Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Strict travel restrictions are having a huge impact on the number of tourists in Australia, and local businesses are feeling the hit. But I find myself experiencing Sydney harbour in a way that no one has done in the modern era, almost entirely to myself.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.

Coming to you from Sydney Harbour, tourists seem to be far and few between. But it is more straightforward than you might think to travel to this lovely part of the world, so here are the latest entry requirements for travelling to Australia from the UK.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.

From commutes to holidays, Storm Eunice has caused devastation to millions of people's travel plans. Is severe weather becoming more of a frequent occurrence, and if so, how can we be better prepared next time? I explore the ways this can be achieved, from giving customers more notice about train cancellations and grounded planes, to being more efficient in organising compensation arrangements. Tweet me your suggestions @SimonCalder and if you do have to travel, take care.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.

Storm Eunice will create mayhem for travellers on the roads, railways and seas throughout the Southern half of the UK from around dawn on Friday 18th February. Most train operators are encouraging passengers to travel either today or after the storm has passed, warning of delays and fewer trains. A 50mph speed limit will also be imposed on rail services in affected areas due to safety concerns about debris falling onto the tracks. In Wales, all trains will be cancelled and ferries will also be affected, with links from Fishguard to Rosslare being cancelled. The Met Office has issued a Red Weather Warning for Storm Eunice, which is expected to cause winds in excess of 90mph. So if you do have to travel, be careful out there and stay safe.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 explain how the rise in fuel prices is affecting your plane tickets.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.

Railway companies are having to adapt to a myriad of changes in our travel patterns due to the coronavirus pandemic, from how we spend our holidays to our daily commute. I explain how railway companies have been impacted and how they are trying to recover.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 coronavirus pandemic has left car rental companies with a shortage of cars, meaning car rental prices are three times higher than usual. But never fear! Here are some useful tips to save you money on your travel plans this Valentine's Day. 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 taking the Eurostar, which has survived the Covid crisis despite being hit harder than any other transport undertaking. Join me as I explain the current rules around international travel and why Spain is winning my award for worst performance by any tourist-dependent country.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.

Covid tests for travellers returning to the UK have been scrapped at long last, which Grant Shapps has described as a "landmark moment for international travel". Join me in Northern Burgundy where I can tell you all you need to know about the latest updates on Covid-19 testing.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.

Paris is back on the tourist map as restrictions ease across Europe but on my first visit back to the French capital, I'm reminded of the complexity of getting round Charles De Gaulle airport. In this episode join me as I navigate my way through the Parisian airport and give you the lowdown on the best way to deal with it.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.