Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Today's podcast is brought to you from on board the surprise Florence Express after my delayed indirect train became a direct train – a minor Italian rail miracle. I'll talk you through how trains in Italy work, from ticketing (yes, you can book on Trainline) to high-speed competition. A nation where rail is really important – and a joy for the traveller.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m walking along the north coast of Sicily, between Capo d’Orlando and Brolo, to the accompaniment of some chirruping cicadas. Along the way, a rather fancy yacht marina and the ghostly peaks of the Aeolian islands. Sicily is the essence of the Mediterranean, and a gorgeous distillation of Italy.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here: http://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's podcast comes to you from a slow-moving security queue at Heathrow. Britain's biggest airport has extended its cap on departing passengers to the end of October, adding to wider uncertainty. And with British Airways' mass cancellations, it's a dismal summer for travellers.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I’m on board yet another delayed Air Canada flight. I don’t even know if there’s such a thing as an on-time departure on the Canadian national carrier but certainly, the experience of hopping around Canada has been much inferior to budget airlines in the UK.When flights are disrupted, passengers want to be kept informed. But on my series of late flights from Chicago to Montreal, Quebec City to Toronto, Winnipeg to Toronto, and Toronto to London - gate staff, cabin crew, and pilots have opted to keep quiet and let passengers stew. It’s a useful reminder that the likes of EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair are generally good at communication.Other Canadian airlines, such as Air Transat and WestJet, are available.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm stepping out from the absolutely gorgeous 1930s Ambassador Hotel and into the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As I do so, I share with you my best tips for booking hotels and what you can do to get yourself the best possible deal.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulling out of Detroit by rail, you really get a glimpse of America hurtling by. As I made my way to Chicago, you can see the ghosts of suburbs long gone, forests and woodland and a slightly archaic train system in operation. Here's what to be aware of if you're making your way by train in America.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that you can get every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the shining examples of America's post-war optimism and wealth creation as millions chased the American Dream, Detroit has fallen on rather hard times of late. It's fall from grace is well documented, but my visit to the home of motown has left me wondering where the soul is now.Of course this podcast is free, as is my newsletter that is available every Friday. Sign up here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I have just checked out of The Clarence Park hostel in central Toronto, which is a joy – on a budget.In today's podcast, I talk to you about the opportunities that hostels offer when travelling. If you don’t want to pay too much for your trip, then it's your best bet!Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’ve travelled 100 miles north from Quebec City to the thoroughly intriguing city of Saguenay. As you approach, you drive through the usual North American suburban tedium – and suddenly find yourself on the shore of a fjord that runs east to the St Lawrence River. A waterside boardwalk takes you towards a compelling industrial archaeological site. The old papermill is now a museum, while the ruins of an early hydroelectric project on “Electric Island” are at the centre of a thrilling urban park.Of course this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swimming in the rain, I've just been swimming in the rain. Quebec City has created something special at the docks this summer: L’Oasis. This an Olympic-sized swimming pool in the port, where you bathe in the water of the St Lawrence River. It is quite the most exhilarating urban experience I have had in a long time. An entire dock has been filled with the essentials for a top-class swimming pool: boardwalks, proper lanes and a children’s area. It’s a little rudimentary, but the water is tested each day for cleanliness and the temperature is entirely agreeable. Let’s hope it becomes a summer regular – and that other cities pick up the idea.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.