Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

The third-quarter financial results from the UK’s biggest airport are out –I’ve been hearing the details from chief financial officer Sally Ding about passenger numbers and how Taylor Swift's Era Tour gave a late-summer surge for travel hubs like Heathrow Airport.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Get all the latest travel info by signing up here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a single female goes to a couples’ resort in the Caribbean? Find out from Natalie Wilson, who recently returned from Sandals St Vincent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kaya Niedenthal of Currency Online Group to discuss the recent fluctuations in currency markets, how the strength of the pound and dollar impacts travel, and why cash still plays a vital role—even in an era dominated by plastic payments. We also delve into tips for getting the best rates and why some places still prefer good old-fashioned cash.     This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You pay a fortune for a business-class ticket because you want to experience the sumptuous new comfort of the latest generation of the premium product – and then the airline changes the plane type and you're back with a seat that is almost prehistoric in modern aviation terms. Rob Burgess, founder of the frequent-flyer website Head for Points, is demanding a suite guarantee.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday I was at Gatwick – today it's Heathrow, the one true hub airport in the UK. Within six months, transit passengers changing between international flights will need to pay £10 and fill in an online form for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – making the UK's policy completely at odds with other nations. Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris CDG, Istanbul, and Dubai will be celebrating yet another goal.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winter is coming – and for UK airports that can spell trouble. I'm at London Gatwick, talking to Chief Operating Officer Mark Johnston about preparations for ice and snow at the world's busiest single-runway airport. Plans include polar bears and yetis...This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel Desk Tuesday today features Ben Parker, UK travel editor (and secret surfer), who has returned from an island-hopping trip around Hawaii – where he learned about the links between Hawaiian royalty and the British monarchy.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By mid-October many of us are looking at options for winter sun. For my money, the optimum combination of great weather, ancient history and good value is to be found in Egypt. I'm talking to Philip Breckner, director of Discover Egypt, about the options – and the prospects of the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum opening later this month.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EU Entry Exit System has been postponed again. But when it is rolled out it could delay our entrance to the Schengen Area. Here's what it means for you ...This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The airline city-centre ticket office is making a comeback. In the 20th century, every airline had walk-in shops in all the major cities served. But that was in the bad old days of extremely high fares that could pay for lavish rentals in areas like Mayfair. They disappeared when online booking took hold. But this week Emirates has opened a fancy new store in Kensington, west London, where prospective passengers can try out posh seats and buy merchandise – and plane tickets.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.