Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast Today: I'm in India, but looking ahead to the World Cup draw tonight
Dec 5, 2025
Join the journey from Amritsar Airport as insights into the FIFA World Cup unfold. Discover smart booking strategies to snag flights before prices skyrocket—hint: act swiftly after the draw! Explore probabilities for England’s regional group matches and consider secondary cities like Atlanta for budget-friendly travel. Simon shares tips on waiting for hotel bookings and highlights Guadalajara as a vibrant choice for neutral fans. Plus, a quick nod to Wales and Northern Ireland's qualification prospects adds to the excitement!
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Stranded Travellers At Amritsar Airport
- Simon Calder describes being at Amritsar Airport about to fly to London and meeting a family delayed 17 hours by IndiGo.
- He contrasts his smooth journey with widespread chaos affecting many travellers on the airline.
Book East Coast Flights Before The Draw
- Book a flight now to the US East Coast ahead of the World Cup draw to avoid price hikes.
- Simon Calder warns prices for flights and accommodation will surge as soon as fans learn match locations.
Host-Nation Draws Reveal Venues Early
- Scotland may learn venue details immediately only if drawn against a host nation because those matches are pre-set.
- That scenario has about a 25% chance, affecting immediate travel decisions for Scottish fans.