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You should have been there

You should have been there

By Mick Webb and Simon Calder

Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent and former BBC producer, Mick Webb, discuss the world of travel and delight in travellers' tales.
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PODCAST 174

You should have been there Dec 06, 2023

00:00
29:40
PODCAST 174

PODCAST 174

We discuss the pros and cons of airport lounges and hear more from Pat Yale on the delights of slow travel to Turkey, including the unexpected charms of Belgrade. With many thanks to Nicola, Amanda, Laura, Nick, Gordon Stone and Pat Yale (@patyale on X)

Dec 06, 202329:40
PODCAST 178  COP 28: BEYOND THE BLAH BLAH BLAH

PODCAST 178 COP 28: BEYOND THE BLAH BLAH BLAH

We ask some of the questions that aren't being asked in Dubai at COP 28 and suggest one or two answers.

Dec 06, 202330:25
PODCAST 177 THE ROAD TO BERLIN

PODCAST 177 THE ROAD TO BERLIN

Travel meets football in our guide to the 2024 Euros. Discover where to go, when to book and what to see in Simon Calder's essential guide to next year's football feast across the length and breadth of Germany.

Nov 27, 202329:41
PODCAST 176    THE END OF TOURISM?

PODCAST 176 THE END OF TOURISM?

Chris Christou joins us from the lovely Mexican city of Oaxaca to discuss his podcast- "The End of Tourism" - and his ideas about "radical hospitality." We also feature listeners' tales of entertaining experiences of changing money. Chris' website is www.theendoftourism.com

Nov 23, 202329:32
PODCAST 175 INSIDE THE TRAVEL BUSINESS

PODCAST 175 INSIDE THE TRAVEL BUSINESS

Simon visits two of the industry's major get togethers to take the pulse of travel. Amongst the delegates, he meets Iceland's First Lady and the man who aims to put Airbus 380's back in the skies.

Nov 17, 202329:32
PODCAST 173 SLOW TRAIN TO TURKEY

PODCAST 173 SLOW TRAIN TO TURKEY

Writer Pat Yale joins us to talk about the pleasures of travelling overland from the UK to Turkey as well as what it's been like to live in the country for the past twenty five years. Pat's new book, "Following Miss Bell: Travels around Turkey in the Footsteps of Gertrude Bell," has just been published by Trailblazer Publications.

Oct 25, 202329:56
PODCAST 172  THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF MOUNTAIN TREKS

PODCAST 172 THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF MOUNTAIN TREKS

Simon and Mick conclude their walk across the Ariège in the French Pyrenees and ruminate on the challenges and the rewards of mountain walking

Oct 16, 202329:59
PODCAST 171     A WALK IN THE WILD COUNTRY

PODCAST 171 A WALK IN THE WILD COUNTRY

Simon and I share the audio diary of our trek across a remote area of the French Pyrenees, the wild and woolly Ariège - yes, it is famed for its sheep. On the agenda are physical challenges, human errors aplenty and entertaining encounters with humans and animals.

Oct 09, 202329:19
PODCAST 170  WHERE WILL WE BE IN 2053  - PART 2

PODCAST 170 WHERE WILL WE BE IN 2053 - PART 2

We continue our attempt to divine the future direction of travel, assisted by listeners.

Sep 27, 202329:58
PODCAST 169 THE PLACES TO BE IN 2053

PODCAST 169 THE PLACES TO BE IN 2053

We break out our crystal ball and hypothesise about the shape of travel in thirty years time. VTOL aircraft, jetpacks, autonomous vehicles, affordable rail travel ........ maybe.

Sep 11, 202323:25
PODCAST 168   Travel chaos theory

PODCAST 168 Travel chaos theory

We try to make sense of the mayhem endured by holidaymakers during this summer's busiest month for travel. Planes, boats and trains, all have been affected. Who is to blame, do we ever learn from previous mistakes and how bad is the UK, compared with other countries?

Sep 06, 202329:47
PODCAST 167  BELGIUM, BEYOND THE CHIPS AND CHOCOLATE
Aug 23, 202330:24
PODCAST 166 TRAVEL CLICHÉS : CURSE OR BLESSING

PODCAST 166 TRAVEL CLICHÉS : CURSE OR BLESSING

We discuss "bustling" markets, "palm-fringed" beaches and "towering" peaks with professor of philosophy, Emily Thomas from Durham University. Do clichéd travel descriptions add to our understanding of other places or quite the reverse? Plus an interview with Eleanor Parker, the winner of last week's Trans-Europe Race to Istanbul by public transport.

