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Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent for the London Independent and Matthew Mcconnell, editor of Outsider.ie
Simon Calder is a household name in Britain, popping up on our TV screens and radio stations when a big travel story hits the headlines. Here he tells us the story of how he fell in love with traveling, names some of his favourite destinations in the UK and beyond, explains why travel has become easier since he started out as a journalist, and gives his verdict on the ethical questions facing travellers.
Travel journalist Simon Calder talks to Nolan.
Travel requirements for British citizens visiting the E.U. are changing as part of the new entry-exit system. Travellers will see the introduction of the European travel information and authorization scheme (Etias). British holidaymakers will need to apply online and pay a fee of €20, before travelling within the E.U. We discuss further with Simon Calder, Travel correspondent with The Independent UK.
Today I'm joined once again by one of the UK's most trusted and best-loved travel experts - Simon Calder. You'll know him as the Independent's travel correspondent, a familiar face on TV and radio, and the go-to voice when travel chaos strikes - whether it's air traffic control meltdowns or passport expiry panics. But beyond the headlines, Simon is also a true adventurer, with an insatiable curiosity for the world and a lifelong love of the open road, rails and skies.It's been a five years since Simon last joined me on the podcast, and in that time, so much has changed - not just in the world of travel, but in the way we think about where we go, how we get there, and why we travel in the first place. So today's episode is something of a global catch-up. From discovering the ancient cities of Algeria and the wild islands of the Antarctic, to cycling the Danube and family holidays on the beaches of Poland, Simon shares his latest discoveries, surprising favourites, and some underrated gems that might just change your next holiday plans.We'll talk about the rise of slow travel and destinations that deserve the spotlight. Plus, he'll be offering his signature no-nonsense travel tips, and sharing the far-flung destinations still lingering on his bucket list. Destination Recap:BorneoAntarcticaSouth GeorgiaAlgeriaConstantine, AlgeriaThe AzoresLebanonSocotra, Yemen Cape Verde Tbilisi, GeorgiaGhanaSierra Leone Sopot, PolandGdansk, Poland Cycling the Danube River, Regensburg, Germany to Vienna, AustriaWild Atlantic Way, IrelandCo. Donegal, IrelandNepalMadagascarUkraineLe Marche, Italy Simon discusses his top tips for summer holidays after new research from Tesco Travel Money found 2 in 5 travellers are being caught short of cash abroad. You can find out more about Tesco Travel Money by visiting https://www.tescotravelmoney.com/ With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to find out who is joining me on next week's episode come and follow me on Instagram I'm @hollyrubenstein, and you'll also find me on TikTok - I'd love to hear from you. And if you can't wait until then, remember there's the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From having just one small plane in the mid-1980s Ryanair now flies nearly 200 million passengers a year. It flies 3,600 flights a day, on 618 planes, through 230 airports in 37 different countries, Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent at The Independent in London, takes a look at the airline's history.
Simon Calder, Travel Editor at The Independent (UK), joins Lunchtime Live to make the case for abolishing traditional airline check-ins—and what it would mean for future travel.Listen here.
Kevin Byrne, retired Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel and airport security and safety auditor and Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent for the London Independent
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent for the London Independent
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent for the London Independent
Simon Calder, Travel Editor with the London Independent.
Heathrow Airport has been shut all day after an "unprecedented" fire hit a nearby substation. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the blaze, with thousands of people affected by plane cancellations and power cuts. On the Sky News Daily, Rob Powell talks to The Independent's travel writer Simon Calder about how airports prepare for an emergency. He also talks to Sky's data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire about how one fire closed Europe's biggest airport and what lessons can be learned. Podcast producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Philly Beaumont
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent for the London Independent // Maura Fay, RTÉ Reporter at Dublin Airport // Brian O'Connell, RTÉ Reporter at Cork Airport // Shelagh Fogarty, LBC presenter who was meant to be flying to Shannon today // Paul Charles, the head coach with London Amateur Irish Rugby Club
At least 1,300 flights are expected to be cancelled due to a "significant power outage across Heathrow airport. We get the latest on the situation with Claire Boad, Bauer Media London Reporter is at the power station where the fire broke out, Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager for the DAA. Also joining Ciara this morning was Simon Calder, Travel Editor, The London Independent.
At least 1,300 flights are expected to be cancelled due to a "significant power outage across Heathrow airport. We get the latest on the situation with Claire Boad, Bauer Media London Reporter is at the power station where the fire broke out, Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager for the DAA. Also joining Ciara this morning was Simon Calder, Travel Editor, The London Independent.
