Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

St. Petersburg is one of the biggest cities involved in cruise line tours, with many operators stopping along the way in the Russian city. But as the invasion of Ukraine continues and Russia becomes evermore a pariah due to sanctions and companies pulling out of doing business there, I've had a lot of correspondence with readers and listeners asking whether they should be thinking again about their cruises that involve St. Petersburg as some cruise lines begin to cancel trips well into the summer.I may be fatally optimistic, but I hope the awful atrocities in Ukraine will cease soon and the sanctions will have done their part in bringing about change for the better, so my advice is to hold on for now unless you really do feel uneasy about taking a trip to the region - and if you do, I'll talk you through your options.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 UK boasts of 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, forming a tranquil network of inland waterways that span the length and breadth of the country. Today, I'm celebrating the benefits of using canals to explore cities and countryside alike, whether you're on the water or using the well-maintained towpaths beside them.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 the Russian military invasion of Ukraine continues, many are feeling apprehensive about travelling in Eastern Europe. I look at how to navigate the dangers of travelling to countries in conflict, and how Russia's bombardment and the resulting refugee evacuation may affect transport in neighbouring countries.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's podcast comes from Runcorn railway station! Living the dream, in spite of the mega-rise in the cost of train tickets. This week train fares rose 3.8%, the highest price increase for the last 9 years. But whether you're a commuter or hoping to embark on a long-awaited getaway, it is still possible to save money on your train journeys. Listen in for my money-saving travel tips, from finding cheaper alternate routes to exploring more diverse modes of transport. 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.

To help you plan your upcoming journeys, I give an overview of the rail disruptions to look out for and why they are happening.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's podcast comes to you from a rare London Underground train on a day when Tube workers are striking. I explain what the dispute is about, and what it will mean for passengers going forward.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 world has fundamentally changed in the last week as Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine has brought about unprecedented shifts in Europe and sanctions aimed at thwarting Russian plans effect everything from air routes to the cost of oil.In this episode of the podcast, I answer some listeners' questions about what impacts global events might have on travel plans around Europe as we all hope for peace.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.

Clean, green and convenient. Today I'm celebrating trams, and all the advantages they have over almost every other form of urban transport. And of all the cities providing tram networks, Melbourne is truly one of the best.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.

Russia has launched a military invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. I give an overview of how the Russian military operations are affecting the European airspace, and what this means for airlines already struggling to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.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.

Before booking the tickets for your next flight, one thing you may want to consider is the many benefits of cabin baggage. If decanting your body wash into 100ml bottles doesn't faze you, then it's worth checking the amount of cabin baggage allowed by your airline as it may be more generous than you expect. Be warned that bags are going missing in airports, so restricting yourself to cabin baggage could protect your belongings from the risk of being rummaged through by baggage handlers or stolen from the luggage carousel. Plus, freeing yourself from the baggage check-in queue could have a big impact on the overall cost of your tickets, and give you more options should any problems arise with your flight.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.