Aug 13, 202329:13
PODCAST 165 ISTANBUL OR BUST

PODCAST 165 ISTANBUL OR BUST

Simon joins the competitors and organisers of Lupine Travel's Trans-European Race at the start line in London's Trafalgar's Square. It's a bizarre medley of mystery and travel challenges, all on public transport. So who on earth would spend their holidays doing this and what prizes are at stake?

Aug 08, 202327:08
PODCAST 164  WHAT CAN A.I. DO FOR  YOUR HOLIDAYS ?

PODCAST 164 WHAT CAN A.I. DO FOR YOUR HOLIDAYS ?

We welcome to the show Michael Motamedi, chef, digital nomad and influencer, who tells us what it's like to entrust his family's travel plans to a digital guide called Guide Geek. And we compare AI's take on Mykonos with a human view of it as a holiday destination. You can follow Michael's experimental journey at michaelmotamedi.com. And thanks for the lovely photo of Mykonos are due to Dana Tentis at Pixabay.

Jul 25, 202330:09
PODCAST 163  THE WRONG KIND OF DELAY

PODCAST 163 THE WRONG KIND OF DELAY

Snow, leaves, sun, swans, even trampolines. We investigate delays to planes and trains and discuss the bizarre causes and often ludicrous excuses.

Jul 18, 202329:14
PODCAST 162  ISLAND HOPPING

PODCAST 162 ISLAND HOPPING

We delve into this delightful holiday activity and suggest some of the best places to try it out. You don't need to go as far as Panama's San Blas Islands as the UK has island hops that are sometimes much easier than you'd think.

Jul 11, 202328:02
PODCAST 161 THE PERFECT ISLAND

PODCAST 161 THE PERFECT ISLAND

Lyn Hughes of Wanderlust magazine joins us to discuss the endless allure of islands and what it is that makes them so attractive. Is there one perfect example among the world's million chunks of offshore land?

Jul 05, 202332:43
PODCAST 160 TRAVELLERS' LUCK

PODCAST 160 TRAVELLERS' LUCK

Simon and Mick discuss the role played by luck, miraculous interventions and the kindness of strangers in a fulfilling journey. And we reveal an odd connection between Brexit and Dexy's Midnight Runners

Jun 27, 202325:44
PODCAST 159  THE MANY ROADS TO SANTIAGO

PODCAST 159 THE MANY ROADS TO SANTIAGO

Simon and Mick are joined by walker and novelist, Stephen Marriot, to discuss the enduring appeal of the Caminos de Santiago (I bet you don't know how many there are!) Stephen explains how the first of his "pilgrimages" inspired him to write his Reluctant Pilgrim series, published by The Marsh Books while Mick completes his audio diary of the "Camino inglés"

Jun 19, 202330:00
PODCAST 158 YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN A BORDER TOWN WHEN.....

PODCAST 158 YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN A BORDER TOWN WHEN.....

We talk border towns and their unique features, in particular those curious places which are split by an international frontier. In Baarle Hertog, for instance, divided between Belgium and the Netherlands, the border runs through the middle of the council chamber while the main street of Le Perthus offers opportunities to shop in Spain on one side and France on the other.

Jun 12, 202328:20
PODCAST 157 THE WRONG BOOTS

PODCAST 157 THE WRONG BOOTS

We swap tales of footwear malfunctions while shining a light on the neglected, important and richly comic topic of traveller's shoes.

Jun 07, 202329:29
PODCAST 156 SURPRISING DELIGHTS

PODCAST 156 SURPRISING DELIGHTS

Simon travels to Israel and Hong Kong, finding unexpected pleasures in harsh and politically volatile destinations. In particular, he enjoys the "friendly" Negev desert and the tranquil island of Tai O


May 29, 202329:36
PODCAST 155   THE SHORT ROUTE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

PODCAST 155 THE SHORT ROUTE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Simon and Mick discuss the latter's experience of walking the "camino inglés", the 115 km pilgrims' route from Ferrol to Santiago. On the agenda: the weather, the kindness of strangers, fellow-pilgrims and the nature of the walk itself.

