Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

The Independent

Simon Calder is the Independent’s travel correspondent, the UK’s leading travel journalist. From news updates to discussions with experts, Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast will bring you all you need to know from the world of travel.

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1,358 episodes
Updated May 29

Episodes1358

Newest first

May 29 · 8 min
Time travel to 1970s Germany in a new film: Koln 75
It's just a great breeding ground for culture, for exciting music
May 28 · 11 min
What is happening with the EU entry-exit system and the Etias permit?
Get up to speed with the help of data sleuth Dr Nick Brown, who believes that in time the EES will work well – but adds a warning or two about Etias. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 27 · 8 min
The story behind a hotel revolution: Yotel!
My guest today is Simon Woodroffe – the entrepreneur behind household names including YO! Sushi and Yotel, and also one of the original Dragons on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. He has been telling me about the travel aspects of his career: founding Yotel, sailing the South Pacific and creating an eco-resort in Thailand. His autobiography, YO! Man, is published on 4 June 2026 by Whitefox Publishing. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 26 · 5 min
Travel Desk Tuesday: Taxi prices in Tuscany and the EU entry-exit system
Senior travel writer Natalie Wilson has just returned from her first trip to Tuscany and Umbria. She tells of being quoted €1,000 for a cab ride in Italy, and reports on her experiences of the EU entry-exit system. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 25 · 6 min
What is the future for international rail travel in Europe?
The European President has set out her vision for more integrated rail travel across Europe. Mark Smith, the international rail guru known as The Man in Seat 61, explains how ticketing appears to have gone backwards over the decades – but holds out some hope that rail travellers could be as protected in the event of disruption as airline passengers. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22 · 7 min
Mississippi, land of the Blues
Most interesting to visit in terms of the civil rights trail is Greenwood
May 21 · 7 min
How will your Bank Holiday weekend journey or summer flight turn out?
Lots to be aware of this bank holiday weekend and through the summer
May 20 · 7 min
See the magnificent coast of Norway from the local ferry
It's different scenery, different excursion opportunities, and so on
May 19 · 8 min
Touching distance to Russia – Travel Desk Tuesday
I do hope there is some possibility in the future of being able to see it
May 18 · 5 min
The best of Armenia in six minutes flat
The Armenia that we have today is nowhere close to the Armenia we had in 1990s
May 15 · 10 min
Hope for better public transport in Derbyshire's Hope Valley – "Mini Switzerland"
Transport expert Thomas Ableman has been telling me about his vision for “joined-up” mobility in the UK – giving people the freedom to live without a car, even in a small village. “Mini Switzerland” is a project to bring Swiss-style integrated public transport to rural England – and to demonstrate that dovetailing buses with trains can boost ridership and the local economy, while increasing options for residents and visitors. This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14 · 7 min
Should you plan a trip to Pakistan?
Speak to the locals and work with a local tour operator
May 13 · 8 min
90 days until it goes dark during the day – with the 2026 total solar eclipse
That night, August the 12th, is the maximum of the annual Perseid meteor shower
May 12 · 6 min
Over from Dover: how is the EU entry-exit system working at the UK's main ferry port?
It's a very flexible operation down here
May 11 · 5 min
UK visitors will get fast-track entry to Greece until better solution is found, minister tells me
We really want our travellers to have the best experience
May 8 · 8 min
How to cope with long-haul flights
I have absolutely no idea what is going on
May 7 · 7 min
Holidays are very important to people from a psychological and welfare point of view
People are continuing to book their holidays for the summer
May 6 · 6 min
Who would ever want to work in the travel industry in these difficult days?
If you're looking to go away in the summer, now is the time
May 5 · 7 min
En suite bathrooms in First Class – bunk beds in Economy?
I think with flying comes a bit of discomfort and I've accepted that
May 4 · 6 min
Hantavirus, flight cancellations, EU entry-exit system and Venezuela
Holiday flights will be going ahead as normal according to Easy Jet to Whiz Air to Jet2 and to Ryanair