Simon Calder, Travel Editor, London Independent Sarah Morris, Freelance journalist in Spain
In this episode of Motorhome Matt, travel expert Simon Calder joins Matt to share his thoughts on motorhomes, European travel rules, and the latest disruptions in the travel industry. While Simon loves the idea of adventure, he reveals why his own motorhome experience was short-lived. What went wrong? Tune in to find out. Simon also unpacks the upcoming ETIAS and EES travel regulations, explaining how they will impact motorhome travellers heading to Europe. With rumours of delays and confusion over what's required, will these rules actually come into effect soon, or is it all just unnecessary panic? In the news, Matt and Keith discuss a major gas recall, exclusive discounts for the NEC Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2025, and a stunning campsite in Portugal that could be your next dream destination. And in the Q&A, Matt tackles your biggest motorhome questions. Can you legally run a diesel heater from an external fuel tank? How do you fix a jammed Thetford toilet flap? What's the process for upping a motorhome's weight limit? He's got the answers. ✅ MOTORHOME MATT APPROVED Services, products and educational resources used and approved by Motorhome Matt mhmp.info/approved
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent at The Independent, reacts to Boom Technology's supersonic jet breaking the sound barrier.
On this episode of The Journal Podcast we're discussing the travel industry and the important role insurance plays in helping us explore the world. We are joined by travel journalist and broadcaster, Simon Calder, and Gary Murphy,head of travel at Gigasure, and has has more than 20 years' experience in the travel insurance profession.
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.
Today is a special interview with Mark Smith – the train travel expert also known as ‘The Man in Seat 61'. We discuss his background; how he came to set up his website seat61.com; his views on the best routes to the Alps by train; the trend towards night trains; plus whether there will ever be competition for Eurostar on the cross-channel line. Intersport Ski Hire Discount Code If you're heading to the Alps this winter, then you can save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout. SHOW NOTES Seat61.com is a multiple award-winning website with more than 1m visitors per month (2:00) Why is it called ‘Seat 61'? (2:30) What prompted you to start the site in 2001? (4:15) Mark has worked full time on Seat61.com since 2007 (7:00) Iain took the ‘Flight Free Pledge' to take no flights in 2024 (8:45) Why should people travel by train? (9:00) Come for the carbon savings, stay for the joy of travelling by train (9:15) “We're in danger of creating a world where every single journey is an identical non-experience at 30,000 feet and life's too short not to grab every experience when you get the chance.” (11:30) Listen to Iain's report on the Eurostar Snow Train (13:00) Will Eurostar ever bring back that direct service? (13:30) Or that they might increase the number of rotations? (15:45) Will we see competition to Eurostar on the cross-channel HS1 line? (18:00) Virgin are interested in starting as a competitor to Eurostar (18:30) When will the line from Paris to Turin open again? (21:00) Taking the train to Italian ski resorts (23:00) Taking the train to Austria (24:00) Taking the train to Norway (25:00) The Caledonian Sleeper is ‘Best train in the UK' according to Mark (26:00) Simon Calder and Mark raced to Edinburgh in a plane v. train race (27:30) Night trains are becoming more popular (28:30) OBB's ‘Nightjet' service is the biggest operator of night trains in Europe (29:30) The Nightjet to Innsbruck departs from Amsterdam (31:00) Listen to Iain's interview with Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper (31:30) Mark will be on the inaugural European Sleeper service (32:30) Boutique operators include Snälltåget and European Sleeper (33:30) How do you keep the costs of train travel down? (35:00) When is Interrail better value than point-to-point tickets? (37:00) Why do you have to wait to three months beforehand until you can book trains? (38:30) Iain will be travelling to Sicily on the only train ferry left in Europe (40:45) Is it possible to travel from Portugal to Singapore by train? (42:00) Take the plunge, you'll love it! (44:00) “Collectively we are racing through spectacular landscapes, covering a mile every 40 seconds, using Victorian infrastructure to the full and causing minimal environment harm. The rail traveller is in touch with the world.” Feedback I enjoy all feedback about the show, I'm always interested to hear what you think, so please do contact me on social @theskipodcast or by email theskipodcast@gmail.com Dan Trapp: "Keep up the great work. And have a great season!" Alex Nevill (BMAC): "Love this podcast, always gets me in the mood for the ski season" There are now 245 episodes of The Ski Podcast to catch up with and a whopping 202 of those were listened to in the last week. There is so much to listen to in our back catalog, just go to theskipodcast.com and have a look around - you're bound to find something that sparks your interest. If you like the podcast, there are three things you can do to help: 1) Follow us. Just take a look for that button and press it now 2) Give us a review or just leave a comment on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 3) Book your ski hire with Intersport Rent using the code ‘SKIPODCAST' or take this link You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast
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.
