Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

My first guest of the month is Rachel O’Reilly Director of Communications for Dertour UK – a company that includes Kuoni, Journey Latin America, Inghams, Kirker, Carrier and CV Villas, She says solo travellers who are not single are the fastest growing demographic.We talked about the impact of the BBC's Race Across the World in stimulating bookings – and how ski resorts are reinventing themselves in response to climate change.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.

Wizz Air's UK Managing Director, Yvonne Moynihan, has been telling me about the year so far; Wizz Air's new "Class" product that will emulate British Airways' Club Europe on some routes from Luton; and plans for being the first airline back into Ukraine.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.

Exploring the Arctic is one of the greatest experiences open to tourists – visiting remote locations such as Svalbard and Greenland – but there are concerns about the environmental impact of such voyages. Now Heather Thorkelson, founder of Minimal Impact Expeditions, is working on the launch of a new vessel, Captain Arctic – "powered entirely by nature".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.

In the 1970s, air fares were so high that the best way to reach India from the UK was on public transport – which Butterfield's Overland Tours was happy to organise, via Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. Now one of the perpetrators, Richard Loosley, has written a book about his experiences – and has shared secrets of the road with me.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.

In this discussion, Annabel Grossman, Global Travel Editor, shares insights from her recent visit to Cambodia, a country she first explored in 1993. She highlights the dramatic changes since the days of the Khmer Rouge, emphasizing improvements in travel infrastructure like modern roads and airports. Annabel praises the vibrant food scene in Phnom Penh and luxurious accommodations, while encouraging travelers to venture beyond popular sites. With tips on exploring lesser-known temples, she paints a picture of Cambodia as both a historical treasure and a contemporary destination.

Claire Jones is chief executive of Polar Steps, a travel planning up that takes you worldwide (not just the Arctic and Antarctic). The idea is that all your plans and photos are in one place, so a close group of friends and family can follow your journey. As you go along, it generates a diary for you. And at the end of the trip, you can create a book of your experiences.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.

In this conversation with Martin Rolfe, the Chief Executive of NATS, listeners gain a fascinating insight into air-traffic control. Martin explains why short flights, like Newcastle to Heathrow, often have to hold before landing and the complexities behind runway sequencing. He discusses the need for airspace modernization to accommodate future expansions at Heathrow and Gatwick. Exciting technological advancements that have already reduced holding times are also highlighted, showing how innovation is crucial for efficiency but won’t eliminate all delays.

Martin Rolfe, the Chief Executive of NATS, shares insights on air traffic control's vital role in aviation safety. He discusses the recent technical incident on August 28, emphasizing that such failures are an inevitability in this complex industry. Rolfe reflects on his decade at NATS, the impact of COVID-19, and modernization efforts. He also highlights the importance of resilience, improved communication, and swift incident resolution, reassuring listeners about NATS’ strong safety record amidst challenges.

Join Nick Fry, Chairman of Motion Applied, who brings his Formula One expertise to revolutionize train connectivity, and Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway. They discuss an innovative pilot for high-speed Wi-Fi on GWR trains, using F1 tech to seamlessly switch between satellite and phone signals. Nick highlights how this will enhance productivity for passengers, transforming trains into mobile offices. Mark outlines the trial's scope and main routes, promising a future where reliable Wi-Fi is part of the commuting experience.

Travel Desk Tuesday, and The Independent's Deputy Travel Editor has top tips on travelling around by rail and road. Sophie's highlight: the Golden Temple at Amritsar. And, she adds:"The food was the best thing about the trip."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.