May 22, 202329:20
PODCAST 154 AROUND THE WORLD WITH JESSICA NABONGO

PODCAST 154 AROUND THE WORLD WITH JESSICA NABONGO

Jessica has visited every country world and is almost certainly the first black woman to do so. She shares her tales of favourite and not so favourite places, of inspiring encounters and lessons learnt along the way. You can follow Jessica's journeys on https://thecatchmeifyoucan.com . Her new WhatsApp docuseries, Crossing Cultures, is about the world's diasporas and starts in London's Peckham : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzndKNV9HrE

May 16, 202328:21
PODCAST 153 NORTHERN SPAIN BY TINY TRAIN

PODCAST 153 NORTHERN SPAIN BY TINY TRAIN

We report on recent journeys: Simon to the potentially controversial destination of Israel, Mick to the North of Spain, where the FEVE narrow-gauge railway takes you to some remote and intriguing mountain villages. Find FEVE information here https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/cercanias-feve

May 10, 202329:59
PODCAST 152   LGBTQ+  TRAVEL

PODCAST 152 LGBTQ+ TRAVEL

We are joined by Sophie Griffiths from TTG Media to talk about gay-friendly destinations, oppressive and discriminatory laws and the improvements in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ travellers that Pride events are helping to bring about around the world

May 03, 202328:02
PODCAST 151 Planning trips, connections and transits

PODCAST 151 Planning trips, connections and transits

We compare and contrast Simon's happy-go-lucky approach to travel planning with Mick's meticulous preparations. Serendipity v serious forethought. And which is better when it all goes Pete Tong, as journeys often do? We also hear from listeners about the ideal length of time to allow for transits, layovers and stopovers. Thanks to all contributors, in particular traveller, Catherine Oldham and coach driver, Husain.

Apr 11, 202328:46
PODCAST 150  GREAT MOMENTS IN PODCAST TRAVEL

PODCAST 150 GREAT MOMENTS IN PODCAST TRAVEL

We celebrate our 150th podcast at London's St Pancras station with highlights (and some lowlights) from our previous editions. On the agenda: crossing strange borders, psychogeography, Pyrenean slip-ups and strange brews.


Apr 10, 202327:03
PODCAST 149 Dark Sky Tourism

PODCAST 149 Dark Sky Tourism

We are joined by astronomer, traveller and tour group leader, Doctor John Mason. He talks eclipses, paths of totality, meteor showers and how best to see the Northern Lights. According to Doctor John: "Think of yourself as an insomniac Polar Bear"

Apr 04, 202328:53
PODCAST  148     Solo travel for women: risks and rewards
Mar 28, 202324:21
PODCAST 147 COSTLY ERRORS

PODCAST 147 COSTLY ERRORS

We hear the salutary tales of Debra's passport and of Mick's misplaced click, while continuing the hot topic of travelling with children- is there a best age? With many thanks to Debra Davis, Alec Webb and Charlotte Hindle. And do send us your own stories of travel errors to be avoided and childhood memories to be cherished.

Mar 21, 202329:35
PODCAST 146  TRAVELS WITH KIDS

PODCAST 146 TRAVELS WITH KIDS

We hear anecdotes and advice about travelling with young children, from TV producer Nicky Lessware, You Tuber Mark Wolters  and Charlotte Hindle, co-author of the Lonely Planet Guide to Travelling with Children.  On the agenda: which country is the best to visit with a baby, what dogs should be avoided in Georgia and where in Rome can you find Bugs Bunny's house?  

Mar 07, 202329:42
PODCAST 145                     INSIDE WOLTER'S WORLD

PODCAST 145 INSIDE WOLTER'S WORLD

Our guest this week is the incredibly popular US  You-Tube traveller, Mark Wolters.  He tells us how and why he started Wolters' World and shares some frank tips on travel do's and don'ts.  When in the USA, for instance, don't touch Americans- unless they ask you to, of course!  Find Mark's 2000 plus videos at woltersworld.com 

Feb 28, 202329:43
PODCAST 144  10 TOP TIPS FOR CHEAPER HOLIDAYS

PODCAST 144 10 TOP TIPS FOR CHEAPER HOLIDAYS

Simon delves into his library and his memory bank to come up with ten tips for reducing holiday outgoings


Feb 20, 202328:33
PODCAST 143 NEW WAYS WITH HOTELS
Feb 14, 202329:10
PODCAST 142   CRUISES-LOVE THEM or HATE  THEM

PODCAST 142 CRUISES-LOVE THEM or HATE THEM

Our guest this week is Sue Bryant, Cruise Editor of the Times and Sunday Times. As the cruise ships get even bigger and the booking numbers increase, we mull over the controversial subject of holiday cruises. Discover the many different facets of this branch of the travel industry, including the newly-minted concepts of "the retreat" and the  "pier runner" .  Sue's work can be found at www.suebryant.com, while the article by Jean Mcneil that we mentioned is on    www.jeanmcneil.co.uk

Feb 06, 202329:17
PODCAST 141     IN AND OUT OF BRUGES

PODCAST 141 IN AND OUT OF BRUGES

We reflect on the many charms of Belgium's star attraction- Brugge or Bruges.  Mick's  audio diary brings the city to life through its sounds while Simon generates the power for his own recording from the Eurostar terminal in Brussels- surely a first in podcasting history! 

