Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

Even in the third summer since the start of the Covid pandemic, many traps await the unwary traveller. One of the strangest, to my mind, is the new requirement from the Canadian authorities for a post-arrival test for a random selection of travellers, including international visitors. Anyone who tests positive must go into 10 days of hotel quarantine. I got through Montreal airport successfully, but I’ve been hearing from people who were chosen...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.

And the winner of the worst flight of 2022 goes to Air Canada flight AC8968 from Chicago to Montreal. We join Simon on board at 2am after they have been waiting half-an-hour for an airbridge, extending the delay to three hours.This podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter, which you can sign up for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In praise of the impromptu airport lounge: from his usual perch at Pret à Manger, overlooking the runway at Luton airport, Simon recommends the pre-boarding experience at Caffe Nero at Heathrow Terminal 5; Wagamama in North Terminal at Gatwick; and Wetherspoon’s at Stansted.Of course, this podcast is free, as is Simon's weekly newsletter which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Airways has announced that there will be no chance to book short-haul flights until August 16th at the very least, in a bid to keep themselves under the passenger cap at Heathrow airport and to try and stop the chaos that has befallen those of us looking to get away this summer. The removal of bookings doesn't mean that the flights pre-booked won't be happening, thankfully, but I take a look at what British Airways announcement means and what your options are when trying to book your trip abroad.Of course, this podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is a tale of two French-speaking nations, France and Canada – and their very different attitudes to travel and Covid.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m speaking to you from gate B 14 at Naples International Airport in Italy and taking you through my experience of travelling through Italian airports this week.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m in the bay of Naples where I take you through a few of the ferry routes that used to run from the UK to ports in Continental Europe.Of course, this podcast is free, much like my newsletter that you can have arrive in your inbox every Friday. Sign up at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I stroll through a scenic (if slightly noisy) Ponza, I take you through some of my favourite Italian islands. 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 of 1 June, Covid-19 restrictions on entering Italy have been lifted.I’m in Rome to give you an update on the travel experience from London Heathrow to the Italian capital, which all felt very relaxed compared with the last time I visited during the Covid pandemic.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tourist traffic is now flowing freely through Dover and Folkestone after widespread long delays during the main getaway weekend. Ministers have blamed the French authorities for failing to deploy more border staff to fulfil the more onerous post-Brexit rules to which the UK asked to be subject and I examine what British passport holders must now have done with their travel documents. The next steps of this implementation doesn't bode well either, which are due to be introduced in May 2023, as they will involve more red tape. The good news: passport stamping will end. The bad news: every traveller must be fingerprinted and provide a facial biometric.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe for at https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.