logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2025
39m 28s

Simon Calder, Travel Expert, returns

HOLLY RUBENSTEIN
About this episode

Today I’m joined once again by one of the UK’s most trusted and best-loved travel experts - Simon Calder. You’ll know him as the Independent’s travel correspondent, a familiar face on TV and radio, and the go-to voice when travel chaos strikes - whether it's air traffic control meltdowns or passport expiry panics. But beyond the headlines, Simon is also a true adventurer, with an insatiable curiosity for the world and a lifelong love of the open road, rails and skies.


It’s been a five years since Simon last joined me on the podcast, and in that time, so much has changed - not just in the world of travel, but in the way we think about where we go, how we get there, and why we travel in the first place. So today’s episode is something of a global catch-up. From discovering the ancient cities of Algeria and the wild islands of the Antarctic, to cycling the Danube and family holidays on the beaches of Poland, Simon shares his latest discoveries, surprising favourites, and some underrated gems that might just change your next holiday plans.


We’ll talk about the rise of slow travel and destinations that deserve the spotlight. Plus, he’ll be offering his signature no-nonsense travel tips, and sharing the far-flung destinations still lingering on his bucket list. 


Destination Recap:


  • Borneo
  • Antarctica
  • South Georgia
  • Algeria
  • Constantine, Algeria
  • The Azores
  • Lebanon
  • Socotra, Yemen 
  • Cape Verde 
  • Tbilisi, Georgia
  • Ghana
  • Sierra Leone 
  • Sopot, Poland
  • Gdansk, Poland 
  • Cycling the Danube River, Regensburg, Germany to Vienna, Austria
  • Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
  • Co. Donegal, Ireland
  • Nepal
  • Madagascar
  • Ukraine
  • Le Marche, Italy 


Simon discusses his top tips for summer holidays after new research from Tesco Travel Money found 2 in 5 travellers are being caught short of cash abroad. You can find out more about Tesco Travel Money by visiting https://www.tescotravelmoney.com/ 


With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.


Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram I’m @hollyrubenstein, and you’ll also find me on TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't wait until then, remember there’s the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy.


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

Up next
Oct 28
Magical Morocco - Destination Special
Welcome to a very special edition of The Travel Diaries, where we’re heading to a country that has enchanted so many of my guests over the years: Morocco.This Destination Special is a love letter to a place that casts a lifelong spell. In the first half, you’ll hear unforgettable ... Show More
54m 36s
Oct 21
The Hairy Bikers - From the archives
Today on The Travel Diaries we’re revisiting a very special conversation from the archives with national treasures Si King and the late, much-loved Dave Myers, better known to millions as The Hairy Bikers.Si and Dave were my very first duo on the podcast, and what a joy they were ... Show More
58m 58s
Oct 14
Eugene Levy
I’m back with a brand new episode, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by Eugene Levy - the Emmy-winning actor, writer, and total comedy icon. For many of us, he’ll forever be known as the bewildered dad from American Pie, or as the impeccably dressed Johnny Rose in Schitt’s Cree ... Show More
25m 30s
Recommended Podcasts
اذكار الصباح والمساء
MESHARI ALENEZI
Kalam mn Lahb
Trend Media Stage
#ABtalks
ANAS BUKHASH
بودكاست أبجورة
Podcast Abajoura
Rain Sounds
Sleepy Sound
anything goes with emma chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain
rSlash
Rslash Reads Reddit
TED Talks Daily
TED
All Ears English Podcast
Lindsay Mcmahon And Michelle Kaplan
Rotten Mango
STEPHANIE SOO