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.

99 most recent episodes displayed below

Visit website →

Episodes

00:30:01 Ep. 237

The cost of tourism PODCAST 237

We mull over the concept of over-tourism, its causes and effects as well as some remedies. Why not try the place next door, for instance?

00:29:04 Ep. 236

Straits, dire and desirable PODCAST 236

We shine a light on the world's many and varied straits- not just that one. Are they an underappreciated geographical feature?

00:33:25

The Wonders of Oaxaca : Podcast 235

We explore the delights- natural, culinary, architectural and cultural- of the colourful Mexican state of Oaxaca.

00:26:57 Ep. 233

THERE BE DRAGONS! PODCAST 233

We consider the perils of venturing off venturing off the beaten track, talk to an adventure tour organiser facing up to current hazards in Venezuela, Iran and now Greenland, and we meet..... the axolotl.

00:25:32 Ep. 232

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Podcast 232

Do you recognise this flag? It's one of the destinations that Simon found out about at the Adventure Travel Show in London. We discuss real travel adventures where the guide books run out as well as less challenging but still unusual places away from

00:25:46 Ep. 231

Out with the Old, in with the New PODCAST 231

We assess the past year in travel and anticipate the next one, with thoughts on destinations and technology as well as the giving of some self-indulgent travel presents.

00:25:38 Ep. 230

TRAVEL MIRACLES Podcast 230

Amazing travel experiences in which the laws of time are challenged , castles like "pastry shops for the soul" and the glacial progress of the new European Exit/Entry System.

00:30:01 Ep. 229

Great Unfinished buildings PODCAST 229

We chat about the Sagrada Familia, the National Monument of Scotland and confront the brave new world of "frictionless travel" as promised by facial recognition technology

00:28:12 Ep. 228

Castles in Spain PODCAST 228

We discuss Spain's wealth of dramatic castles- the best to visit, the best to stay in and the one where you'll find the best pastries

00:30:08 Ep. 226

PODCAST 226 Prepare for the EES

We try to make sense of the new entry /exit system that will affect UK travellers to Europe's Schengen area: what is it? when will it start? what will it mean for travellers, apart from delays?

00:29:55 Ep. 225

PODCAST 225 ANATOMY OF A MOUNTAIN TREK

Join us for a brief but steep hike through the Pyrenees in the footsteps of exiles and refugees and the hoofprints of sheep, cows and isards.

00:29:01 Ep. 224

PODCAST 224 Station to Station

Join Simon and Mick on the nearest thing to a hill climb that South London can offer. But will it be a suitable rehearsal for their forthcoming trek in the Pyrenees?

00:29:40

PODCAST 223 Travel Conundrums

We get to grips with two very different travelling dilemmas: can you get to the middle of nowhere and how can you combat the trickery and duplicity of car hire firms?

00:29:27 Ep. 222

PODCAST 222 Ancient and Modern

We track down traditional Spanish houses, search for great Airbnb's and report on a green ferry service across the Channel-by yacht.

00:26:45 Ep. 220

PODCAST 220 Churches in the danger zone

Simon enjoys Lithuania and falls prey to creeping delays and dynamic currency conversions during a whistle stop European tour. Meanwhile Mick takes part in a race across southern England- accidentally.

00:28:30 Ep. 219

PODCAST 219 All the Way to Vauxhall

An underwhelming new dawn for our railways, an inadvertent phone error by an airport boss and the unveiling of a "slow" race across the world.

00:29:46 Ep. 218

PODCAST 218 Brits Abroad

We talk about the challenges of settling into French village life, review races across the world and wonder why we need a new airline linking the UK with the USA.

00:29:34 Ep. 217

PODCAST 217 Below Deck in the Adriatic

Join Simon on his tour of beautiful Croatian Islands and share your thoughts on holiday souvenirs, Voyages a trois and "Trevi Fountain wishes" for ways to make travel better.

00:29:33 Ep. 216

PODCAST 216 Travel in Turbulent Times

Electricity blackouts, cancellations, widespread delays............We discuss how to hedge your holiday bets in an era of chaos and confusion. The photograph is of a work by the Argentinian artist, Pablo Suarez.

00:32:24 Ep. 215

PODCAST 215 IN BELGIUM

Enjoy our guide to the varied and often surprising charms of the country at the heart of Europe, and just a train ride from the UK.

00:29:35 Ep. 214

PODCAST 214 Choosing a restaurant

One of the delights and challenges of a trip abroad is deciding where to eat. We discuss listeners' opinions on what to look for and what to avoid!

00:30:02 Ep. 213

PODCAST 213 The Joy of Maps

Mike Parker, author of the best selling "Map Addict," joins us to share his love affair with maps and his thoughts on the politics of cartography and the strong feelings that it provokes.

