The Travel Expert with Simon Calder

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 loyalty schemes and whether earning and burning is still worth your time.And finally, answering your travel questions, Simon and Greg share recommendations on whether to fly or take the ferry to the Isle of Man and look into China visa rules for 2027. Send your questions to [email protected] 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.Video Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanCommissioning Editor: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan SearleHighlights:Are contactless facial recognition borders the future of UK airports?Why the British Museum has banned cameras for the Bayeux Tapestry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 questions. Simon and Greg offer advice on car rental for older travellers with Europcar and Zipcar, and recommend the wild landscapes of the Southern Carpathians as an alternative hiking holiday to Everest base camp.Send your questions to [email protected] 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.Video Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan SearleHighlights:Air traffic control meltdowns: Is aviation chaos the new normal?Winter sun special: Caribbean vs Indian Ocean with Rachel O’Reilly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 young megahub, Istanbul Airport, has taken top spot. Greg and Simon discuss why, and how, the Turkish airport has risen above London Heathrow.As always, Simon and Greg answer your pressing travel questions, including a recommendation request for a European minibreak in October, and the man who thinks he has found an innovative solution to the EU 90-day travel limit imposed on British citizens.Send your questions to [email protected] our latest travel adviceCheck your passport validitySign up for The Telegraph Travel newsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan Searle 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 [email protected] our latest travel adviceCheck your passport validitySign up for The Telegraph Travel newsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: Meghan SearleHighlights:The best (and worst) of US travel, from the co-founder of Lonely PlanetYour rights when flights go wrong 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 [email protected] our latest travel adviceCheck your passport validitySign up for The Telegraph Travel newsletterVideo Producer: Carla MercerProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossStudio Operator: James England 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 [email protected] 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/travelnewsletterProducer: Georgia CoanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsHead of Travel: Ben RossVideo Producer: Carla MercerStudio Operator: Meghan Searle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.