Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast The Independent

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.
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 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.
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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.

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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. 
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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. 
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Join me, Simon Calder, in today’s travel podcast as I navigate the newly implemented entry fee at Venice's Santa Lucia Station. This fee, targeting daytrippers with a €5 charge on peak days, aims to reduce overcrowding and preserve the city’s heritage. I provide a firsthand account of the inaugural day, including reactions at the checkpoint and insights from local officials on how this fee might reshape tourism in Venice.
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