Christmas travel chaos has begun early, but I believe in miracles

Simon Calder’s Travel Week ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     [The Independent](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvP2xpZD0zbXVzbHpmMHdrNzImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Friday, December 22, 2023   [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD03Nm54dDA0ejlmcGQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD1kdGVreTZoeWNyNnAmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) “You make all the miles worthwhile.” That seductive sentiment was shared with a spellbound audience [one cold winter’s night in 2016](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QcAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvdG9ueS1qb2Utd2hpdGUtY29uY2VydC11bmlvbi1jaGFwZWwtc3RhbmRieS1mbGlnaHRzLXdvcmxkcy1iZXN0LWJlYWNoZXMtYTczOTQ1ODEuaHRtbD9saWQ9cTlod29rNmw4eTJhJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj). We were crowded into the Union Chapel in north London. On stage: the late, great Tony Joe White – the king of Cajun swamp rock, yet also a man who could convey the rawest emotions in words and music. He was speaking just before his final song. After paying us that generous compliment, he ended on his anthem to long-distance love: “Rainy Night in Georgia”. This week, the annual Christmas miracle will unfold once more: despite the [crowds](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QEAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvY2hyaXN0bWFzLXRyYXZlbC1idXNpZXN0LWRheXMtYWlycG9ydC1yYWlsLXJvYWQtYjI0NjA2NDAuaHRtbD9saWQ9Z2I1NXpld3p6NTk0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), the [strikes](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvbmV3cy91ay9ob21lLW5ld3MvZXVyb3R1bm5lbC1zdHJpa2VzLXN1c3BlbmRlZC1ldXJvc3Rhci10cmFpbi1iMjQ2NzkwMS5odG1sP2xpZD04c3BsZHRya2FlYTAmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) and the [storms](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QIAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2Uvc3Rvcm0tcGlhLWNocmlzdG1hcy10cmF2ZWwtZmxpZ2h0cy10cmFpbnMtY2FuY2VsbGVkLWIyNDY3NjgwLmh0bWw_bGlkPXl2cWUxbGxibTJ1dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), most of the travel industry is working overtime to ensure millions will reach their loved ones. - Going nowhere: [British Airways staff wrongly turn passenger away](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QHAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvYnJpdGlzaC1haXJ3YXlzLXBhc3Nlbmdlci1kZW5pZWQtYm9hcmRpbmctcGFzc3BvcnQtYjI0Njc2MzMuaHRtbD9saWQ9cTY3NHJvYzNhc2VkJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - Longer stays? [France acts to ease post-Brexit time limits](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9icmV4aXQtYnJpdGlzaC1wYXNzcG9ydC1ob21lcy1mcmFuY2UtYjI0NjcxNzQuaHRtbD9saWQ9Ymg3M2N6dTlxOHdkJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - Hot news: [Despite the latest eruption in Iceland, tourism continues](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QDAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvaWNlbGFuZC12b2xjYW5vLWVydXB0aW9uLXRyYXZlbC1hZHZpY2UtdWstc2FmZS1iMjQ2NjQ1NC5odG1sP2xpZD1obnIzMHFiMXBzbGUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Winter warmer: Villefranche on the Côte d'Azur, more easily accessible right now by air than rail   Get inspired... ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9mcmFuY2UvZnJhbmNlLWhvbGlkYXlzLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy1iMjQ2NDc4MC5odG1sP2xpZD1jdnFiY3M3bXd1bGkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [French swaps](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9mcmFuY2UvZnJhbmNlLWhvbGlkYXlzLWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy1iMjQ2NDc4MC5odG1sP2xpZD1ob2xkcnU3czJoczYmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Forget Paris: you've been going to all the wrong places in France. Check out this list of less-visited but worth-the-trip destinations that should be on your Gallic travel hit list. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0ToaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luZGVwZW5kZW50LXRyYXZlbGxlci9jb2xsZWN0aW9uL2hvdGVscy1pbi12ZW5pY2U_bGlkPW02enBpZzhid3N0OSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Venice hotels](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0ToaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luZGVwZW5kZW50LXRyYXZlbGxlci9jb2xsZWN0aW9uL2hvdGVscy1pbi12ZW5pY2U_bGlkPTcxdXg5cnpsMWdqYyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) The creme de la creme of places to stay in Italy's famed canal city, including stylish palazzos, five-star properties, traditional Venetian pads and boutique boltholes. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luc3BpcmF0aW9uL2NocmlzdG1hcy1hYnJvYWQtaG9saWRheS1mYW1pbHktYjI0NjQyMTguaHRtbD9saWQ9dDJyMzh1bm9oZjE5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [The great Christmas escape](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2luc3BpcmF0aW9uL2NocmlzdG1hcy1hYnJvYWQtaG9saWRheS1mYW1pbHktYjI0NjQyMTguaHRtbD9saWQ9bGN2ZjlmbXFwbHhnJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Going abroad on holiday could just save your family Christmas. Here's why you should consider giving yourself the ultimate yuletide gift: getting the hell out of Dodge for the festive season. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QFAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvY2hlYXAtY2hyaXN0bWFzLWZsaWdodHMtcnlhbmFpci13aXp6LWFpci1lYXN5amV0LWIyNDYzODA1Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTlraWY4dW9hNXo5ZiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ Deal of the week: Christmas Day escape to Spain for £38 This Christmas, more planes will take off from UK airports on 25 December than ever before. Many are long-haul flights, but the extra departures are mainly from budget airlines who sense a demand for sunshine escapes. Clear skies are forecast for Alicante (above) on Spain’s Costa Blanca – and, if you fly from Cardiff, the fare on [Vueling](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnVlbGluZy5jb20vZW4_bGlkPXBpZGxzcW0yb2tuMyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) is currently only £38 one way. Anyone heading further south can avail of [easyJet](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWFzeWpldC5jb20vZW4_bGlkPXh6a28wNHoyeG9waCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)’s best Canary Islands offer on Christmas Day: £58 from Liverpool to Tenerife. [TENERIFE: TOP HOTELS](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9zcGFpbi90ZW5lcmlmZS9iZXN0LWhvdGVscy10ZW5lcmlmZS1iMjA2MDkxNS5odG1sP2xpZD1oZnh3d3V4Yzk3MTUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Looking for more travel deals? Sign up to receive offers, competitions and updates from The Independent’s carefully selected travel partners. [SIGN UP NOW](~/AAAHagA~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~) Tip of the week: Plan those Christmas rail journeys carefully The annual Christmas rail shutdown will start earlier than usual at two key London intercity terminals: King's Cross and Paddington. [Both stations will be closed on Christmas Eve due to engineering work](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QEAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvY2hyaXN0bWFzLXJhaWwtZW5naW5lZXJpbmctdHJhaW4td2hlbi10by10cmF2ZWwtYjI0NTE3MDguaHRtbD9saWQ9MW1mY2lrMWp3dGd0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj). King's Cross connects the capital with Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland, while Paddington is the hub for South Wales, the Cotswolds and the West of England. As usual no trains will run anywhere in the UK on 25 December, with only very few services on Boxing Day – mainly around London, Liverpool and Glasgow. [BUSIEST CHRISTMAS TRAVEL DAYS](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9jaHJpc3RtYXMtdHJhdmVsLWRheXMtYWlycG9ydHMtcm9hZC10cmFpbi1iMjQ2NzA1OS5odG1sP2xpZD1hZnAxZ2xhNzA4NHkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   [best reusable water bottles](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QWAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC9vdXRkb29yLWFjdGl2aXR5L3Nwb3J0cy1lcXVpcG1lbnQtYWNjZXNzb3JpZXMvYmVzdC1yZXVzYWJsZS13YXRlci1ib3R0bGUtYTkzODg4NTEuaHRtbD9saWQ9dHhjcmlia2RtaDI5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) If you're travelling around the UK during the festive period, stay hydrated with one of these tried and tested [reusable water bottles](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QWAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC9vdXRkb29yLWFjdGl2aXR5L3Nwb3J0cy1lcXVpcG1lbnQtYWNjZXNzb3JpZXMvYmVzdC1yZXVzYWJsZS13YXRlci1ib3R0bGUtYTkzODg4NTEuaHRtbD9saWQ9dGc2eWtuYWJocHoxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj).   Simon’s dispatches At this time of year, everyone has a heavy emotional investment in their journey. At London St Pancras International last evening, many Eurostar passengers were in despair. [All trains to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels were cancelled](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T7aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvbmV3cy91ay9ob21lLW5ld3MvZXVyb3R1bm5lbC1zdHJpa2VzLXN1c3BlbmRlZC1ldXJvc3Rhci10cmFpbi1iMjQ2NzkwMS5odG1sP2xpZD15dnJhbGZveTd2aXgmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) due to a sudden strike by French Eurotunnel staff. Hundreds of distressed travellers gathered by the blocked entrance to the Eurostar terminal. Some of them wept as they called their loved ones in France, Belgium and beyond to say they had no clear sense of when international trains might resume, nor whether a seat would be available for them. Perhaps I may help. I feel I have been covering Christmas travel disruption since shortly after the Nativity. I empathise with the heartache so many Eurostar passengers feel at having their journey plans ripped up – as well as those trying to get home from the neighbouring London termini of King's Cross and Euston, [both of which suffered from chaotic line closures yesterday](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TqaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHYvbmV3cy9ldXN0b24tdHJhaW4tY2FuY2VsbGF0aW9ucy1zdG9ybS1waWEtYjI0NjgwNzkuaHRtbD9saWQ9b3B0OHhvY3Z2Z3VjJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj). Yet on the calibration of despair to which I regretfully refer to at this time of year, this episode is not nearly so bad as [the awful Gatwick drone five years ago](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9nYXR3aWNrLWRyb25lLWZsaWdodHMtY2FuY2VsbGVkLXBhc3NlbmdlcnMtYjI0NjY2NTMuaHRtbD9saWQ9bGk0cHk0eXZpcXZiJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), nor [the Heathrow snow closure of 2010](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QAAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvaGVhdGhyb3ctbmlnaHRtYXJlLWp1c3QtZ2V0cy13b3JzZS1hbmQtd29yc2UtMjE2NjUzMS5odG1sP2xpZD1namN6N2ZrZWY0b2smdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~). On both those occasions, more than 150,000 travellers saw their dreams evaporate, with very little scope for rescuing travel plans. The numbers