Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

In this gap between Christmas and the new year, the country's rail network undergoes a huge amount of engineering work. For those of us who are using trains during this time, planning journeys can be tricky. And, now, the Omicron Covid variant is causing even more issues.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.

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. This week between Christmas and New Year is always unique. Family coming and going, wondering what day it is... visiting the capital city? This is the perfect week to do it, so get out there!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.

Merry Christmas one and all and hopefully you've made it this far without needing to self-isolate and can share it with loved ones. In this episode, I'm explaining to those who've found themselves needing to travel on Christmas Day itself how you can do in the UK without needing to hitchhike.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 we approach Christmas Eve, I take a look at the state of play across roads, rail and air travel as those of us not isolating try to make our way to family and friends for Christmas. The railways are currently the most disrupted, with last minute cancellations due to coronavirus cases and looming railworks meaning it might be better to get away sooner rather than later.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 take you through the train timetables and the pressure points on service this Christmas time. With coronavirus cases rocketing, expect last minute cancellations on top of rail works and strike action - I'll take you through your rights as a consumer if it happens to you.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.

With restrictions being tightened across Europe and parts of the UK, but not England, Boris Johnson has announced before Christmas, I take a look at what your travel plans are currently looking like and what you should do if you find your destination suddenly changing guidance.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 restrictions tighten in the UK and across the world, I take a look at what the new travel rules may mean for your Christmas holidays and travel.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 the government have announced the raising of train fares in the new year. I take a look at the complicated world of rail fares and why they need to be increased, as well as how to get the best price for your travel.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.

France has announced that travellers from the UK will no longer be allowed, unless the person is a French national. I look at what you can and can't do with the new directive and how the immediate future of travel looks as Omicron's wave of infections take hold 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.

I'm at Gatwick airport, where a new route is a reason for celebration as Nequay becomes accessible from Gatwick airport. But should we be flying? I speak with Adam Wheatley, Managing Director of Eastern Airways. 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.