

You should have been there
Mick Webb and Simon Calder
Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent and former BBC producer, Mick Webb, discuss the world of travel and delight in travellers' tales.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2022 • 29min
PODCAST 106 GOOD TRIPS, BAD TRIPS
We discuss how drugs have influenced travel and tourism: Amsterdam, L.A, the Hippy Trail, the Green Tortoise and more recently, Breaking Bad and Ozark. Plus a health warning about medicines that are considered illegal drugs in some parts of the world. Many thanks to Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet publications, for his contribution.

Mar 21, 2022 • 29min
PODCAST 105 THE TROUBLE WITH LUGGAGE
We unpack the perennial travel problem of the incredible shrinking baggage allowance, with the help of listeners, previous contributors and the surrealist maestro, Marcel Duchamp. Thanks also to Rebecca Halpern, Sascha Heeney, Sarah Baxter and Tristan Gooley.

Mar 14, 2022 • 26min
PODCAST 104 RETURN TO THE COLD
We ponder the possible consequences of Putin's brutal war for travel and tourism, helped by Russian travel expert, Neil Taylor. Are there any parallels to be drawn with apartheid South Africa or Franco's Spain? And Simon recalls his recent visit to Chernobyl when it was, hard to believe now , a tourist attraction

Mar 7, 2022 • 30min
PODCAST 103 QATAR'S WORLD CUP
We discover what awaits visitors to the first truly post-modern World Cup. As stadiums rise from the desert, Doha's beautiful new museum opens its doors to Simon, if he can manage to find the way in! With thanks to Samuel and Daniel for joining in.

Feb 24, 2022 • 24min
PODCAST 102 THE FIRST TOURIST IN SYDNEY
Simon goes to Sydney, newly-opened to the world and, of course, eager to welcome tourists. He gets free vegemite at the airport, roams the city to discover what is and isn't open yet and enjoys some of the city's simpler pleasures: a tram ride, a sunset walk across the iconic bridge and a trek through the Sydney Harbour National Park, where the suburbs, the sea and the outback meet. Thanks to Jane and Jim O'Donnell for taking part.

Feb 14, 2022 • 26min
PODCAST 101 THE ROOM 101 OF TRAVEL
Join us in the room where travel fears and phobias are brutally revealed. There's talk of vertigo, malaria and, more controversially, the constant concern that your flight will actually arrive on time. Honestly! And we continue the discussion of travel breakfasts by unravelling the mystery of the "Big Rolls"

Feb 6, 2022 • 27min
PODCAST 100 CELEBRATING OUR CENTURY
Unapologetic self congratulation is in order as we pick our favourite extracts from the 99 previous podcasts. On the menu: the epitome of slow travel, Graham Greene's little known travelogue and Simon's embarrassing experience on the Balham train, along with the evocative sounds of Andean flutes and a choir of cicadas. Plus, some inspirational journeys involving the number 100, which include "the sociopath's camino de Santiago." Also, thanks to Syna-Max of Freesound for the recording of applause.

Jan 29, 2022 • 29min
PODCAST 99 THE TRAVELLING BREAKFAST
This essential kick-start to the day's adventures or relaxation is often undervalued. From avocado on sourdough to stale bread and undrinkable coffee, we reminisce about breakfasts on the road and try and draw up an identikit menu of the ideal start to the travelling day.

Jan 24, 2022 • 30min
PODCAST 98 MUSEUMS: A SURVIVAL GUIDE
As the world of museums expands, quirkily, intriguingly and bafflingly, we discuss how to sort the wheat from the chaff and how to avoid a hangover from excessive viewing. Does Zagreb's Hangover Museum provide the answer? And we're joined by Jill Tsai, the founder of the Travel Things Museum (https://www.travelthingsmuseum.com)

Jan 17, 2022 • 29min
PODCAST 97 THE PLACE TO BE IN 2022
We're joined by The Independent's Lucy Thackray for a discussion of this year's hot destinations and travel trends. On the agenda: vegan hotels, work and playcations, sweat lodges or just a simple, old-fashioned Costa Rican sunset. And as the "Marble Arch Mound" closes down, what other ludicrous, white elephant tourist attractions does the world have to offer?