Do yourself a favour: rely on travel professionals

Simon Calder’s Travel Week [The Independent](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvP2xpZD02N2gxMGlpZ3hjdzkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Friday, November 17, 2023   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD1pdWcwZjk0djQ1YjUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD1lNHMxd2ZyaHA5N2wmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ Travel, the industry of human happiness, is full of dedicated professionals whose mission statement emulates that of [early-era Butlins](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrLzgwLXllYXJzLW9mLWJyaXRpc2gtZmFtaWx5LWhvbGlkYXlzLWF0LWJ1dGxpbi1zLWE2OTcxMDQ2Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWU0dmR2bDg2b2N3YiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~): “Our true intent is all for your delight.” This week, for a short-notice trip to the Red Sea and Cairo, I paid a long-established tour operator – Discover Egypt – to arrange everything. Yes, service with a confident smile can cost more than assembling the elements yourself. But on a DIY trip the scope for disruption is far greater. No one likes a travel bargain more than I do, yet to derive the maximum value from a trip it pays to offload the complexities of a journey to people with expertise. You (I hope) don’t read the endless tales of woe I receive about mishaps relating to online travel agent bookings. My conclusion: human expertise and empathy is worth every pound, British or Egyptian. - Rail strikes: [Train drivers to walk out in December](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T4aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9kZWNlbWJlci10cmFpbi1zdHJpa2VzLWFzbGVmLWRyaXZlci1iMjQ0ODI1Ni5odG1sP2xpZD0yejF5ZHpweWJhenYmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) - Big spender: [Tourist shocked after being charged £1,890 for cocktail](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T3aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS90b3VyaXN0LWNvY2t0YWlsLWJpbGwtbG9uZG9uLWhvdGVsLWIyNDQ3NTc0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPXAyajdwdTJwYW40cSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) - Rough landing: [Flight makes 'heart-stopping' touchdown amid crosswinds](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9haXItY2FuYWRhLWZsaWdodC1jcm9zc3dpbmRzLXJvdWdoLWxhbmRpbmctYjI0NDc1NTguaHRtbD9saWQ9dzFrcW5lbGw2NjFoJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25vcnRoLWFmcmljYS1taWRkbGUtZWFzdC9lZ3lwdC9iZXN0LXRoaW5ncy10by1kby1lZ3lwdC1iMjM4NzA3Ny5odG1sP2xpZD00N2xucmVzOGJ0YjEmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Sharm school: learn how to get the best from local experts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25vcnRoLWFmcmljYS1taWRkbGUtZWFzdC9lZ3lwdC9iZXN0LXRoaW5ncy10by1kby1lZ3lwdC1iMjM4NzA3Ny5odG1sP2xpZD05ZWFwbnY0bzhjZXomdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   Get inspired... ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS90dXJpbi1sYW5naGUtaXRhbHktcGllZG1vbnQtY3VsdHVyZS13aW5lLWIyNDQ0NjQ0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWRobmdjamIzeTRrcyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Swap Florence for Turin](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS90dXJpbi1sYW5naGUtaXRhbHktcGllZG1vbnQtY3VsdHVyZS13aW5lLWIyNDQ0NjQ0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWN3OWYwaGwxNDZrdyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Vineyard tours, one-of-a-kind cuisine and a Unesco-protected natural wonder – it’s time to head to northern Italy and give Piedmont your full attention. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luZGVwZW5kZW50LXRyYXZlbGxlci9jb2xsZWN0aW9uL2RvZy1mcmllbmRseS1ob3RlbHMtaW4tbmV3LWZvcmVzdD9saWQ9bGJ3bDBibXgweWN0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [Dog-friendly New Forest hotels](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luZGVwZW5kZW50LXRyYXZlbGxlci9jb2xsZWN0aW9uL2RvZy1mcmllbmRseS1ob3RlbHMtaW4tbmV3LWZvcmVzdD9saWQ9aHFzMmxvYTl0dzJuJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) The best places to bed down in and around this national park where four-legged friends are equally welcome. Browse our selection ranging from boutique B&Bs to country house hotels. