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Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast

September 10th - Life under communism in Durres, Albania

I'm in Durres, Albania, the most historic city in the nation – finding out about life under communism with former student revolutionary, now tour guide, Arjana Isaku.

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  • October 14th - Craving a sunny winter retreat? I recommend Egypt

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    By mid-October many of us are looking at options for winter sun. For my money, the optimum combination of great weather, ancient history and good value is to be found in Egypt. I'm talking to Philip Breckner, director of Discover Egypt, about the options – and the prospects of the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum opening later this month.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday.
  • October 11th - The EU Entry Exit System won't darken our doorways just yet

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    The EU Entry Exit System has been postponed again. But when it is rolled out it could delay our entrance to the Schengen Area. Here's what it means for you ...This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday.
  • October 10th - Airlines land back in city shops!

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    The airline city-centre ticket office is making a comeback. In the 20th century, every airline had walk-in shops in all the major cities served. But that was in the bad old days of extremely high fares that could pay for lavish rentals in areas like Mayfair. They disappeared when online booking took hold. But this week Emirates has opened a fancy new store in Kensington, west London, where prospective passengers can try out posh seats and buy merchandise – and plane tickets.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered to your inbox every Friday.
  • October 9th - The worst motorway in England

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  • October 8th - Frozen trails: skiing Norway’s "little Antarctica"

    06:30|
    In this episode, Simon Calder chats with Annabel Grossman about her intense skiing journey through the isolated landscape of Fins, Norway. Known as “Little Antarctica,” this region tests even the most experienced explorers. Annabel reflects on her trek, led by polar explorer Wendy Searle, and shines a spotlight on the untold stories of women thriving in extreme adventure travel.This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox.
  • October 7th - The Great West Way prepares for Jane Austen's 250th anniversary

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  • October 4th - The best region to buy wine according to Jilly Goolden

    06:26|
    Ahead of the weekend, where's best to be a wine tourist around the globe? I'm talking to the doyenne of wine experts, Jilly Goolden – who has great things to say about English wine, and visiting vineyards in Sussex and the Cotswolds. But don't offer her a glass of prosecco ...This podcast is free, like the Independent Travel newsletter. Get it delivered every Friday to your inbox.
  • October 3rd - How Finnair is dealing with the closed Russian airspace

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    09:10|
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