The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

The Telegraph
The Telegraph
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Join veteran travel journalist Simon Calder for an exciting new adventure - The Travel Expert, a new weekly podcast from the Telegraph. Alongside fellow travel writer Greg Dickinson, Simon will explore destinations from the Alps to Zanzibar, plus the inside track on the latest travel news - and importantly, how it all affects your next trip.  And Simon and Greg will answer your burning questions, from the cheapest ways to travel around Greece to whether airline points are really worth it.  Unpack the biggest stories shaping the world of travel, every Friday - with The Travel Expert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    Exposed: The terrifying risk of lithium batteries exploding on planes

    Following a high-stakes experiment at a laboratory in Warwick, Greg reveals why airlines are so terrified of lithium battery fires - and the essential safety rules you need to know before you fly. Plus, we explore the world’s first round-the-world holiday by private jet. At £173,000, we discuss whether it’s the ultimate bucket-list trip, or if there are far more affordable ways to see the globe without the six-figure budget. And, dealing with a potential "passport catastrophe" for travel between Britain and Ireland, this week Simon and Greg dissect whether the seamless travel era is coming to an end. As ever, the team answers your travel questions, including a reader's search for the perfect family villa holiday in 2027 that doesn't break the bank. Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Let The Telegraph Travel newsletter from Simon Calder be your guide to inspiring destinations at home and around the globe. Every week, Simon and our team of experts will send you the latest news, features, opinion and advice. Sign up here: http://telegraph.co.uk/travelnewsletter Video Producer: Carla Mercer Producer: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Head of Travel: Ben Ross Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Highlights: Passport catastrophe: Is the end of seamless travel to Ireland finally here?£173k for a private jet tour: Bucket-list adventure or overhyped extravagance? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Exposed: The terrifying risk of lithium batteries exploding on planes

  2. Aug 21

    The forgotten corners of Spain hungry for more tourists

    Looking for a quick getaway? This week, Simon and Greg dive into the rise of the “micro-cation” - the trend of squeezing maximum adventure into minimum time, and whether it’s a sustainable way to travel. Plus, with bank holiday weekend approaching, they share essential advice on avoiding sky-high last-minute fares and finding the best deals for a final summer escape before the rain returns. And we're joined by The Telegraph's Spain expert Nuria Cremer-Vazquez to discuss why, as visitor numbers hit record highs, it’s time to look beyond the usual hotspots to discover the untapped potential of northern Spain, from the culinary delights of the Basque country to the secret regions of La Rioja. As ever, Greg and Simon answer your travel questions. This week they discuss the rules on taking walking poles in hand luggage and share their recommendations for Graham’s search for the best Canary Islands destination. Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Let The Telegraph Travel newsletter from Simon Calder be your guide to inspiring destinations at home and around the globe. Every week, Simon and our team of experts will send you the latest news, features, opinion and advice. Sign up here: http://telegraph.co.uk/travelnewsletter Video Producer: Carla Mercer Producer: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Head of Travel: Ben Ross Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Highlights: The rise of the micro-cation: travel trend or extreme day trip?Beyond the overtourism: exploring the forgotten corners of Spain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The forgotten corners of Spain hungry for more tourists

  3. Aug 14

    Will you soon be catching an overnight train direct from Scotland to Paris? Plus the rewards (and risks) of taking a gap year

    All aboard! This week, Simon and Greg debate the future of rail travel as we examine the feasibility of a direct overnight train from Scotland to France. Plus they look at further Eurostar developments—including the upcoming stop in Antwerp. Plus following the recent solar eclipse, Simon and Greg share their essential intel for your future eclipse-chasing adventures, from the best spots to catch the 2027 “eclipse of the century” in southern Spain or north Africa, to the 2030 event on the Skeleton Coast. And if you have someone in your life who got their A-level results, you may be interested to hear The Travel Expert guide to the modern gap year. As ever, Greg and Simon answer your travel questions. This week they discuss independent travel in Barbados and recommendations for LGBT-friendly holiday destinations for winter sun. Plus, why you would be a ‘Canny Lass’ to explore Newcastle by river. Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Let The Telegraph Travel newsletter from Simon Calder be your guide to inspiring destinations at home and around the globe. Every week, Simon and our team of experts will send you the latest news, features, opinion and advice. Sign up here: http://telegraph.co.uk/travelnewsletter Video Producer: Carla Mercer Producer: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Head of Travel: Ben Ross Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Highlights: The rewards (and risks) of taking a gap yearEdinburgh to Paris direct? The grand plans for Britain’s international rail network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will you soon be catching an overnight train direct from Scotland to Paris? Plus the rewards (and risks) of taking a gap year

  4. Aug 7

    100ml airport rules were ‘security theatre’ all along

    It has been 20 years since the 100ml liquid restrictions were first introduced at airports, and many travellers are asking the same question: when will it finally come to an end? This week, Simon and Greg look at why the rule persists, the confusing inconsistency between airports, and what the future of aviation security actually looks like. We also examine Gatwick’s second runway, which has officially been given the go-ahead, clearing the path for a massive £2.2 billion expansion. From the potential for cheaper flights and slot availability to the serious concerns raised by local residents regarding noise and air quality, we explore what the project really means for your future travel plans, and whether this long-debated expansion will actually deliver on its promises or simply bring years of disruption. We also turn our attention to the growing disruption impacting your river cruises, as Europe’s hot, dry summer lowers water levels on major rivers. We investigate your essential rights: can you claim compensation if your luxury cruise unexpectedly turns into a coach trip, and which routes are still reliable choices for your next getaway? As always, Simon and Greg answer your pressing travel questions, including the best areas to stay for a first-time trip to Istanbul and advice on flying long-haul with young children. Plus, we share a final tip on catching the upcoming eclipse in Spain. Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Let The Telegraph Travel newsletter from Simon Calder be your guide to inspiring destinations at home and around the globe. Every week, Simon and our team of experts will send you the latest news, features, opinion and advice. Sign up here: http://telegraph.co.uk/travelnewsletter Video Producer: Carla Mercer Producer: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Head of Travel: Ben Ross Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Highlights: 100ml airport rules were ‘security theatre’ all alongGatwick’s second runway has officially been given the go-ahead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    100ml airport rules were ‘security theatre’ all along