Jan 29, 202331:24
PODCAST 140 THE MAN IN SEAT 61

PODCAST 140 THE MAN IN SEAT 61

We talk train journeys of all kinds with the guru of rail travel, Mark Smith, aka "The Man in Seat 61. "  Mark shares his own favourite journeys and experiences, particularly in the country where "the scenery inside the train is as enthralling as the landscape outside."  Mark's  hugely informative website is  at www.seat61.com.  Thanks as well to Monisha Rajesh, author of  "Around the World in 80 trains" 

Jan 23, 202329:32
PODCAST 139 THE PLACE TO BE IN  23

PODCAST 139 THE PLACE TO BE IN 23

We discuss hot locations for this year's travellers and some of the new trends and buzzwords that are making a splash.  Find out, for instance whether you are a set-jetter?    The website we mentioned is www.tripfiction.com. And the photo is of Marseille

Jan 10, 202327:03
PODCAST 138   OUR VERY HARD NEW YEAR TRAVEL QUIZ
Jan 03, 202330:03
THE BEST TRAVEL FICTION

THE BEST TRAVEL FICTION

Our guest is Professor Jean Mcneil, who not only teaches writing but is an author of both novels and travel narratives.  Hear her thoughts on the differences between factual and fictional evocations of other places, but also her top tips for good travel reading. Amongst her favourites are the novels of Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga.  Discover Jean's own work at https://www.jeanmcneil.co.uk/

Dec 24, 202229:35
PODCAST 136 WORLD CUP FINAL SPECIAL

PODCAST 136 WORLD CUP FINAL SPECIAL

We match France with Argentina to discover which of these football greats is the better travel destination. It's a game of dodgy decisions and dirty tricks with a thrilling climax

Dec 17, 202231:53
PODCAST 135  A GUIDE TO  XMAS TRAVEL PROSPECTS

PODCAST 135 A GUIDE TO XMAS TRAVEL PROSPECTS

Are they as bleak as the weather? Join Mick Webb and Simon Calder for a summary of the festive disruptions, a lively listener exchange about business flights and a look back at the original Christmas journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem- challenging, to put it mildly.  With thanks to Christian Bjoerklund for his electronic track, Hallon. 

Dec 11, 202224:28
PODCAST 134 DIGITAL NOMADS-A GOOD THING?
Dec 06, 202230:04
PODCAST 133   A TOUCH OF CLASS

PODCAST 133 A TOUCH OF CLASS

We take a peek behind the curtain that hides business class from economy to discover what life is like for that controversial traveller-the frequent flyer. Providing the low-down and behind-the-scenes gossip is Rob Burgess, founder and director of the website, headforpoints.com

   

Nov 28, 202229:04
PODCAST 132 HOW GREEN ARE YOUR TRAVELS?

PODCAST 132 HOW GREEN ARE YOUR TRAVELS?

We are joined, from her narrowboat home, by Anna Hughes, the director of Flight Free UK.  On the agenda are ways of travelling more responsibly and sustainably and how to at least mitigate the effects on the planet of our constant need to move around it.  The websites mentioned by Anna are flightfree.co.uk; byway.travel; raileurope.co.uk

Nov 22, 202229:07
PODCAST 131 TRAVEL MYSTERIES, GREAT AND SMALL

PODCAST 131 TRAVEL MYSTERIES, GREAT AND SMALL

We discuss our favourite travel conundrums and their enduring fascination.  Whatever happened to.......?   How did they get here... ? Why on earth......  ?  Flight MH 370, Easter Island statues and the bewildering seat numbers in Portuguese trains all make it onto the agenda

 


Nov 15, 202228:39
PODCAST 130 FREE TRAVEL

PODCAST 130 FREE TRAVEL

Our audio guide includes where to go to find free transport and and when you can visit the world's great museums without  putting your hand in your pocket. Plus, we evaluate listener's miracles-do they stand up to our rigorous testing?  

Oct 23, 202227:15
PODCAST 129 MODERN TRAVEL MIRACLES

PODCAST 129 MODERN TRAVEL MIRACLES

Taking our cue from the miracles sought by pilgrims to the French city of Lourdes, we try to track down some secular miracles for the modern traveller. 

Oct 17, 202224:23