Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

I'm talking to Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary about record amounts of air rage; European Union plans to standardise cabin baggage; and how he expects air fares to fall during the autumn and winter.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm sitting down with Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet who revolutionised travel guides with his iconic 1970s journey, Across Asia on the Cheap.Tony has now completed a dream trek through southern England, walking the entire length of the River Thames, from its source to the heart of London.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's bank holiday Monday in England and Wales, which spells chaos on trains, planes and automobiles.I take you through the weekend's troubles and what is being done to mitigate it.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will the entry-exit system mean for car drivers and coach passengers using the UK's busiest ferry port, Dover? I've been talking to Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover. He says they can cope with the new rules on fingerprinting and facial biometrics until April 2025, but once things get busy new options are needed.This podcast is free, much like the travel weekly newsletter. Sign up now to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s podcast, I tackle the confusion surrounding new travel requirements for UK citizens heading to Europe. I clarify the timeline and facts about the upcoming entry/exit system and ETIAS, debunking myths and explaining what you need to know. This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again I'm at London King's Cross station, a hub for the East Coast main line to Yorkshire, northeast England, and Scotland. Two significant fare changes, neither of them beneficial:ScotRail's experiment to abolish peak fares will end in late September after it failed to lure enough travelers out of their cars.And LNER is expanding the area where off-peak fares are unavailable to include the whole line between Newcastle and Edinburgh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as I chat with Bram Houtenbos, who earned third place in the thrilling race from London to Tirana. We explore his race strategy, the challenges that came his way, and his reflections on finishing in the top three once again.Join me as I chat with Bram Houtenbos, who earned third place in the thrilling race from London to Tirana. We explore his race strategy, the challenges that came his way, and his reflections on finishing in the top three once again.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m at London Gatwick Airport in today's podcast, delving into an exclusive survey that ranks the world's best-connected airports. Gatwick impressively secures 15th place, highlighting London’s dominance in global air travel.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm Simon Calder, and I'm sharing insights on the end of the ASLEF rail strike from London Euston Station. While the pay dispute is settled, significant hurdles remain for the UK rail system, requiring urgent action from Transport Secretary Louise Haigh.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm Simon Calder, and in this podcast, I guide Taylor Swift fans on the best ways to reach Wembley Stadium. You'll be well-prepared for the eras tour with tips on avoiding the busiest routes and selecting the most efficient transport options.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.