Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Nicholas and Karen Wood run Political Tours, which aims to help you "see the world like a reporter does". On their travel agenda this year: Mexico (the country, not the Gulf), Trieste to Rome in Italy, Ireland, Cyprus, Taiwan, and South Africa. But not currently Israel/Palestine, Russia, or Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's grim out there! Today I'm at London's Kings Cross station reporting on what might just be the worst weather-related travel chaos I've ever seen. There are cancellations and closures in the skies, on the railways and on the roads across the UK and Northern Ireland.If you're trying to travel today, this is essential listening!This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly podcast. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm still hearing views on Heathrow, today from John Strickland of JLS Consulting – who wonders if he will still be around when a third runway is built? As the Labour government inches nearer a decision, this political football that has been round and round may be reaching a conclusion. But we've said that before, haven't we?This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly podcast. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm back at Heathrow – where, as I discussed yesterday, reports suggest the third runway could be given the green light. Several developments since then: Environmentalist George Monbiot has revived calls for a frequent-flyer levy. easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis has said that his airline would only be interested in going in to Heathrow if it can do so at scale. And I speculate that "mixed mode" – landings and take-offs on both runways – could be brought in ahead of a third runway opening.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Labour backs airport expansion to boost growth, what’s the future of Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton?This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder chats with Matt Sims, host of the Motorhome Matt podcast, to uncover the secrets of hassle-free internet access while travelling. From budget-friendly hardware to choosing the best mobile data plans.This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Calder discusses the impact of Avanti West Coast's cancelled strike on Sunday, January 19th, which leaves most trains between Manchester and London running on a reduced schedule. Learn why reinstating services isn’t as simple as it seems and the ongoing challenges facing UK rail travel.This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m at London Heathrow Airport with my good friend Arvinder Singh Bahal, author of The Tireless Traveller, and one of the few people to visit every country on Earth. From skydiving above Mount Everest to navigating Turkmenistan visas, we discuss his incredible journeys across the globe.This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been subject to a Penalty Fare on a train, or even been prosecuted for allegedly travelling by train? If so, the Office of Rail and Road wants to hear from you. As Stephanie Tobyn, the organisation's Strategy, Policy & Reform Director told me, they are interested in understanding how the current rules are working.This podcast is free, as is The Independent Travel newsletter, which you can subscribe to here and have delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part two of my report from the west coast of Florida – and I am in Anna Maria Island, meeting independent retailers and the local oyster hero, as well as finding out about the secret life of dolphins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.