You should have been there

As self-catering accommodation re-opens, we discuss the widespread problem of fake reviews with the guidebook writer and editor, David Else.    He highlights some scams and reveals the tricks of the professional reviewer's trade. Find his work at www.davidelse.com

We hear from listeners about all the journeys that were planned but not made during the past 12 months, while Simon makes a "minimised" trip to the seaside. Many thanks to Poppy, Daisy and Jamie for their readings. Also to Christian Bjoerklund for his music track "Hallon" 

Simon reports from the first bus to leave Manchester for London on the 29th March, the day that travel restrictions were cautiously relaxed. Many thanks to Dave the driver, fellow-passenger, Sam Serrano, as well as listener Mick for his message. 

We talk about the best places to visit at this time of year and answer that perennial question.  No, not when is Easter, but WHERE is Easter? Do get in touch with us on Twitter:  @youshouldhaveBT

Cathy Adams of The Independent joins us to plot a route through the 68 page document that will lead us towards a day out in Brighton and the promise of far-off beaches. Or will it?  We assess the obstacles that await on the road ahead. Cathy on twitter is Cathy@catman and we are @youshouldhaveBt. Many thanks, too, to Glyn Jones and to Poppy

We talk to Emily Thomas about her recent book, which explores most entertainingly what philosophers have said about travel.  Descartes, for instance, claimed to have gained most of his knowledge from "the great book of the world". Emily's book, The Meaning of Travel, is published by Oxford University Press.  

Find out what it's like to be a top cultural tour guide with our guest, James Hill. The highs, the lows and what goes on behind the scenes, plus some terms you might not have come across before-we certainly hadn't : "lollipops" and "shamrockisation".  James' tours can be found at www.ciceroni.co.uk

As the prospect of a Spanish holiday draws a little closer Lola Culsán and John Weller reveal how to avoid the seaside crowds. Their new book, Hidden Beaches: Spain, is the fruit of an epic, covid-interrupted journey round the whole coast of Spain in a campervan. Get a 20% discount with the code, hiddenbeach21, from www.wildthingspublishing.com/product/hidden-beaches-spain-book/

Today we're talking about group travel with Joe Fallon, founder of the company TruTravels.  From steamy Thailand he tells us how he set up his firm and about his hopes for it in an uncertain future. We also discuss what group travel can offer that independent travel can't!  Joe's company website is trutravels.com.  Contact us at   twitter.com/YouShouldHaveBt

In honour of Valentine's Day, our subject is romantic destinations and locations. They range from heart-shaped islands to a windowless bar in Krakow. We'd love to hear your own stories of travel romance via Twitter- @you should have BT