Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Next weekend, 15-18 March, will see the first closedown of a stretch of the M25 for engineering work. The shutdown of this critical piece of national infrastructure will cause problems for many travellers. What is the recommended diversion? (Don't even think about trying it.) How should you travel between Gatwick and Heathrow airport? On Thameslink and the Elizabeth Line, via Farringdon station in central London.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said Air Passenger Duty will increase beyond the rate of inflation for travellers who travel in all but the cheapest seats. I’m talking to Paul Charles, former Virgin Atlantic communications director – who doesn’t pull his punches about what it will do for the British travel industry.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up for it here and have it arrive in your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I explore British Airways' cautious return to Bangkok with limited service and compare it to the extensive offerings by Gulf carriers to Southeast Asia. Despite BA's modest re-entry, the move signifies a strategic step towards increased competition and choice for travelers. I also touch upon BA's full-scale return to Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the competitive landscape and alternatives for reaching popular Thai destinations like Phuket.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spoke with Marianna Oleskiv, chair of Ukraine's State Agency for Tourism Development, about the future of tourism in post-war Ukraine. She detailed the importance of domestic tourism during these times and the potential for international tourism to aid economic recovery once peace is restored, focusing on the natural and rural attractions awaiting global explorers.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I chatted with Martin Gilbert about revolutionising UK rail travel with open access services like LUMO and Hull Trains. We delved into their success in expanding access, fostering sustainability, and offering competitive fares, painting an optimistic future for rail innovation.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I had the pleasure of exploring the British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy's induction of 100 new cadets, including Jasmine, Maria, and Lux. This significant initiative highlights BA's dedication to fostering a diverse and skilled future pilot workforce, emphasising safety, innovation, and inclusivity. As these cadets begin their rigorous two-year training, it underscores the airline's commitment to shaping the future of aviation.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amy Leversidge, BALPA's pioneering general secretary, discusses the critical balance between technology and human expertise in aviation, expressing concerns over reduced crew proposals. She emphasises the importance of addressing air pollution for passenger safety and champions a more inclusive future for the industry.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wendy Wu's innovative approach transformed a personal travel setback into a thriving global business, Wendy Wu Tours. Expanding beyond Asia to new, unique destinations, the company champions sustainable, specialised travel, ensuring memorable experiences while prioritising environmental care and customer delight.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could your holiday flight cost more because of an inflight scare and a problem with contaminated “powder metal”? Delays in Boeing aircraft deliveries because of safety concerns, combined with an issue affecting some Airbus planes, mean some airlines are struggling to fulfill their planned operations. That could mean air fares in Europe will rise by as much as 10 percent, according to the boss of Europe’s biggest budget airline. So, should travelers book their summer flights now to avoid further fare hikes? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to today's independent travel podcast with me, Simon Calder. I have the great fortune to be looking at the Irish Sea from Skerries Beach, north of Dublin and the northernmost point of the Dublin Coastal Trail.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.