Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast
The Independent
Simon Calder is the Independent’s travel correspondent, the UK’s leading travel journalist. From news updates to discussions with experts, Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast will bring you all you need to know from the world of travel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 1, 2025 • 6min
May 1st - Grand Central journey: we need to talk about pricing
I'm aboard the 8.26am from London to Sunderland, run by "open access" train operator Grand Central. My ticket cost £42. Grand Central had to pay around £2 in commission to rival LNER, with whom I chose to book because of a cashback offer.I think train operators should behave more like budget airlines.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.
Apr 30, 2025 • 4min
April 30th - WhatsApp – the key to a successful day trip?
I have been enjoying an excellent day out from the Croatian city of Split to Krka National Park and the town of Skradin. The excellent local guide, Mate (pronounced Matay) used WhatsApp to keep everyone in the loop – sending out maps, coordinating movements and ensuring everyone was on the bus at precisely the right time. Eye-opening in all senses.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.
Apr 29, 2025 • 8min
April 29th - UK trains and buses – the latest twists and turns
It's Travel Desk Tuesday so I'm talking to my excellent colleague Natalie Wilson about the curtailment of Britain's longest rail route, the bus vs the train and the upcoming South Wales Metro.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.
Apr 28, 2025 • 5min
April 28th - Spain and Portugal – travel chaos as the power goes off
Hundreds of thousands of travellers to, from and within Spain and Portugal have faced chaos after a massive power cut across the Iberian peninsula. These are the key issues for British travellers.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.
Apr 25, 2025 • 6min
April 25th - Ryanair fury at Civil Aviation Authority refusing to allow rescue flight after diversion
On Thursday night a Ryanair flight from Agadir to Manchester was diverted due to a disruptive passenger. A tech issue was found. Ryanair wanted to lay on a rescue flight using its EU, rather than UK, subsidiary. But the CAA said no.Eddie Wilson, chief executive of Ryanair DAC (the EU part) is furious.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.
Apr 24, 2025 • 5min
April 24th - UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) – why it's a good plan for travel to Europe
A report says the number of applications for these cards – which get you free or reduced-rate health care – is falling. I think that's no surprise, but it's a good moment to remind travellers about why they are worthwhile.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.
Apr 23, 2025 • 7min
April 23rd - Travel round-up: planes, cruises and all roads leading to Rome
Today I've discovered the average plane flying in and out of Heathrow have three fewer passengers than they did a year ago.P&O Cruises has disappointed 1,800 passengers with the abrupt cancellation of a voyage with 24 hours' notice.And after the sad passing of Pope Francis, what are the effects for tourists in Rome?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.
Apr 22, 2025 • 6min
April 22nd - Earth Day: How are travellers' attitudes changing?
That is the question on Travel Desk Tuesday for my colleague, Natalie Wilson. So many factors are at work when deciding where to go and what to do on holiday – does care for the planet figure strongly?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.
Apr 21, 2025 • 6min
April 21st - On their way to an airport near you: aircraft with folding wings
A special Easter Monday edition. I've been talking to Sue Partridge, head of the Wing of Tomorrow programme at Airbus, about how folding wings on short-haul aircraft will reduce the damage caused by aviation.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.
Apr 18, 2025 • 7min
April 18th - Passport Waiting Time – a valuable online resource
I'm talking to Andy Anderson, founder of Passport Waiting Time – which does what it says and helps travellers with their expectations of how long it will take to get that all-important document. So how does HM Passport Office rate?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.