Bradford begins its year as the UK City of Culture with an extraordinary opening event on January 10th. Simon Calder speaks with Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of the program, about the city's rich industrial heritage, stunning architecture, and diverse culture. From the Brontës' wild moors to the newly reopened Science and Media Museum, Bradford promises a year of artistic innovation and exploration.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.
Amid headlines warning of skyrocketing airfares due to a new "flight tax," Simon Calder unpacks the reality of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate. It's not a tax, nor Labour's policy, but a step towards greener aviation adopted under Conservative leadership.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.
Mark Smith, the Man in Seat 61, joins Simon Calder to unravel the myth of a 13-country rail journey. They discuss the route's logistical impossibilities, the story's viral origins, and how it fuels excitement for international train 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.
Simon Calder, Travel journalist and broadcaster, Áine Kinsella, Director, Irish Sea Contractors, subsea engineering specialists and Ger Hyland, Irish Road Haulage Association president.
Simon Calder, Travel journalist and broadcaster and Nick Squires, Rome Correspondent with The Telegraph
Travel journalist Simon Calder joins us with the latest
Simon Calder and Mick Webb compare their recent lofty experiences in Nepal and La Gomera respectively.
Discover why British travelers are seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, how TikTok is transforming the way people book trips, and why sports tourism is booming. This panel session from Brand USA's Travel Week 2024 provides a data-driven look into new consumer trends for 2025. Panelists are Simon Calder, Travel Journalist and Broadcaster; Nicky Kelvin, Senior Director of Content at The Points Guy; and Angelique Miller, Vice President at Expedia Group Media Studio. Moderated by Tania Bryer, anchor at CNBC International.
This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg - from The Peninsula Hotel in Shanghai. Peter sits down with Keith Bradsher from the New York Times - with a situation report on the post pandemic world in Shanghai. Then, Peter chats with Simon Calder from The Independent in London for an update on the return of travel to China. Finally, Historian Patrick Cragley stops by with some insight into the enduring story, architecture, and style of Shanghai as well as the efforts to preserve it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week's Eye on Travel Podcast with Peter Greenberg - from The Peninsula Hotel in Shanghai. Peter sits down with Keith Bradsher from the New York Times - with a situation report on the post pandemic world in Shanghai. Then, Peter chats with Simon Calder from The Independent in London for an update on the return of travel to China. Finally, Historian Patrick Cragley stops by with some insight into the enduring story, architecture, and style of Shanghai as well as the efforts to preserve it all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has called for alcohol limits in airports to tackle a rise in disorderly behaviour on flights. Travel journalist Simon Calder tells us more.
John Lichfield, Paris based correspondent & Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster
As the summer holidays kick off and people plan for journeys far and near, Sheila explores what food is provided on trains and at train stations across the country. A new report by the Office for Road and Rail suggests passengers pay around 10 per cent more for food inside stations, where catering leases often roll over automatically with limited opportunities for new food businesses to enter the market. Sheila finds out who the biggest players are in rail food and speaks to a range of people from station operators, food retailers and train companies to find out: is train food as bad as it once was? Not many people spend their lives in constant motion, but travel writer Caroline Eden is one of them. Sheila shares a train picnic with Caroline on the train line leading up to Scotland's walking country, and hears stories of food shared and meals eaten on remote routes during Caroline's travels through Central Asia and beyond. Pasties are one of Caroline's favourite journey foods, and she's not alone. From the tin miners of Cornwall's past to their omnipresence at stations today, pasties might just be one of the UK's longest-standing foods eaten on the move. Sheila also hears from travel correspondent Simon Calder, reporting from a station cafe on the Swiss-Italian border, with his perspective on how train catering has changed and his top tops for eating well on the move. How does food on trains compare in other countries and is there anything we can learn from the food cultures of others? Tokyo food tour host Yukari Sakamoto explains the tradition of Japan's Bento boxes, nutritious, freshly-cooked boxed meals bought at stations and eaten on trains across the country. Presented by Sheila Dillon and produced by Nina Pullman for BBC Audio in Bristol.
Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster
Babbling Biden begins to take scorn from the Democrat press pen as they question his health, Simon Calder brings us joy from the sunny Black Forest in Germany whilst Mike is updated on the horrific children's hospital bombing in Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paul Hawksbee was joined by Andy Jacobs for this afternoons podcast. They were joined by Stan Collymore giving us his England debrief! We were also joined by Simon Calder giving us his travel advice in Germany. We also had a clips of the month. Enjoy ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Holiday rights, flight changes and insurance - Travel experts Simon Calder and Angela Taylor share advice and answer questions.Summer is a popular time for house moves. Whether you are a first time buyer or thinking of selling up – Solicitor Simon Murray is in studio with what you need to know on the legals and costs.We help a listener with a refund after she was stuck due to a cancelled flight on her way back from a pilgrimage and we hear about how a cancelled flight has meant a family's dream cruise is costing more than they bargained for.
Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster
Paul Hawksbee and Andy Jacobs are joined by former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore to discuss England's 1-0 win over Serbia in their opening Euros game. TalkSPORT's Shebahn Aherne talks all things Scotland, Simon Calder gives listeners the best way to travel to and around Germany during the tournament! And finally, Adrian Durham joins the show to discuss the England game, now the dust has settled... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster
Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster
Simon Calder, Travel Editor with The London Independent and Kevin Byrne, former Air Corps Lieutenant Colonel
And what's your opinion on tipping etiquette? Simon Calder tells us his thoughts.
Lee Anderson and his pals have thrown their toys out of the pram – we unpack the latest Tory fallout. Plus, Houthi rebel strikes across Red Sea shipping lanes have led to counterstrikes from the UK and the US militaries. How has that action been justified and what's the danger of escalation? And, leading transport commentator Simon Calder joins the panel to give his thoughts on the UK's travel networks – the good, the bad and the ugly. • “It felt like ‘we've bombed this and this is why we did it' and it doesn't feel like that's how it should be in a democracy.” – Ros Taylor • “I'm not sure David Cameron is getting all 8 hours at night.” – Zoe Grunewald • “Everything is simply decided now it seems by Number 10 on what is most expedient politically.” – Simon Calder • ”There is simply no appetite for rail and that is why we're going into such a long spiral of decline, it is absolutely miserable.” – Simon Calder We're on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Zoe Grunewald and guest Simon Calder. Producer: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Travel meets football in our guide to the 2024 Euros. Discover where to go, when to book and what to see in Simon Calder's essential guide to next year's football feast across the length and breadth of Germany.
Mike Graham is back and he's back with a Bang. Conservative MP joins Mike to discuss the rules for refugees and what you claim to be to get asylum in the country looking ahead to Suella Braverman's Speech. Leon Emirali is in to kick off the show covering why HS2 seems to have its journey cut for only ... Birmingham, how Sunak's Net Zero delay did in fact win in his favor, plus how many more workers are taking an average of 7.8 days off work...for sickness and so much more. Sir John Redwood pops by to tell Mike how the Bank Of England could be using your hard-earned taxes to cover their losses. Tony Long is in to chat about the armed officers in London, why they protested for their college, and what that means for future police officers. Finally Certified member of the Independent Republic, Travel Correspondent, Simon Calder joins Mike to give an update about why Gatwick Airport seems to be canceling flights over covid... yes you read correctly. All of that and so much more, only on The Independent Republic of Mike Graham! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kate Adie introduces stories from the Occupied Territories, the Mediterranean Sea, Ukraine, California and Algeria. After violent clashes in Jenin last week, an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal seems as remote as its ever been. And with some Arab states now normalising relations with Israel, some observers say it is a sign some countries want to move on from the Palestinian cause. Jeremy Bowen hears one view that international support for a Palestinian state might eventually disappear from view, like the once ubiquitous Free Tibet movement has done in recent years. But, he says, a new generation of angry, desperate young Palestinians are driven to continue fighting their cause, whether the world is on their side or not. Almost 2000 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe this year. But as Alice Cuddy found on a ship that had just rescued young migrants from The Gambia, the deaths do not seem to deter desperate teenage boys and young men from seeking a better life. The breach of the Karkhovka dam in Ukraine caused catastrophic flooding. But as the vast reservoir emptied, elements of the region's local history that had long been submerged began to see the light of day again. Vitaliy Shevchenko explores how Ukraine's fight for its future, is shedding new light on its past too. Californian officials have recommended the payment of reparations to the descendants of enslaved Africans, for slavery and for the effects of racial discrimination. Chelsea Bailey meets one family seeking justice, after local authorities in Palm Springs burned down their family home back in the 1960s. Algeria boasts beautiful landscapes, old Kasbahs and well-preserved Roman ruins. But unlike other Mediterranean countries, it has hardly any tourists. Why not? Simon Calder has been to Algeria and has some answers. Producer: Arlene Gregorius Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
As further strike action hits air, road, and rail over Christmas, we discuss the implications with the the country's most recognised travel journalist Simon Calder, and Radio 2's travel reporter Bobbie Pryor. Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge talks about how business is going as food prices rise, and gives his best Christmas recipes on a budget. And Scotland makes history in passing a bill that makes it easier to change your legal gender. This episode of Newscast is presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Alix Pickles and Phil Marzouk. The studio manager was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Alison Gee.