT boss talks with new transport secretary

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As train firms warn rail passengers to “only travel by train if necessary” on Saturday 26 November, ahead of the next strike, the leader of the ra...

November 23rd - Let's talk biometrics

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I've come across the story of a farmer who was hoping to enter the US but her occupation has meant that her fingerprints have all but been erased on h...

November 22nd - Break up long journeys by changing planes

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Long flights between the UK and Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore) currently take even longer as they are obliged (because of Russia...

November 21st - The rules and regulations around the Qatar World Cup

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Simon Calder reflects on the latest rules imposed on the tournament - including an 11th-hour beer ban - which kicked off in the Gulf state over the we...

November 18th - A week in Singapore

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I've been in Singapore for a week, here is what I have learnt about this fascinating and friendly city-state.This podcast is free, much like my weekly...

November 17th - British Airways new route out of Heathrow

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

British Airways used to fly to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and many places in Australia besides Sydney. BA has just announced another route from Lond...

November 16th - Exploring Singapore’s Holland Village

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’m in Holland Village in Singapore, where it is possible to eat and drink your way around the world along Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput. From Iri...

November 15th - In praise of daytime flights between the UK, South East Asia and Australia

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In praise of daytime flights between the UK, the Gulf, South East Asia and Australia. Grab a proper night's sleep in each location along the way and a...

November 14th - Booking a hotel room, the "old school" way

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hotels: why it's worth going "old school" and checking out a room before you take it. As well as asking if there's a wedding group booked in.Of course...

November 11th - Yet another rail union strike

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As another rail union calls another national strike, I'm despondent about the future of the railway.The train drivers’ union, Aslef, has a...

November 10th - London's Elizabeth line on a strike day

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's travel podcast, I'm speaking to you from London's Elizabeth line on a strike day. Better than nothing, but could do better.Of course this p...

November 9th - A celebration of tram travel around the world

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's podcast comes from the Manchester Metrolink, which three years ago was selected as one of the top five tram systems. Not sure I would rate it ...

November 8th - Red tape nightmare wrecks thousands of holidays to India

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I’m at the annual World Travel Market in London’s ExCel centre - back in full swing for the first time since the pandemic - where I’m looking at...

November 7th - Rail strikes called off, but disruption continues

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The rail strikes were called off on Friday afternoon. So why will disruption continue until Thursday morning? The rail industry is complicated and you...

November 4th - Travel Smart: The Independent launches a new travel show

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I want to tell you about a new project from the travel desk at The Independent — Travel Smart.It's a brand new series of videos from the travel team...

November 3rd - Germany introduces one-month public transport ticket

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is about celebrating the new €49 one-month ticket that provides access all areas on public transport in Germany.Of course this podca...

November 2nd - The world’s busiest International air routes

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I tell you the world’s busiest air routes around the world, according to a list compiled by the schedule analysts OAG – and they are very differen...

November 1st - From an interminable passport queue at Heathrow Terminal 2

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's podcast comes from an interminable passport queue at Heathrow Terminal 2. Only a limited number of planes are allowed to touch down at the UK'...

October 31st - Here's what I've found flying into Singapore

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 I'm in Singapore, and here's a few things I've learnt from travelling here – from airport formalities to the all-you-can-eat buffet with penal...

October 28th - What Heathrow’s capacity controls could mean

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The final podcast of the week is brought to you from King’s Creek Station in Australia's Northern Territory. But I’m not talking about Australia -...

October 27th - The wonders of Simpson’s Gap

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's travel podcast comes from a very echoey Simpson's Gap just outside Alice Springs in central Australia. This is a gorge carved over millions of...

October 26th - A tale of two sunset cruises in Australia’s Northern Territory

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

My Australian adventure continues as I enjoy two very different sunset cruises in the country’s Northern Territory; the Yellow Water Cruise in Kakad...

October 25th – Darwin – a city transformed

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Greetings from a hot, tropical Darwin! I'm in the capital of Australia's Northern Territory – a city transformed, full of life and diversity, and qu...