Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast podcast

Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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 <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

 

#1238

Fast track to America – from Scotland?

Could Edinburgh airport be the first in the UK to offer pre-clearance for travellers to th... more

12 Dec 2025

06 MINS

06:23

12 Dec 2025


#1237

Looking ahead to smoother skies and swifter journeys

My guest today is Kathryn Leahy, chief operations officer for the air-traffic control serv... more

11 Dec 2025

07 MINS

07:02

11 Dec 2025


#1236

All change: Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy on the future with Great British Railways

I've been hearing from the man responsible for improving reliability and attracting more p... more

10 Dec 2025

07 MINS

07:31

10 Dec 2025


#1235

Storm Bram sweeps in, hitting trains, boats and planes

Dozens of flights and ferry sailings have been cancelled due to strong winds and heavy rai... more

09 Dec 2025

05 MINS

05:18

09 Dec 2025


#1234

On the road – again?

I have been hitchhiking for half a century. But in that time thumbing rides has shrunk fro... more

08 Dec 2025

07 MINS

07:43

08 Dec 2025


#1233

Today: I'm in India, but looking ahead to the World Cup draw tonight

What's the best strategy for booking your travel to attend the FIFA World Cup next summer ... more

05 Dec 2025

05 MINS

05:27

05 Dec 2025


#1232

Best beach, mountain, river, bar and country? Ask an expert

Continuing the theme of looking ahead to 2026: I have been talking to an old travel pal of... more

04 Dec 2025

07 MINS

07:21

04 Dec 2025


#1231

What will AI mean for the future of travel planning?

"AI and the internet will be a huge part of the future of travel." So says Andy Headington... more

04 Dec 2025

06 MINS

06:35

04 Dec 2025


#1230

Going Dutch? These are the highlights in the Netherlands in 2026

Subtract Amsterdam from the Netherlands and what's left would comprise a beautiful, divers... more

02 Dec 2025

06 MINS

06:36

02 Dec 2025


#1229

Advent begins: so what are the travel trends for 2026?

My first guest of the month is Rachel O’Reilly Director of Communications for Dertour UK –... more

01 Dec 2025

06 MINS

06:28

01 Dec 2025


#1228

Wizz Air's UK boss promises new routes from Luton to key holiday destinations – and restoring links ...

Wizz Air's UK Managing Director, Yvonne Moynihan, has been telling me about the year so fa... more

28 Nov 2025

05 MINS

05:52

28 Nov 2025


#1227

Could "solar sails" be the future for polar adventure voyages?

Exploring the Arctic is one of the greatest experiences open to tourists – visiting remote... more

27 Nov 2025

06 MINS

06:21

27 Nov 2025


#1226

What a way to go to India – reminiscing about overland travel 50 years ago

In the 1970s, air fares were so high that the best way to reach India from the UK was on p... more

26 Nov 2025

07 MINS

07:42

26 Nov 2025


#1225

Cambodia, a nation transformed

I first visited Cambodia in 1993, as the south east Asian country was recovering from the ... more

25 Nov 2025

06 MINS

06:41

25 Nov 2025


#1224

'Your primary audience is you in 10 years. That's who you're writing your updates for'

Claire Jones is chief executive of Polar Steps, a travel planning up that takes you worldw... more

24 Nov 2025

09 MINS

09:11

24 Nov 2025


#1223

Why a short hop from Newcastle to London Heathrow might involve going around in circles

In the second part of my conversation with Martin Rolfe, chief executive of NATS – formerl... more

21 Nov 2025

06 MINS

06:12

21 Nov 2025


#1222

Keeping the skies safe – and open

Today and tomorrow I'm talking to Martin Rolfe, chief executive of NATS – formerly Nationa... more

20 Nov 2025

07 MINS

07:35

20 Nov 2025


#1221

I'm on the train – and the wifi is superb

Great Western Railway has just unveiled "Formula 1" high-speed internet connectivity on on... more

19 Nov 2025

05 MINS

05:21

19 Nov 2025