Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

The great Easter getaway is most definitely on. I've been to hubs across the capital today to witness for myself the scenes of queues and hordes of people trying to get to their destinations. It all reminds me of the pleasure of travelling when most others aren't. In this episode I take you through when it might be best to visit, particularly Italy - when and where it might be the best time to get some of the world's most beautiful attractions to yourself.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking ahead to the Easter rush, we've unfortunately got a forecast of chaos potentially looming. Public transport works are happening on all the usual ways of getting to London's main airports - I give you the lowdown on what is and isn't working. Also I look at how to have a stress-free airport experience, as well as the best ways to handle your holiday money.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m lunching at the Da Pietro restaurant, facing the exquisite cathedral facade in the city of Como. How did an ambitiously priced €10 side salad come in at €15? And why the traveller needs to be wary of hidden charges when dining out across the world.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this fine Spring day I'm hiking The Brunate Trail in Como, the Northern city in Lombardy, Italy, coveted by celebrities and holiday-makers alike. I explore how to get here and what gems there are to enjoy, from the homes of a-listers, to charming restaurants and bars, to 12th century churches. And if, unlike me, you can still catch your breath after climbing to the hill-top town of Brunate, you'll find it taken away by the stunning views of Lake Como below.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m in heaven, or at least as close as you can get to it within the UB7 postcode: room 177 at the Thistle Heathrow Terminal 5 hotel, looking out across the northern runway at succession of jets heading off for the US and southeast Asia. Airport hotels are primarily a convenience, but they can also be inspiring.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An important correction on yesterday's podcast. In an extraordinary reversal of an announcement made on Wednesday, Spain has withdrawn its promise to open up to unvaccinated British visitors. The Spanish tourist board in London has apologised "unreservedly for the miscommunication," explaining that the error was due to a "misunderstanding of the new entry requirements.” In all the confusion, I explain what we know so far and what entry requirements travellers will now need to meet to get across the Spanish border.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's most popular destination to escape to, Spain has dropped restrictions around vaccinations and tourists from Britain as the great reopening gathers pace. It follows France, which has updated its terms and conditions for British travellers and is a welcome boost for Easter holidays. That is, of course, if you manage to get on a plane. While our most popular destinations open up, a host of airlines including British Airways are struggling to find crew for flights and operations meaning cancellations across the board. I give you the lowdown.Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cost-of-living crisis is forcing many people to cut back on their spending, and holidays tend to be one of the first things to get the chop. However, that dream get-away you've been planning may still be possible, even on a tighter budget than expected. So today I'm rising to the challenge and answering your questions about how to travel around North America without breaking the bank. Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As normality returns and restrictions are eased, the UK’s two biggest airlines are finding it hard to cope. There are widespread cancellations by easyJet because of Covid-related staff shortage – 100 yesterday, the same again today, with more than 40 to and from its biggest base at London Gatwick. At Heathrow, British Airways has made almost 100 cancellations so far, with some very long delays as well. So what's going on?Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Airports and airlines are under pressure at the moment, with passenger numbers soaring and staffing issues leading to crowds, confusion and cancellations. What are your rights when it all goes, in the travel industry's acronym, Tango Uniform?Of course this podcast is completely free, as is my weekly travel email. You can sign up at independent.co.uk/newsletters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.