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TtaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL2NvdHN3b2xkcy1jYW5hbHMtY3ljbGluZy1ob2xpZGF5LWJpa2UtYjI0MzkxMjYuaHRtbD9saWQ9aG5wYzZnZ2h5cnRvJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [Saddle up for the Cotswolds](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TtaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL2NvdHN3b2xkcy1jYW5hbHMtY3ljbGluZy1ob2xpZGF5LWJpa2UtYjI0MzkxMjYuaHRtbD9saWQ9N2F6c2RsdDI5aWF2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Think the Cotswolds is just for walkers? Think again. A planned restoration project of the region’s canals is set to make its waterways more accessible by bike. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4Q1AWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC91ay9jYWxlZG9uaWFuLXNsZWVwZXItcmVmdXJiaXNobWVudC10cmFpbi1zZXJ2aWNlLW92ZXJuaWdodC1sb25kb24tc2NvdGxhbmQtZWRpbmJ1cmdoLWdsYXNnb3ctYWJlcmRlZW4taW52ZXJuZXNzLWE3OTQ0NTcxLmh0bWw_bGlkPXVkamtyZjZkY2ZnbCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ Deal of the week: Caledonian Sleeper for 25% less Every night apart from Saturday, overnight sleeper trains connect Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fort William, Glasgow and Inverness with London. Yet since the Caledonian Sleeper trains were rejuvenated, fares have soared: so high, compared with day trains, that I haven’t actually used the new service. But I might do with the current “winter sale”, designed to boost bookings immediately after New Year. Book by 30 November for travel 4 January-7 February 2024, buy via the [Caledonian Sleeper website](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2xlZXBlci5zY290L3NsZWVwZXItc2FsZS0yMDIzLz9saWQ9ZTZkdHVsNzVudXVjJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) and tap in the discount code SLEEPER25 when searching for availability. The discount applies across all routes, room types and seats. On a test one-way booking from London to Inverness on Tuesday 9 January, the price for two in a “classic” room (with bunk beds) dropped from £210 to £157. [Peak rail fares abolished in Scotland for six month trial](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TraHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvbmV3cy91ay9zY290cmFpbC1nbGFzZ293LXJhaWx3YXktcGVydGgtZHVuZGVlLWIyNDIyMDQzLmh0bWw_bGlkPWxrc2VrczdvZnA3biZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [GET INSPIRED](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4Q1AWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC91ay9jYWxlZG9uaWFuLXNsZWVwZXItcmVmdXJiaXNobWVudC10cmFpbi1zZXJ2aWNlLW92ZXJuaWdodC1sb25kb24tc2NvdGxhbmQtZWRpbmJ1cmdoLWdsYXNnb3ctYWJlcmRlZW4taW52ZXJuZXNzLWE3OTQ0NTcxLmh0bWw_bGlkPXUzMzhhb2I1bGRicCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Tip of the week: Gatwick rail access improves Gatwick airport was the first in the world to be built adjacent to a railway to allow smooth connections from train to plane. But the current station struggles to cope with demand – while heavily laden and/or less mobile passengers struggle with luggage and inadequate lifts. From 5.30am on Tuesday morning, 21 November, that is all set to change. Arriving and departing passengers will be segregated, with eight new escalators, five new jumbo-sized lifts and four new stairways. Fast trains link Gatwick with London every few minutes, on [Southern](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SyaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc291dGhlcm5yYWlsd2F5LmNvbS8_bGlkPTk0aXI1Z3JnZjNoeSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) and [Thameslink](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S0aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhhbWVzbGlua3JhaWx3YXkuY29tLz9saWQ9OXk5bDN6amt5dzR6JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) as well as the expensive [Gatwick Express](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SxaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2F0d2lja2V4cHJlc3MuY29tLz9saWQ9NTg1cWhpOWwwOHNrJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj). Thameslink trains extend to Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge. Gatwick also has frequent direct links to Brighton, and good services to the rest of the South Coast – as well as to Reading for connections to the West of England and South Wales. Note that Thameslink train drivers will walk out on 3 December and Gatwick Express/Southern staff on 6 December. [GET INSPIRED](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4QDAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvdWstYnVzaWVzdC1haXJwb3J0LXRlcm1pbmFscy1oZWF0aHJvdy1zdGFuc3RlZC1iMjQzMTAxNy5odG1sP2xpZD01MDR0dzdzNTEzbjQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   [Best base