You should have been there

We mull over the concept of over-tourism, its causes and effects as well as some remedies. Why not try the place next door, for instance?

We shine a light on the world's many and varied straits- not just that one. Are they an underappreciated geographical feature?

We explore the delights- natural, culinary, architectural and cultural- of the colourful Mexican state of Oaxaca.

We plot a route across Mexico's mighty metropolis, taking in its many marvels

We consider the perils of venturing off venturing off the beaten track, talk to an adventure tour organiser facing up to current hazards in Venezuela, Iran and now Greenland, and we meet..... the axolotl.

Do you recognise this flag? It's one of the destinations that Simon found out about at the Adventure Travel Show in London. We discuss real travel adventures where the guide books run out as well as less challenging but still unusual places away from the crowds.

We assess the past year in travel and anticipate the next one, with thoughts on destinations and technology as well as the giving of some self-indulgent travel presents.

Dive into travel tales where time bends and castles become soulful pastries. Hear remarkable listener stories, including a heroic WW2 escape through the Pyrenees. Discover the chaotic rollout of the new Entry-Exit System with biometric checks. Enjoy mishaps with car hire leading to surprising insurance miracles. Celebrate listener favorites like Bamburgh and Tantallon castles, while exploring unforgettable highlights from Chandigarh to Amritsar. Tune in for a whirlwind of uplifting travel memories and adventures!

We chat about the Sagrada Familia, the National Monument of Scotland and confront the brave new world of "frictionless travel" as promised by facial recognition technology

We discuss Spain's wealth of dramatic castles- the best to visit, the best to stay in and the one where you'll find the best pastries