Podcast · Leisure & Travel

The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

by The Telegraph · English · Leisure & Travel

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 im

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 27 min

The UK airports ditching passport checks for facial verification

This week, as British airports prepare to introduce "contactless borders" with facial recognition at e-gates, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson discuss whether passport checks are finally becoming a thing of the past and how the new technology will work. Plus, following the British Museum's decision to ban cameras for the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, the duo explores why tourist attractions are cracking down on photography and how snapping photos impacts our travel experiences. We're also joined by loyalty guru Rob Burgess, founder of Head for Points, to dive into the dark art of airline…

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Earlier episodes 19 most recent

2 Oct 2026 · 29 min
What the Flydubai incident tells us about airline safety
This week, following a terrifying 14,000 ft drop in altitude and a violent cockpit altercation on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv where a pilot was stabbed, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson discuss airline safety, pilot security, and whether passengers should be worried. Plus, as strikes and engineering works converge across the network, the duo dives into the looming winter of discontent for rail travellers, and explores the curious German offshore island of Heligoland, which is fighting back against mass tourism. And finally, in a bumper edition of your travel questions, Simon and…
25 Sep 2026 · 36 min
An insider's secrets to booking the ultimate winter sun escape
This week, as air traffic control meltdowns and NATS software defects continue to make headlines, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson discuss whether ongoing aviation chaos is becoming the new normal. Greg also reports back from watching robots park cars at Gatwick Airport, while Michael O'Leary warns that cheap flights are up by 14% as airlines cut back schedules. Plus, we are joined by fellow travel expert Rachel O'Reilly for a winter sun special comparing the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, exploring closer-to-home escapes like the Canaries. And finally, the team answers your travel…
18 Sep 2026 · 45 min
Michael Palin on the Philippines, over-tourism and his Python-era travel tales
This week, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson are joined by the legendary Sir Michael Palin to discuss his latest adventures in the Philippines, his close encounter with the Chinese coastguard in the South China Sea, and his memorable, last-minute meeting with President Bongbong Marcos. From his iconic journeys in Around the World in 80 Days to his favourite Python-era travel tales, Michael reflects on a lifetime of exploration, the realities of roughing it off the beaten track, and how travel has changed in a hyper-connected world. Plus, the team explores his career as a trailblazing…
11 Sep 2026 · 30 min
How 9/11 reshaped travel forever and what the future holds for airport security
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…
4 Sep 2026 · 28 min
North vs. South: Settling the ultimate staycation debate
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…
28 Aug 2026 · 31 min
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…
21 Aug 2026 · 30 min
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…
14 Aug 2026 · 33 min
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…
7 Aug 2026 · 35 min
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…
31 Jul 2026 · 29 min
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…
24 Jul 2026 · 35 min
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…
17 Jul 2026 · 34 min
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…
10 Jul 2026 · 34 min
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…
3 Jul 2026 · 30 min
The best (and worst) of US travel, according to the co-founder of Lonely Planet
In this week’s episode, Simon and Greg welcome into the studio the co-founder of Lonely Planet, Tony Wheeler. Tony has travelled to every corner of the world, including 47 US states. To mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, Greg and Simon quiz Tony on his opinions on tipping culture, roadside motels, and the pros and cons of the Amtrak service. They also discuss the recent chaos across European airports, which saw one group of British schoolchildren stranded overnight at Barcelona airport – why didn’t their airline step up to the mark and provide accommodation? Plus, they answer…
26 Jun 2026 · 25 min
Europe's top ‘coolcations’, and why the ‘no-fly cruise’ is on the rise
You can watch The Travel Expert on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7B8r8XAkKIY In this week’s episode, Simon calls in from a boat in the Outer Hebrides while Greg roasts in central London. With the mercury surpassing 40°C in some corners of Europe, they discuss the best destinations to sidestep the Continental heat, including a “coolcation” in a laid-back Spanish coastal town. Plus, they discuss the Foreign Office removing its Dubai travel advisory. What does this mean for long-haul stopovers, and will holidays to the Middle East now be cheaper? Simon and Greg delve into what it all means. As…
19 Jun 2026 · 26 min
The world’s first 20-hour flight, plus why budget airfares are rising
In this week's episode, Simon and Greg discuss the EU's controversial air travel reforms, which could affect British passengers. Under the proposals, airlines warn fares could rise, child-seating policies will be overhauled, and a new system is designed to make compensation claims easier. Plus, the latest news from Project Sunrise: Qantas' ambitious plan to link London and Sydney non-stop. Simon and Greg discuss the benefits, and the most pressing concerns, of spending up to 20 hours in the air. They also answer your burning travel questions, including why some airlines let passengers check…
12 Jun 2026 · 29 min
A million dollar holiday? Inside America's World Cup rip-off
In this episode of The Travel Expert, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson tackle the complex travel conundrums surrounding the 2026 World Cup. They discuss the US border headaches and travel rip-offs that have plagued the tournament so far, and delve into one quite extraordinary $1m package holiday to watch the final in New York City. Plus, Simon's strategies for a sub-£1,000 alternative. With the solar eclipse just two months away on August 12th, they share expert advice on how to witness the path of totality in Spain without breaking the bank, including the best viewing locations and why you…
5 Jun 2026 · 21 min
Is your summer holiday at risk? How to outsmart the European border chaos
In the first episode of The Travel Expert, Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson discuss the chaos caused by the EU's new biometric border measures, and dissect how to make things as painless as possible when travelling to Europe this summer. Plus, they share their greatest travel experiences – from Turkey's Lycian Way to the Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina – and answer your pressing travel conundrums. Send your question to [email protected]. The world’s greatest travel experiences, according to 50 experts :…
27 May 2026 · 1 min
Coming Soon: The Travel Expert
Join Simon Calder and Greg Dickinson on The Travel Expert, a new podcast from The Telegraph. Available every Friday, wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

The Travel Expert with Simon Calder is a English leisure & travel podcast from The Telegraph. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Telegraph
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1896825062

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