layers](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4QHAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC9vdXRkb29yLWFjdGl2aXR5L3dpbnRlci1zcG9ydHMvYmVzdC1iYXNlLWxheWVycy1tZW4td29tZW4tYjI0MTUyMjAuaHRtbD9saWQ9NHJpcmoydGE3MjgxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Whether you're hiking through the English countryside or heading to the slopes, make sure to bundle up in[base layers](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4QHAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC9vdXRkb29yLWFjdGl2aXR5L3dpbnRlci1zcG9ydHMvYmVzdC1iYXNlLWxheWVycy1tZW4td29tZW4tYjI0MTUyMjAuaHRtbD9saWQ9a28zd3J1cjJqb3AxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)for an extra layer of warmth. [Our edit features the best picks for men and women](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4QHAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC9vdXRkb29yLWFjdGl2aXR5L3dpbnRlci1zcG9ydHMvYmVzdC1iYXNlLWxheWVycy1tZW4td29tZW4tYjI0MTUyMjAuaHRtbD9saWQ9c2V4aXdmMW1ha3g5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj).   Simon’s dispatches Osama, who is surely the top tour guide in Egypt’s Sinai region, was waiting for me at Sharm El Sheikh airport. Not, though, amid the scrum of hotel shuttle drivers and hustlers who greet bleary and confused arrivals “landside” at airports across the world – after immigration and customs. Osama has permission to meet his charges as they emerge from the gate and guide them through arrival formalities up to and including the best local SIM card to buy to avoid punitive roaming charges. He has worked with Discover Egypt for many years. I told the firm I wanted time on the beaches of southern Sinai, that strange ribbon of sunny indulgence squeezed between the mountainous desert and the absurdly warm water. And time in Cairo, the biggest city in Africa, with an excursion to the original Memphis and the little-visited pyramids of Saqqara – 20 miles south of the larger, newer and more popular edifices. Then I relaxed. No ploughing through online reviews to find the right accommodation: Discover Egypt knows the hotels where the plumbing will work and its clients will be happy. No tension about how to navigate through the airport and into a taxi for a fair price. Just turn up and Osama will take care of everything – as his counterpart, Sam, is doing in Cairo. And, given [the downturn in tourism to Egypt over the past six weeks](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9lZ3lwdC1ob2xpZGF5cy10b3VyaXNtLWhhbWFzLWlzcmFlbC1nYXphLWIyNDQzMjU5Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTJnMThlbHF0djMzMiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), turning up is a good plan. Evidently there are many other travel professionals out there who want to get people on their way as swiftly as possible. I wrote this week about the [airline ground staff who cheerfully transferred me to an earlier flight](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4QMAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2Uvd2hlbi1haXJsaW5lcy1nby1vbmUtc3RlcC1iZXlvbmQtYW5kLXlvdS1nZXQtaG9tZS1lYXJseS1iMjQ0NzM0OC5odG1sP2xpZD01eWxxYmdlNTlwZHImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) even though I had bought the cheapest and least flexible ticket available. Many readers responded with their own tales of a human kindness helping out at airports. Simon Eyre reported: “Virgin Atlantic did this for me once from Washington Dulles. It was their suggestion that I got the earlier flight and they drove me right to the plane in one of those golf buggy things as the flight was already boarding as I was checking in.” And when Nick Webb turned up at the wrong airport in Osaka for a domestic flight to Tokyo: “The Japanese airline found me a flight from there without charge.” For every travel horror story I hear, it's reassuring to find there's always a tale to restore my faith in humanity. [Latest travel advice for Egypt](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS90cmF2ZWwtdG8tZWd5cHQtZnJvbS11ay1iMjQzNjM4OC5odG1sP2xpZD13cGFpa25yc283MHUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   PICK OF THE WEEK: 12 NIGHTS IN THAILAND: PHUKET, ELEPHANT SAFARI, KHAO LAK – SAVE 45% FROM £1559 ~/AAAHagA~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 [Experience the ultimate 12-night Thai adventure! Relax in Phuket at Best Western Premier Bangtao, embark on an unforgettable Elephant Hills safari, and unwind in Khao Lak at X10 Khao Lak Resort. Complimentary pick-ups, elephant encounters, and more included with saving up to 45% from £1,559 per person. Book now!](~/AAAHagA~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)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S9aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlL2FwcD9saWQ9YmYzb2hnY2Fjejh6JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL25vNXgvZDI1ZTc0Y2M_bGlkPXFmZXJmMnNkdXQxaSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~   Question of the week Question of the week Best short break to Ireland?     