The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

This week as a catastrophic air traffic control meltdown disrupted 300,000 travel plans, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson discuss whether regular aviation chaos is the new normal. Greg takes us behind the scenes to the highly secure NATS headquarters, and Simon proposes an ingenious camp-bed solution to rescue stranded passengers. Plus, 25 years on from the tragic events of 9/11, we reflect on how that day permanently reshaped aviation and airport security. From the introduction of liquid rules and reinforced cockpit doors to the surprising rise of Ryanair in the aftermath, we discuss the legacy of these changes and look ahead to the future of biometrics and relaxed rules at the gate.And finally the team answers your travel questions. This week one listener is on the hunt for an accessibility-friendly summer birthday destination in Portugal next year, and Greg and Simon share their top three South American countries to visit.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.Video Producer: Carla MercerExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan SearleHighlights:Air traffic chaos: Is it time to get used to regular ATC meltdowns?25 years since 9/11: How the tragedy reshaped travel and what the future holds for airport security

Following a major cybersecurity breach at Manchester Airport, Greg and Simon discuss whether it’s ever truly safe to log on to airport Wi-Fi - and the essential steps you must take to avoid “juice jacking” while charging your devices on the go.And is September still the bargain travel time we all hope it is, or are prices finally catching up to the peak summer rush? We break down the latest data to see if your autumn escape is still a steal.In the second half of the show, we settle the great English debate: where exactly is the North-South divide? We’re joined by the Telegraph’s Rosa Silverman to fight it out - from coastal gems like Whitby vs. Whitstable to the best city breaks in the country - to decide which half of the UK should host your next trip.As ever, the team tackles your travel questions – this week, a reader's search for the perfect solo getaway in November. 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/travelnewsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Chris January Highlights:North vs. South: Which half of England is better for your next UK staycation?The death of the shoulder season: Are cheap autumn holidays finally extinct?

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/travelnewsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan SearleHighlights:The rise of the micro-cation: travel trend or extreme day trip?Beyond the overtourism: exploring the forgotten corners of Spain

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/travelnewsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan SearleHighlights:The rewards (and risks) of taking a gap yearEdinburgh to Paris direct? The grand plans for Britain’s international rail network

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/travelnewsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan SearleHighlights: 100ml airport rules were ‘security theatre’ all alongGatwick’s second runway has officially been given the go-ahead

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/travelnewsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan Searle

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/travelnewsletterSend your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk.Video Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan Searle

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 adviceCheck your passport validitySign up for The Telegraph Travel newsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan Searle