823 episodes
Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast The Independent
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- Society & Culture
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3.8 • 354 Ratings
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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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May 3rd - The Ghost of the Orient Express
I'm on the route of the (actually scheduled) Orient Express, 15 years after that legendary train last left Vienna to cross Germany into France overnight. My transport is an Austrian Railways Nightjet, destination Amsterdam and Hamburg. And I'm rather impressed ...
This podcast is free, as is the travel newsletter from The Independent. Sign up for it here.
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May 2nd - Lounging about with Rob Burgess
I'm still in Newcastle Airport admiring the recently opened three-tier lounge experience. It's a great place to catch up with Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent-flyer website, Head For Points. I picked his brains about what makes a good airport lounge experience, who's doing it right, wrong and what the modern lounge traveller is really looking for.
This podcast is free, as is the travel newsletter from The Independent. Sign up for it here.
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May 1st - Taking in the new frontier of passenger lounges
I'm in Newcastle, whose international airport is the venue for a world lounge first: three tiers, loosely corresponding to economy, business and first class travel. My guest in the Aspire lounge – or lounges – is David Collyer, Global Vice President of Executive Lounges at Swissport. He tells me his vision for the lounges and how it sets a possible path forward for other airports.
This podcast is free, as is the weekly newsletter of travel updates. Sign up for it here.
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April 30th - Track troubles: a preview of May's Rail disruptions
Today, from Euston Station, I explore the looming disruptions poised to challenge UK rail passengers this May. From Network Rail's engineering projects during the bank holiday to a series of planned strikes affecting key routes.
This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.
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April 29th - Heathrow strike insights: A day at Paddington station
Today's podcast brings you to Paddington Station, where I speak with passengers just off the Heathrow Express. Despite the ongoing UK Border Force strike, travellers report unexpectedly quick entries, highlighting the efficiency of e-gates and minimal queues.
This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
April 26th - From Italy's tracks: assessing UK's proposed rail reforms
In today’s podcast, I’m aboard an Italian train, reflecting on the Labour Party's vision for the UK's railways. From the comfortable and punctual Italian rails, we dive into the Labour Party’s initiatives to address the UK’s rail system issues.
This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Customer Reviews
Unfollowed until they stop the music
The music was doing my head in. I can’t understand who thought non-stop background music was a good idea. I also agree there are too many ads in proportion to the short duration of the actual show. But I do understand that news organisations have to figure out a way to monetise their products so I give them some forgiveness for that. But NOT THE MUSIC. I’m not coming back until they stop it.
Content pretty good, sometimes excellent. I love all the travel updates; train cancellations such. Schadenfreude?
Stop the background music
Yes there are far too many adverts but the background music is the most jarring thing about this show. Otherwise very useful and interesting podcast.
A pleasant informative podcast by a respected expert.
A most informative, balanced review of current developments and trends in the travel industry by the doyen of said industry.
As for the background music, I rather like it. Without doubt, when I listen, there can be no doubt which podcast it is.
Simon has an easy presentation manner which makes this a definite daily listen for me.