You should have been there

Taking our cue from the miracles sought by pilgrims to the French city of Lourdes, we try to track down some secular miracles for the modern traveller. 

We delight in a key feature of travel-the u turn.  Whether performed by hapless politicians,  lost walkers or confused pilots, they are generally screeching and usually embarrassing.  

The third and final part of our Pyrenean trek finds us on the homeward stretch, enjoying an off-grid mountain refuge, a convivial evening at a  'chambre d'hôtes' and a walk through the ever-surreal streets of Lourdes

Part two of Simon and Mick's trek through The High Pyrenees. It brings spectacular cols, "Dormitory Hell" and a brush with the French equivalent of Basil Fawlty

The audio diary of our 5-day trek in the French Pyrenees, South of Lourdes. As well as the terrain to contend with, we face battles against weight, time and unexpected crises. 

We exchange playlists of our own favourite travel sounds and visit the Cotswold village of Adlestrop, the setting for Edward Thomas' evocative travel poem of the same name.

Basilicas with views, Bob Dylan's childhood home and the world's best London all featured on Simon's packed August itinerary. We discuss the experiences, the discoveries and the lessons of his busy trip

Our guest Raquel tells us all about an essential but often unsung job in the travel industry-  the Tour Manager- revealing its upsides as well as its disadvantages. While Simon takes a trip back in time on the chrome-covered Amtrak express, The Wolverine, en route from Detroit to Chicago.     

Can you avoid the summer crowds in Italy?   How trustworthy are online travel agents?  And last but not least, the real reason why we didn't win a UK Podcast Award. With thanks to James Hill, Rebecca Halpern, Helen P and Jonny N. 

Simon wisely cycles to Dover's ferry port to report on the queues and the chaos that have beset holidaymakers. Who is to blame?  Plus, the winners of our competition to find the UK's best city for a summer break.