You should have been there

Listeners share their experiences of travel con-tricks, old and new, in situ or online. Simon reports from Rotterdam's genre-bending art museum while Deirdre Swann tells us about a surprise encounter and an opportunity missed on her 64th birthday walk. Thanks to Deirdre, to Alan and to Ina Klaassen of The Depot.

From the old "three cup trick" to internet-age "fake villa" villainy, we reveal the many traps that lie in wait for the unwary tourist. Beware the "something-nasty-on your-bag-mate,"  the petrol pump counter you can't see and the "Thanksgiving Upgrade," which is just one of the  dodgy practices that bedevil the car rental business.

The latest head-to head in our travel Olympics involves two mighty destinations from the Far East.  Which will prevail in events that feature capital cities, walls, snow monkeys, toilets and Simon's culinary take on the travel bug?  Many thanks to Dr Emily Thomas and Rebecca for their contributions and to the Terracotta Warriors for their unwitting participation.  

We embark on a magical mystery tour of places associated with the Fab Four, or named in their songs. As well as Penny Lane and Abbey Road, expect Blue Jays, paper bags and the windmill in East Sussex where Sir Paul has a recording studio.  

We debate the pros and cons of visiting countries with dodgy regimes. Is it ever justifiable? And if so, under what circumstances? Fortunately, we are guided through the minefield of ethical dilemmas by the philosopher and traveller, Dr Emily Thomas, of Durham University. Thanks also to Luis Cuellar from Freeimages for the photo

Enjoy our latest head-to-head: Scottish Island versus Greek Island. Which is the better holiday destination? Simon is on location in Lerwick, while Zante's champion is Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive Officer of the Advantage Travel Partnership

We showcase listeners' suggestions for travelling situations that warrant inclusion in our TRAVEL OLYMPICS. Plus a head to head contest between Zimbabawe and Zambia for the "worth visiting" medal. 

With Simon reporting live from sunny St Pancras station, we attempt to navigate the latest twists and turns in the government's controversial "traffic light" travel scheme. And it's Slovenia (colourful capital: Ljubljana ) versus Slovakia (world's most castles!) in our new Olympic travel competition.  

This edition is all about listener's formative travel experiences- from a first distant view of the Himalayas to a wild camping trip to Pembrokeshire. Special thanks are due to Rebecca and to Dr John Mason. 

Never mind those space billionaires, we are joined by a much more knowledgeable guest to talk about eclipses, meteor showers, Northern Lights and other heavenly phenomena. Dr John Mason MBE, astronomer extraordinaire, discusses what to look out for and and where best to see it. You can find out more about his work by searching online for the "South Downs Planetarium"