  5. Jul 31

    British travellers advised to prepare ‘evacuation grab bags’ during holidays

    With wildfires causing disruption across Europe, this week’s episode focuses on your essential rights if your holiday destination becomes a disaster zone. Simon and Greg break down what you can do if travel plans are affected and share crucial evacuation advice from the British Red Cross to ensure you are prepared. Elsewhere in the news this week, the anti-tourism protests in Mallorca. Are the protesters' concerns valid, and should you be worried if you have a trip booked this summer? And we take a deep dive into the Unesco World Heritage List. What is the impact of "museumification" on these sites, and are some of the new additions - from yodelling to bagpiping - actually necessary? As always, Simon and Greg answer your pressing travel questions, including a recommendation for a quieter side of Corfu. Plus, we highlight the exciting new Eurostar connection to Antwerp. Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Let The Telegraph Travel newsletter from Simon Calder be your guide to inspiring destinations at home and around the globe. Every week, Simon and our team of experts will send you the latest news, features, opinion and advice. Sign up here: http://telegraph.co.uk/travelnewsletter Video Producer: Carla Mercer Producer: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Head of Travel: Ben Ross Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    British travellers advised to prepare ‘evacuation grab bags’ during holidays

  6. Jul 24

    Ryanair ‘will not wait for anybody’ as Britons prepare for summer of border chaos

    In this week’s episode, Simon and Greg speak exclusively to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary as he warns British travellers that his airline won't wait for passengers caught up in passport queues this summer. They also discuss the harrowing mid-air emergency on a flight from Greece to Germany where a cabin window shattered and a passenger was partially pulled through the window. Moving from airport border chaos to airline rules, O’Leary launches a fiery attack on the European Parliament over new hand luggage regulations, and calls for the UK government to scrap Air Passenger Duty. Let The Telegraph Travel newsletter from Simon Calder be your guide to inspiring destinations at home and around the globe. Every week, Simon and our team of experts will send you the latest news, features, opinion and advice. Sign up here: http://telegraph.co.uk/travelnewsletter Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Video Producer: Carla Mercer Producer: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Head of Travel: Ben Ross Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ryanair ‘will not wait for anybody’ as Britons prepare for summer of border chaos

  7. Jul 17

    The best (and worst) Greek islands

    As Simon dials in from a taverna on the island of Patmos, this week’s episode focuses on the best ways to explore the Greek islands. Where is best for a luxury escape or a family getaway, and what is the best possible island-hopping itinerary?   And after a hectic 48 hours in Dubai, Greg shares his findings as geopolitical tensions ramp up in the Gulf. He found cut-price hotels, stoic locals, mobile phone missile alerts, but not too many British tourists as the mercury hit 45C.   Elsewhere in the news this week, Simon reveals that Heathrow has lost its crown as Europe’s busiest airport. Turkey’s young megahub, Istanbul Airport, has taken top spot. Greg and Simon discuss why, and how, the Turkish airport has risen above London Heathrow. As always, Simon and Greg answer your pressing travel questions, including a recommendation request for a European minibreak in October, and the man who thinks he has found an innovative solution to the EU 90-day travel limit imposed on British citizens. Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Read our latest travel advice Check your passport validity Sign up for The Telegraph Travel newsletter Video Producer: Carla Mercer Producer: Georgia Coan Executive Producer: Louisa Wells Head of Travel: Ben Ross Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The best (and worst) Greek islands

  8. Jul 10

    Why the North has better seaside towns than the South

    In this week’s episode, Simon and Greg explore the impending “staycation stampede” as the UK swelters in yet another heatwave: is it a real trend, or just the usual summer rush? They also discuss whether the best seaside towns are in the North or the South, and delve into the great debate of sandy versus shingle beaches. Moving from the coastline to the skies, they discuss the potential easyJet takeover by investment firm Castlelake and what it means for your future travel plans. Plus, the latest on the new “Euro-visa”, Etias, which might be delayed once again.   As always, Simon and Greg answer some of your pressing travel questions, including overlooked budget travel destinations in France and advice on a trip to Jordan. Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk. Let The Telegraph Travel newsletter from Simon Calder be your guide to inspiring destinations at home and around the globe. Every week, Simon and our team of experts will send you the latest news, features, opinion and advice. Sign up here: http://telegraph.co.uk/travelnewsletter Lead Producer: Georgia Coan Head of Travel: Ben Ross Video Producer: Carla Mercer Studio Operator: Meghan Searle Highlights: The great North vs South debate: where is Britain’s top seaside resort?What a potential easyJet takeover means for your holiday plans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why the North has better seaside towns than the South
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About

Join veteran travel journalist Simon Calder for an exciting new adventure - The Travel Expert, a new weekly podcast from the Telegraph. Alongside fellow travel writer Greg Dickinson, Simon will explore destinations from the Alps to Zanzibar, plus the inside track on the latest travel news - and importantly, how it all affects your next trip.  And Simon and Greg will answer your burning questions, from the cheapest ways to travel around Greece to whether airline points are really worth it.  Unpack the biggest stories shaping the world of travel, every Friday - with The Travel Expert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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