Share
Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast
September 20th - Aboard a pioneering train from London Paddington to Heathrow airport
•
Today’s podcast comes to you from the 10:17 Elizabeth line service from London Paddington to Heathrow airport - the first train to leave the terminus in 28 hours.
At around 6am on Monday 19 September, nearly two miles of overhead wires in the Hayes & Harlington area came down on the tracks and six passenger trains became tangled in them. Nobody was hurt but it meant that, on the morning of the Queen’s state funeral, there were no trains on one of the main lines in and out of the capital.
They’re still trying to figure out what exactly went wrong but for now, trains are now getting back to normal - if a little behind schedule.
Of course this podcast is free, much like my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters
More episodes
View all episodes
24th April - Heathrow hits high marks: a ;ook with CFO Javier Echave
08:30Join me, Simon Calder, in today's travel podcast as we delve into Heathrow's bustling activity and strategic outlook with Chief Financial Officer Javier Echave. We discuss the record-breaking passenger traffic of 18.5 million in the first quarter of 2024, the challenges posed by upcoming strikes, and the introduction of new security scanners. Amidst financial hurdles and operational updates, discover how Heathrow maintains its status as a top global hub and prepares for a busy summer season.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 23rd - Continuing Rail strikes: what it means for UK commuters
08:11Join me, Simon Calder, as I explore the persistent rail strikes impacting the UK's train services. In this episode, I'll delve into the Aslef Union's ongoing dispute with the government over pay and working conditions, which has now extended into a third summer.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 22nd - Heathrow strikes Alert: what you need to know
06:49I unpack the impending strikes at Heathrow Airport, scheduled by PCS and Unite union members. I'll delve into the potential impact on travelers and discuss the roles of the UK Border Force and AFS Aviation refueling service staff.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 19th - Reevaluating wildlife tourism with Paul Goldstein
07:12Over 20 years in the travel industry, Paul Goldstein has gained a reputation as a forthright commentator on all things related to travel.In today’s travel podcast, the wildlife guide and photographer shares forthright opinions on "eco-tourism", the value of visitors in preserving wildlife, and the value – or otherwise – of influencers.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 18th - Stranded at Dubai: a travel crisis examined
06:38I, Simon Calder, break down the crisis at Dubai International Airport where a storm has left many travelers stranded. I'll cover your entitlements and the broader impacts on global travel, providing essential advice for navigating disruptions and securing your rights as a traveler.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 17th - Global wanderer Arvi Bahal on his holiday in one of the world’s most dangerous places
07:28It's possible that no one's bucket list is more complete than Arvi Bahal's.He is one of the rare human beings who has travelled to every single country on earth - and not just the tourist spots.I talk to the global wanderer about his lust for extreme travel, and why he chose to holiday in Mogadishu, Somalia - one of the world’s most dangerous places.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 16th - What to know if you're flying to the Middle East
07:28I'm at Heathrow airport – assessing the prospects for travellers who are flying to and from the Middle East, Asia and Australasia in the light of increasing tensions.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 15th - Is JFK the worst airport in the world?
06:56Some say New York JFK is not the worst airport in the world. It's my first visit here since early 2020, and I hoped the main US gateway had improved. But it's even worse. And if you take the Airtrain (one good thing about it), beware the Jamaica jive.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.April 11th - "I’ve come to look for America"
06:55Today I'm on the Greyhound bus from Albany New York to Boston, celebrating 110 years of this remarkable transportational institution.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered every Friday.