I want a short break in Ireland – where do you recommend?~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL25vcnRoZXJuLWlyZWxhbmQvYmVzdC1iZWFjaGVzLW5vcnRoZXJuLWlyZWxhbmQtYjIzNTY2NzcuaHRtbD9saWQ9bnloODA3c25wdGM3JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj     I estimate nine out of 10 of people taking a short break in Ireland head for Dublin. The capital is welcoming and intriguing, with a wide range of attractions from the ancient Book of Kells to the extremely popular Guinness Storehouse. There are, of course, many excellent places to eat and drink – and I recommend a guided crawl of the best pubs. You mention a “short break” rather than strictly a city stay: if you can spare an extra day, head for Howth on the northern end of Dublin Bay. Yet such is the industrial scale of tourism in Dublin that I think you will receive a warmer welcome elsewhere. [Dublin's best hotels for a stylish, affordable stay](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TeaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2hvdGVscy9iZXN0LWR1Ymxpbi1ob3RlbHMtYjE5NzY0MDMuaHRtbD9saWQ9ZWI5am56bjYzaTB4JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) If you include the whole island rather than just the Republic, Belfast is the natural alternative. Northern Ireland’s capital hosts the highly successful Titanic Belfast attraction, the encyclopaedic Ulster Museum and the vivid reflection of recent events in the “Peace Wall”. Perhaps because of associations with The Troubles, Belfast still does not attract visitors in the numbers it deserves – and the absence of crowds makes it a more engaging experience. Among the many possible side-trips, I particularly recommend the train to the pretty port of Bangor. [Why Belfast should be your next cultural city break](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL25vcnRoZXJuLWlyZWxhbmQvYmVsZmFzdC1jdWx0dXJlLWFydC1jaXR5LWJyZWFrLWlyZWxhbmQtYjIxNzg2MjAuaHRtbD9saWQ9eGF3cXFreHJwbGJqJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) The third city that deserves your attention: Cork, a handsome city which has the extra benefit of the port of Cobh (formerly Queenstown) at the end of a short rail trip. This was the last call for Titanic on her fateful maiden voyage. Another possible excursion: to Kinsale, the fishing port turned gastronomic capital of Ireland. Derry/Londonderry is a compelling walled city on a hillside, with spectacular land- and seascapes beyond, plus many stories to be told – ideally by a local guide. To complete the set, I’d like to include Galway and the Connemara coast and mountains beyond. But flights no longer serve the western city, so it is better included in a longer itinerary – perhaps along part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. [My adventures on the Wild Atlantic Way](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pcmVsYW5kL3dpbGQtYXRsYW50aWMtd2F5LXJvYWQtdHJpcC1iMjM3NzI5NS5odG1sP2xpZD05ZWtlcTA1NXN6dTAmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Essential reading ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9pcy1pdC1zYWZlLXRvLXRyYXZlbC10by1pY2VsYW5kLWFkdmljZS1iMjQ0ODE5OS5odG1sP2xpZD1naHZycGx2b3l2ZGImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9pcy1pdC1zYWZlLXRvLXRyYXZlbC10by1pY2VsYW5kLWFkdmljZS1iMjQ0ODE5OS5odG1sP2xpZD05OGtkZ3piYjcybmomdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) STAT OF THE WEEK £88.88 [Fee added by debt agency chasing British holidaymakers for 'unpaid' toll charges in Portugal](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP4QAAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvdG9sbC1jaGFyZ2VzLWRyaXZlcnMtaG9saWRheW1ha2Vycy1wb3J0dWdhbC1iMjQ0NjQ3NS5odG1sP2xpZD01anR4NHZ1NDEwY3omdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TpaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luc3BpcmF0aW9uL2Jlc3Qtb2YtdHJhdmVsLWhvdC1saXN0cy1iMjQ0NDYxNy5odG1sP2xpZD1lanl4MjdkdWoyNWsmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [The secret decision-making behind ‘best-of’ travel lists – and why they always seem to get it wrong](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TpaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luc3BpcmF0aW9uL2Jlc3Qtb2YtdHJhdmVsLWhvdC1saXN0cy1iMjQ0NDYxNy5odG1sP2xpZD1remR0dHVnbXV3aXgmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   