Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Join Si King, a presenter known for highlighting railway architecture, and Siddy Holloway, who explores the cultural impact of stations, as they delve into the charm of the UK’s railway hubs. They share personal favorites like St Pancras, discussing its stunning Victorian design and emotional resonance. The duo reflects on how stations serve as significant landmarks of memory and identity, while Siddy dreams of Icelandic rail adventure. This enlightening chat reveals the heart of what makes these transit points truly beautiful.

Eleni Skarveli, director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in London, says Athens and Thessaloniki are excellent winter destinations – and also reveals some of her favourite islands.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Paul Goldstein: photographer, expedition guide, and campaigner for protecting wildlife. He’s also author of a book out this week called Nine Lives: One Photographer, Nine Persecuted Species.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uganda and northern Argentina are off the tourism mainstream, but high on Annabel's recommendations for the year ahead. Adventure travel in Africa and South America sounds a joy – can't wait to find out for myself.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Mellors, Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, shares insights into running diversionary services over the stunning Settle-Carlisle line during the closure of the main rail route. He reveals how bi-mode Evero trains will maintain connectivity while offering passengers a scenic journey. The discussion also explores industry collaboration and the future modernization of West Coast services. Tune in for a glimpse of beautiful landscapes and travel innovations!

In this discussion, Paul Charles, a seasoned communications consultant and former communications head at Eurostar, shares his insights on the chaos caused by New Year travel disruptions. He highlights the breakdown in the Channel Tunnel and how Eurostar mishandled passenger communications amidst the crisis. Paul critiques the lack of leadership visibility and their decision to advise passengers to stay away from stations. He also touches on potential fallback plans and emphasizes the importance of improving customer communication for a better travel experience.

To start 2026, I'm talking to Mark Tanzer, well respected chief executive of Abta, the travel association – about reasons to be cheerful, challenges from the EU entry-exit system and the environmental impact of tourism. As well as: What's the point of Abta?This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm talking to Mike Vincent, General Manager of the Langdale Chase Hotel overlooking Windermere in Cumbria – who has been working through the festive season along with his staff. "We're nice people looking after nice people," he says.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've been talking to Chris Woodroffe, managing director of Manchester airport, about plans for the future in terms of passenger numbers – and also public transport connectivity to MAN. With a brief mention of the thorny subject of drop-off charges.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency, shares insights on future travel trends. He discusses how technology like facial recognition and enhanced Wi-Fi will elevate travel comfort. Charles highlights the surge in European rail investments as a strong competitor to airlines. He notes a rise in adventurous destinations, popular among younger travelers, and TikTok's significant influence on luxury travel choices. Additionally, he addresses the UK's tourism challenges and emphasizes the need for improved airport efficiency to enhance the travel experience.