00:29:02 Ep. 212

PODCAST 212 THE WILD PLACES

Author and professor, Jean Mcneil, joins us to talk about her new book, Latitudes, and leads us into some of the world's great wildernesses. Danger, adventure and thought-provoking reflections pepper the book, which is published by Barbican Press

00:22:09 Ep. 211

PODCAST 211 South America for beginners

Which country should you choose for your first visit to South America? We assess the attractions and weigh up the pros and cons of four big-hitters: Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Peru.

00:28:17 Ep. 210

PODCAST 210 DONKEY BUSINESS

We discuss legendary music museums, Chinese airlines, sustainable breakfast buffets and the pros and cons of travelling with donkeys. Thanks to Florian Giorgio for his photo on Unsplash

00:29:11 Ep. 209

PODCAST 209 BUFFET BREAKFAST BATTLES

Foragers take on anti-foragers in the great breakfast buffet debate, we continue the train limerick challenge and feature a topical update on romantic destinations. The website for info on the Robert Louis Stevenson trail is chemin-stevenson.org and

00:30:02 Ep. 208

PODCAST 208 CELEBRATING THE RAILWAY

We welcome Mark Smith, well known as "the man in seat 61" to discuss the bicentenary of the first official railway journey, a gift from the UK to the world. Mark's guide to rail travel is at www.seat61.com And thanks to Roland Lösslein for his photo

00:30:30 Ep. 207

PODCAST 207 Manatees v humanity

We discuss the possible impact on travel to the USA of the impending Donald Trump presidency while Simon reports from Florida on the often fraught interaction between humanity and manatees. With thanks to NOAA for the photo of a manatee and her calf.

00:28:25 Ep. 206

PODCAST 206 NEW YEAR, OLD YEAR

Simon and Mick share their favourite travel moments from 2024- best views, meals and cultural encounters- before looking forward to 2025. Happy New Year, fellow travellers!

00:29:15 Ep. 205

PODCAST 205 BEHIND THE SCENES OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL

We talk to Dylan Harris, founder of Lupine Travel, about his tour company, how they decide on their destinations and what it's like to organise trips to "no-go" areas like the Darien Gap, Yemen and Afghanistan.

00:28:55 Ep. 204

PODCAST 204 THE QUIET SIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS

Simon recounts tales from his recent trek through Nepal's Lumba Sumba pass and, inspired by Rome's Trevi fountain we launch a strand of travel wishes!

00:29:56 Ep. 203

PODCAST 203 HITTING THE HEIGHTS

Simon Calder and Mick Webb compare their recent lofty experiences in Nepal and La Gomera respectively.

00:30:01 Ep. 202

PODCAST 202 BEWARE OF THE BEARS

We wonder if Brown Bears are good or bad for tourism, hear listener Sally Naylor's tale of her split-second travel decision and discuss whether the world is becoming too samey.

00:29:45 Ep. 201

PODCAST 201 THE HIDDEN CHARMS OF M-WAY SERVICES

Philosopher and travel writer, Professor Emily Thomas, joins us to provide a cerebral take on motorways and their service areas.

Thanks to David Dixon for his photo of the M 40 services on geograph.org.uk/photo/3299492

00:29:46 Ep. 200

PODCAST 200 5 YEARS OF TRAVEL PODCASTING

We look back at the last 5 years of travel, at the changes, the experience of Covid and Brexit and at the best and worst of the 200 podcasts that we've made since 2019

00:27:52 Ep. 199

PODCAST 199 SUMMER OF 24

We look back at the recent holiday season and mull over the highlights and headlines. What should we learn from them?

00:30:39 Ep. 198

PODCAST 198 MEET ON THE LEDGE

Our guest is Gordon Stone, editor of "Strider," the magazine of the Long Distance Walkers' Association. We discuss good treks, good preparation and staying safe in hazardous conditions. And we reminisce about our great and not-so-great experiences.

00:29:55 Ep. 197

PODCAST 197 Travel's Daily Demands

Taking bikes on trains, tussling with tensators and the trouble with tea bags. We share our, and listeners', tales of travel's challenges.

00:29:04 Ep. 196

PODCAST 196 THE FOUR WINDS

We welcome weather presenter Jo Wheeler to discuss the part the wind plays in our travels. Should we pay more attention to its wily ways? And what on earth is a "medicane" ? Follow Jo on X @weatherdolly and send us a voice note to YouShouldHaveBeenTh

00:29:44 Ep. 195

PODCAST 195 INSIDE ISTRIA

We unveil the charms of this multinational and multicultural peninsula: food, drink, landscapes, historical sites and modern attractions. Is it the perfect holiday destination? Meanwhile, the great tea debate rumbles on.

00:26:57 Ep. 194

PODCAST 194 THE GREEN GREEN GRASS....

We hear what people look forward to most about coming home from a holiday

And discuss the challenges facing the new government when it comes to travel, transport and tourism

00:29:30 Ep. 193

PODCAST 193 THE VANGUARD WAY

We enjoy the perfect day's walk along the Vanguard Way in southern England, taking in the forest haunts of Winnie the Pooh along the way. Plus a warning to travellers about the latest travel scam.

