You should have been there

Simon recounts tales from his recent trek through Nepal's Lumba Sumba pass and, inspired by Rome's Trevi fountain we launch a strand of travel wishes!

Simon Calder and Mick Webb compare their recent lofty experiences in Nepal and La Gomera respectively.

We wonder if Brown Bears are good or bad for tourism, hear listener Sally Naylor's tale of her split-second travel decision and discuss whether the world is becoming too samey.

Philosopher and travel writer, Professor Emily Thomas, joins us to provide a cerebral take on motorways and their service areas. Thanks to David Dixon for his photo of the M 40 services on geograph.org.uk/photo/3299492

We look back at the last 5 years of travel, at the changes, the experience of Covid and Brexit and at the best and worst of the 200 podcasts that we've made since 2019

We look back at the recent holiday season and mull over the highlights and headlines. What should we learn from them?

Our guest is Gordon Stone, editor of "Strider," the magazine of the Long Distance Walkers' Association. We discuss good treks, good preparation and staying safe in hazardous conditions. And we reminisce about our great and not-so-great experiences.

Taking bikes on trains, tussling with tensators and the trouble with tea bags. We share our, and listeners', tales of travel's challenges.

We welcome weather presenter Jo Wheeler to discuss the part the wind plays in our travels. Should we pay more attention to its wily ways? And what on earth is a "medicane" ? Follow Jo on X @weatherdolly and send us a voice note to YouShouldHaveBeenThere@hotmail.com

We unveil the charms of this multinational and multicultural peninsula: food, drink, landscapes, historical sites and modern attractions. Is it the perfect holiday destination? Meanwhile, the great tea debate rumbles on.