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The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

The Telegraph
Ryanair
United States
Travel
Schengen Area
Qantas
Lonely Planet
Greek Islands
UNESCO
Border Control
Project Sunrise
British Airways
Holidays
Road Trip
Dubai
Greece
European Union

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, ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes12Founded3 months ago
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Places & TravelAviationLeisureSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Travel Expert

Latest Episodes

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 fo... more

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 ... more

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 evacua... more

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 emerg... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Michael O'Leary
Chief Executive, Ryanair Group
Ryanair
Episode: Ryanair ‘will not wait for anybody’ as Britons prepare for summer of border chaos
Tony Wheeler
Co-founder of Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet
Episode: The best (and worst) of US travel, according to the co-founder of Lonely Planet

Hosts

Simon Calder
Senior travel journalist and host focused on travel news, destination ideas, and insider perspectives.
Greg Dickinson
Co-host and senior travel writer, brings practical trip planning tips and industry context.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 48 ratings
  • Fantastic

    This has quickly turned into one of my favourite weekly podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    berkeleysq
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Difficult listen

    I enjoy the content of the podcast and the knowledge of both presenters, but the presentation means I can’t listen to a full half hour. Simon’s staccato style makes it very difficult to listen to and digest the information. I appreciate it’s difficult to alter that but it doesn’t suit a discussion podcast. Don’t fall into the same style Greg!

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Benarchie
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • good tips for holidays

    enjoyed the first show, gives a lot of practical advice as well as destination inspiration

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PeggyLou1989
    United Kingdom2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Candid travel industry insights with a friendly vibe
Practical tips that are useful for holidays and planning
Solid destination ideas and travel-news context
Listener questions add a relatable, helpful angle

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why the North has better seaside towns than the South
Q: What are your top tips for overlooked budget travel destinations in France?
Greg suggests comparing prices between British and French Centre Parcs, highlighting a Normandy option that can be significantly cheaper than the UK equivalent, and noting a village vibe near the gates that allows for local experiences; the takeaway is to look for affordable, authentic stays just across the Channel and to consider train routes into coastal towns like Whitstable alternatives.
The best (and worst) of US travel, according to the co-founder of Lonely Planet
Q: What would you suggest as a quintessential American destination beyond the big cities?
New England and Detroit offer rich cultural and historical experiences, with road trips and regional museums providing a deeper sense of American life beyond the coasts.
The best (and worst) of US travel, according to the co-founder of Lonely Planet
Q: What is the best way to experience a road trip in America, Amtrak versus Greyhound?
Both have their charms: Amtrak offers scenery and calmer pacing, while Greyhound can be practical for routes not served by rail; the best choice depends on the itinerary and the experience you want.
Europe's top ‘coolcations’, and why the ‘no-fly cruise’ is on the rise
Q: A couple planning a connection at Istanbul Airport with an elderly Traveller: is a long transfer possible and what assistance is available?
Istanbul Airport is massive; arrange assistance in advance with the airline for possible mobility aid or buggy service to navigate between gates, which is free of charge.
Europe's top ‘coolcations’, and why the ‘no-fly cruise’ is on the rise
Q: For Wendy: if I have a carry-on underseat bag on a budget airline, can I bring large duty-free bottles or will I be charged at the gate?
Buy duty-free after security so you can bring one onboard in addition to a small personal item; avoid stuffing non-duty-free items into old duty-free bags; one bag should be fine.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Travel Expert

What is The Travel Expert about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show combines practical travel guidance with destination spotlights and industry news, guided by two veteran travel journalists who riff on routes, airports, and evolving travel patterns. Recent episodes center on European travel, long-haul and budget airline dynamics, border controls and biometrics, and innovative travel concepts like no-fly cruises, all enriched by listener questions and anecdotes. A standout is the conversational dynamic between the two hosts, delivering actionable tips (packing, timing, bookings) alongside insights into how policy shifts affect trips from Europe to far-flung destinations.

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How many listeners does The Travel Expert get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Travel Expert?

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How many subscribers and views does The Travel Expert have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Travel Expert has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Travel Expert?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Travel Expert:

1. The Poshcast
2. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth
3. Desert Island Discs
4. The News Agents
5. The Rest Is Entertainment

How many episodes of The Travel Expert are there?

The Travel Expert launched 3 months ago and published 12 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Travel Expert?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Travel Expert?

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What guests have appeared on The Travel Expert?

Recent guests on The Travel Expert include:

1. Michael O'Leary
2. Tony Wheeler

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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