Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

In praise of daytime flights between the UK, the Gulf, South East Asia and Australia. Grab a proper night's sleep in each location along the way and arrive feeling human (as I very much didn't after the 13-hour flight to Singapore).Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hotels: why it's worth going "old school" and checking out a room before you take it. As well as asking if there's a wedding group booked in.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As another rail union calls another national strike, I'm despondent about the future of the railway.The train drivers’ union, Aslef, has announced a one-day strike at a dozen train operators on Saturday 26 November. The walk out will trigger widespread cancellations.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's travel podcast, I'm speaking to you from London's Elizabeth line on a strike day. Better than nothing, but could do better.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 the Manchester Metrolink, which three years ago was selected as one of the top five tram systems. Not sure I would rate it that highly.But from the Belgian coastal tram to Melbourne's free city-centre network, trundling along is a pleasure.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 the annual World Travel Market in London’s ExCel centre - back in full swing for the first time since the pandemic - where I’m looking at how a red tape tangle has ruined thousands of holiday plans to India.Before the pandemic, the vast majority of UK visitors entered India on an eVisa – a relatively simple online system.But when the nation opened up to tourism in February 2022, and the eVisa system was restored for over 150 countries, travellers from the UK were excluded.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rail strikes were called off on Friday afternoon. So why will disruption continue until Thursday morning? The rail industry is complicated and you can't just flick a switch and watch the trains come back to life.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I want to tell you about a new project from the travel desk at The Independent — Travel Smart.It's a brand new series of videos from the travel team that aims to provide viewers with all the information and inspiration they need to plan their next trip.Learn more about the first episode here: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/travel-smart-tv-show-launch-b2215105.htmlOf course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can find by signing up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is about celebrating the new €49 one-month ticket that provides access all areas on public transport in Germany.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I tell you the world’s busiest air routes around the world, according to a list compiled by the schedule analysts OAG – and they are very different compared with before the Covid pandemic.Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox by subscribing at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.