SIMON'S DIARY Every day from Monday to Friday I tackle a top travel story, or explore a topic in more detail than usual in ‘Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast’ – available free on [Spotify](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPWhqbDNtNWZ3NnkwMSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9b2hpdHI2d2JmYWgzJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPXhyOTV5eGwzM2FpZSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPWQ4aTA5MXE4MjEzbyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). Every day from Monday to Friday I tackle a top travel story, or explore a topic in more detail than usual in ‘Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast’ – available free on [Spotify](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPTJwNmI0NzlzaWFqNiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9anl0c2pnb3B3ZmlsJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPXg0MTkxc21jbG53YSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPTk3M2w3djNrOTcxeSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). I find the easiest way to rush out stories is to tweet them on X, formerly known as Twitter. It’s also an easy way to contact me. My direct messages are open and I read all DMs, though regrettably I can’t respond to every one. Let me know your thoughts [@SimonCalder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9ZGc3YmRjcWZoZHlmJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) I find the easiest way to rush out stories is to tweet them on X, formerly known as Twitter. It’s also an easy way to contact me. My direct messages are open and I read all DMs, though regrettably I can’t respond to every one. Let me know your thoughts [@SimonCalder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9aWFjNXg0dWlyZXhkJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAxNy0xMS0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZVWNEVdlKMAZAVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Each Saturday and Sunday I take questions live at 5.30pm British time on Instagram Live – from wherever I happen to be in the world – so please do come and say hello. Follow me on Instagram (and also now on Threads) [@Simon_Calder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD11Nmk4MzFxcTFrMXcmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Each Saturday and Sunday I take questions live at 5.30pm British time on Instagram Live – from wherever I happen to be in the world – so please do come and say hello. Follow me on Instagram (and also now on Threads) [@Simon_Calder](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD0xMDV6N3F6NGh4MmImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDE3LTExLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplVY0RV2UowBkBUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Or you can find me on TikTok. Come and have a look at what I have been up to as I bring you top travel topics and report on the latest changes in a minute or less via [@caldertravel](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPXp0NXh1Mm9pczhwMiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Or you can find me on TikTok. Come and have a look at what I have been up to as I bring you top travel topics and report on the latest changes in a minute or less via [@caldertravel](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPXVpb2Rqc2p1MGZuZSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   [Packing cubes](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ3a05JYlo_bGlkPTZheDd2eG40dWd2MiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Take the hassle out of organising your suitcase with this eight-strong set of packing cubes, now reduced by 31 per cent at Amazon. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ3a05JYlo_bGlkPWdqZ2ppYmI3ZXJ3OSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Bondi Sands suncreen](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzNzQUF5c2I_bGlkPTBvZ25sazh3ZzRnMSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) If you're lucky enough to be jetting off for some winter sun, make sure you're well equipped with Bondi Sands' face SPF 50, now half price at Amazon. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnOZaNP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzNzQUF5c2I_bGlkPWFhdjZkZjV4b3RiZyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMTctMTEtMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmVVjRFXZSjAGQFSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) ~/AAAHagA~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