00:32:35 Ep. 192

PODCAST 192 DOWN UNDER WITH THE CROCS AND THE QUOKKAS

We discuss the merits of visiting Australia in the wake of Mick's trip to the less fashionable West and North of this vast country. On the agenda: strange pronunciations, marvellous marsupials, loud and lovely birds and the very important distinction

00:28:17 Ep. 191

PODCAST 191 THE REAL ORIENT EXPRESS

We reveal some truths about the legendary Orient Express, including who was responsible for "murdering " it. Plus more travel miracles and updates for summer tourism. With Simon Calder and Mick Webb

00:29:36 Ep. 190

PODCAST 190 HE WAS A DAY TRIPPER.........

We discuss the controversial new tax on day visitors to Venice and look ahead to the charms and challenges of this summer's travel, including the best month to make your get away.

00:29:28 Ep. 189

PODCAST 189 DARK TOURISM

We explore the contrasting attractions of dark tourism for eclipse chasers and disaster seekers, while Simon tries not to miss his flight from New York. The website mentioned is dark-tourism. com.

00:27:11 Ep. 188

PODCAST 188 NECESSARY EVILS

We delve into "Type 2 fun" and discuss some places that might be considered necessary evils on the way to more enjoyable destinations. Like the Central American city in the photo.

00:29:52 Ep. 187

PODCAST 187 Finding Happiness in Travel

Our guest is Mike Mackay Richards, author of "The Travelling Ape." Mike has visited 155 countries and has a perhaps surprisingly upbeat view of people and most, if not all, places. He advises us to get out there and enjoy the world rather then "veget

00:29:17 Ep. 186

PODCAST 186 UNFASHIONABLE DESTINATIONS

We muse on the weeks travel headlines about Air Traffic Control chaos and plunging planes, while Simon reports from the vast Berlin Travel Show where the whole world of travel is revealed.

00:29:30 Ep. 185

PODCAST 185 Into the Wild

We talk to Jonny Bealby, founder of the adventure travel firm, Wild Frontiers, about his life as a traveller and businessman. On the agenda: his favourite countries, most terrifying experiences and the item that he won't travel without. Website: www.

00:28:51 Ep. 184

PODCAST 184 THE MIRACLE OF MALAHIDE

Simon recounts the tale of his unbelievably cheap Irish journey and Dylan Harris of Lupine Travel reveals the rewards and challenges of running an adventure travel company.

00:28:11 Ep. 183

PODCAST 183 THE MOMENT YOUR HOLIDAY BEGINS

We discuss listeners' thoughts on when their holiday really starts: as the front door closes, as you clear airport security, the train/plane/ferry begins to move.... ? With particular thanks to Cathy Adams of Times Travel and filmmaker, Ben Garfield

00:29:55 Ep. 182

PODCAST 182 TRAVEL TABOOS

We showcase the strange restrictions encountered by listeners on their travels and compare our own recent visits to intriguing islands.

00:29:25 Ep. 181

PODCAST 181 DOCUMENTARY DISASTERS

We hear listeners' tales of passport nightmares while Simon exposes a documentary faux-pas in a current Channel 4 drama series.

00:30:21 Ep. 179

PODCAST 179 TRAVELLING HEALTHILY

We Talk to Dr Jane Wilson-Howarth about the new edition of her book, Staying Healthy When You Travel. Expect advice on what to pack, what to expect in different destinations and what to do if you fall ill abroad. The book is published by Fox Chapel P

00:29:39 Ep. 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

00:29:41 Ep. 177

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.

00:29:31 Ep. 176

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

00:29:31 Ep. 175

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.

00:29:55 Ep. 173

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

00:29:19 Ep. 171

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 human

00:23:24 Ep. 169

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.

00:29:46 Ep. 168

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

00:30:23 Ep. 167

PODCAST 167 BELGIUM, BEYOND THE CHIPS AND CHOCOLATE

We discuss the many, very accessible charms of the small country that is becoming a surprise travel hit. With thanks to Vonne of Brasserie Vonne in Balham, South London, for joining us. brasserievonne.co.uk

00:29:12 Ep. 166

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 interv

00:27:08 Ep. 165

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 hol

00:30:09 Ep. 164

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 holid

00:29:13 Ep. 163

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.

00:28:01 Ep. 162

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.

00:32:43 Ep. 161

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?

00:25:44 Ep. 160

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

00:30:00 Ep. 159

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 Relu

00:28:19 Ep. 158

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 co

00:29:29 Ep. 157

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.

00:29:35 Ep. 156

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

00:29:20 Ep. 155

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.

00:28:21 Ep. 154

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

00:29:59 Ep. 153

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://

00:28:02 Ep. 152

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

Scroll to Top