60 acast.com The Travel Expert with Simon Calder https://linktr.ee/TheTravelExpertwithSimonCalder en © Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Travel,Holidays,Vacations,Explore,Travel deals,Travel tips,Destination guides,Bucket list destinations,Travel expert,Simon Calder,Budget Holidays,Luxury Holidays,Luxury Travel,Budget Travel,Travel news The Telegraph 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.

]]> 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.

]]> false The Telegraph podcasts@telegraph.co.uk 6a10937355b99c7f8917423c the-travel-expert-with-simon-calder episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1779460122093-e2305a06-71dd-4bf3-985d-492cb3cfa338.jpeg https://linktr.ee/TheTravelExpertwithSimonCalder The Travel Expert with Simon Calder 20445cd0-59e5-11f1-bebe-a3ef0fa986fa The best (and worst) of US travel, according to the co-founder of Lonely Planet The best (and worst) of US travel, according to the co-founder of Lonely Planet Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:30:00 GMT 29:38 6a46813d5ef16cb80491ecfe false https://shows.acast.com/the-travel-expert-with-simon-calder/episodes/the-best-and-worst-of-us-travel 6a46813d5ef16cb80491ecfe 6a10937355b99c7f8917423c the-best-and-worst-of-us-travel full 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 your burning travel questions, including a Scandinavian city break dilemma, and the ideal time to book a flight to Prague. 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


Highlights:


  • The best (and worst) of US travel, from the co-founder of Lonely Planet
  • Your rights when flights go wrong

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 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 your burning travel questions, including a Scandinavian city break dilemma, and the ideal time to book a flight to Prague. 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


Highlights:


  • The best (and worst) of US travel, from the co-founder of Lonely Planet
  • Your rights when flights go wrong

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Europe's top ‘coolcations’, and why the ‘no-fly cruise’ is on the rise]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT 24:48 6a3d48a0cb67fc75ea7e0566 false https://shows.acast.com/the-travel-expert-with-simon-calder/episodes/europes-top-coolcations 6a3d48a0cb67fc75ea7e0566 6a10937355b99c7f8917423c europes-top-coolcations full 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 Simon weaves between Scottish islands, they discuss the rising popularity of the “no-fly cruise” — from British shores you can reach the Med, the Norwegian fjords and even Greenland without boarding a flight. Do the pros outweigh the cons? 


Plus, they answer your burning travel questions, including how many bottles of duty free alcohol you can take onto a flight, and the best way to tackle mega-airports with mobility requirements.


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: James England


Highlights


  • Europe's top ‘coolcations’ to beat the summer heat
  • Why does British transport fall apart during a heatwave?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 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 Simon weaves between Scottish islands, they discuss the rising popularity of the “no-fly cruise” — from British shores you can reach the Med, the Norwegian fjords and even Greenland without boarding a flight. Do the pros outweigh the cons? 


Plus, they answer your burning travel questions, including how many bottles of duty free alcohol you can take onto a flight, and the best way to tackle mega-airports with mobility requirements.


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: James England


Highlights


  • Europe's top ‘coolcations’ to beat the summer heat
  • Why does British transport fall apart during a heatwave?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The world’s first 20-hour flight, plus why budget airfares are rising The world’s first 20-hour flight, plus why budget airfares are rising Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:45:00 GMT 26:26 6a33f812f00c7050cb9751fa false https://shows.acast.com/the-travel-expert-with-simon-calder/episodes/why-the-eu-airline-reforms-range-from-rational-to-ridiculous 6a33f812f00c7050cb9751fa 6a10937355b99c7f8917423c why-the-eu-airline-reforms-range-from-rational-to-ridiculous full 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 in with an out-of-date passport, and recommendations for a trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia. Plus, why Zanzibar is shaping up to be one of the hottest destinations for next winter.


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: James England

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 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 in with an out-of-date passport, and recommendations for a trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia. Plus, why Zanzibar is shaping up to be one of the hottest destinations for next winter.


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: James England

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[A million dollar holiday? Inside America's World Cup rip-off ]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:30:00 GMT 28:55 6a2af58c622531b864455b2c false https://shows.acast.com/the-travel-expert-with-simon-calder/episodes/a-million-dollar-holiday-inside-americas-world-cup-rip-off 6a2af58c622531b864455b2c 6a10937355b99c7f8917423c a-million-dollar-holiday-inside-americas-world-cup-rip-off full 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 shouldn't rely on luck with the clouds.


They also answer your burning travel conundrums, including how to handle EU border fingerprinting and recommendations for your last-minute August holidays.


Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk.


Read our latest travel advice


Check your passport validity


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.

]]> 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 shouldn't rely on luck with the clouds.


They also answer your burning travel conundrums, including how to handle EU border fingerprinting and recommendations for your last-minute August holidays.


Send your questions to thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk.


Read our latest travel advice


Check your passport validity


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.

]]> Is your summer holiday at risk? How to outsmart the European border chaos Is your summer holiday at risk? How to outsmart the European border chaos Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:40:00 GMT 21:08 6a2197ffbe8560e74b277079 false https://shows.acast.com/the-travel-expert-with-simon-calder/episodes/how-to-outsmart-the-european-border-chaos 6a2197ffbe8560e74b277079 6a10937355b99c7f8917423c how-to-outsmart-the-european-border-chaos full 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 thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk.


The world’s greatest travel experiences, according to 50 experts: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/world-greatest-travel-experiences-experts/


Simon Calder: I’ve uncovered the best and worst times to fly to Europe’s busiest airports: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/tips-for-beating-eu-border-chaos/


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


Producer: Georgia Coan

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells

Head of Travel: Ben Ross

Video Producer: Carla Mercer

Studio Operator: Meghan Searle

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 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 thetravelexpert@telegraph.co.uk.


The world’s greatest travel experiences, according to 50 experts: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/world-greatest-travel-experiences-experts/


Simon Calder: I’ve uncovered the best and worst times to fly to Europe’s busiest airports: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/tips-for-beating-eu-border-chaos/


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


Producer: Georgia Coan

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells

Head of Travel: Ben Ross

Video Producer: Carla Mercer

Studio Operator: Meghan Searle

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Coming Soon: The Travel Expert Coming Soon: The Travel Expert Wed, 27 May 2026 15:17:52 GMT 0:45 6a149fa36ee822cbfba35320 false https://shows.acast.com/the-travel-expert-with-simon-calder/episodes/coming-soon-the-travel-expert 6a149fa36ee822cbfba35320 6a10937355b99c7f8917423c coming-soon-the-travel-expert trailer 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.

]]> 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.

]]>