who feel abandoned by Eurostar look just about manageable in the three days remaining before 25 December. Some will opt out of travelling: couples who were heading for Paris might simply hop on the next Thameslink to Brighton for a few days in Britain's most exotic city. Well-meaning families who were doing the right thing by heading for the French Mediterranean by rail may revert to the (relatively) reliable airlines and pick up a last-minute deal to Nice, such as the £115 fare on easyJet tomorrow from Luton to the Côte d'Azur. For the rest – those returning home, meeting family abroad, reuniting with partners – I believe space will found on trains, planes and perhaps the ever-reliable long-distance bus. Sheer frustration should soften into sweet anticipation, with joyful reunions delayed rather than cancelled. All those miles will be worthwhile.   Question of the week Question of the week Winter sun and culture combined?     Looking ahead to January, what are your top recommendations to combining [winter sun](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TKaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3dpbnRlci1zdW4taG9saWRheXM_bGlkPXV4MHV3Nm42emhwayZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) with culture?     Two Mediterranean options: Malaga and Malta, both three hours or less away and around 37 degrees north of the equator. Malaga, on the sunny south coast of Spain, offers a tempting winter menu of the city’s own beach, the Picasso Museum and some serious classical ruins – all of which can be easily mixed, with the promise of superb food and drink to replenish you at the end of a long winter’s day. Malta has deeper history but fewer set-piece museums. Valletta, the capital, is a joy year-round, but in January the crisp, clear days will make exploring the deep history of the island – and its neighbour, Gozo – especially rewarding. [The best Malta holidays to book now](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9tYWx0YS9iZXN0LW1hbHRhLWhvbGlkYXlzLWIyNDY0ODgyLmh0bWw_bGlkPXl5Y3RuYXA4ZmpvNCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Seven degrees further south, Marrakech can be combined with Essaouira on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. But the optimum location is Luxor in Egypt: 26 degrees north, with (in my experience) clear, sunny skies throughout January. Hotels are kitted out for indulgence, while the archaeological sites on either bank of the Nile are almost without equal. [6 of the best Egyptian destinations for 2024](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QDAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ub3J0aC1hZnJpY2EtbWlkZGxlLWVhc3QvZWd5cHQvYmVzdC1lZ3lwdC1ob2xpZGF5LWRlc3RpbmF0aW9ucy1iMjM5OTI4MC5odG1sP2xpZD0zejE2YWM5bG5ubGMmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Essential reading ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2F1c3RyYWxhc2lhL25ldy16ZWFsYW5kL25ldy16ZWFsYW5kLW5ldy1kYXJrLXNreS1zYW5jdHVhcnktYjI0NjQyMzcuaHRtbD9saWQ9bHFxNXZxemY0Ym4xJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [Myth and meaning: discovering New Zealand’s newest dark sky reserve](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2F1c3RyYWxhc2lhL25ldy16ZWFsYW5kL25ldy16ZWFsYW5kLW5ldy1kYXJrLXNreS1zYW5jdHVhcnktYjI0NjQyMzcuaHRtbD9saWQ9NzAxdWVpN3NxZG5rJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) STAT OF THE WEEK £67m [Amount spent by Eurotunnel preparing for the new EU Entry/Exit System](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TzaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9ldS1lZXMtYm9yZGVyLWxhdW5jaC0yMDI0LWRhdGUtYjI0NjcwMjguaHRtbD9saWQ9ZzlxenkyajFmY3M1JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QQAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ub3J0aC1hbWVyaWNhL3VzYS9jaGFybGVzLWRpY2tlbnMtZmVzdGl2YWwtdGV4YXMtY2hyaXN0bWFzLWdhbHZlc3Rvbi1pc2xhbmQtYjI0NjQxMTMuaHRtbD9saWQ9NDRpYzh0dHowZGtxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [Charles Dickens’ great-great-great-granddaughter on why Texans do the author best at Christmas](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP4QQAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9ub3J0aC1hbWVyaWNhL3VzYS9jaGFybGVzLWRpY2tlbnMtZmVzdGl2YWwtdGV4YXMtY2hyaXN0bWFzLWdhbHZlc3Rvbi1pc2xhbmQtYjI0NjQxMTMuaHRtbD9saWQ9dGIzaHByNjkzanV0JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   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~/RgRnZ7nwP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPWdqYnN1NGV6aXM5aCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9Y3lweml3a2N2azVxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPWk4b2szbTBib2thYyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPWo5MHI2eWswbTJyZSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). 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~/RgRnZ7nwP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPWJ0c3ZjeW82cTgzeiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9NWloYTkyYnNwMGl4JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPTQxbGM2Z3lzYndmeCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPWY2NzNseWcyZXYxZSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). 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~/RgRnZ7nwP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9dHNpMGM3dHBxeGszJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) 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~/RgRnZ7nwP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9bTN5NXF3eGExdzZyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAyMi0xMi0yMyZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZYTwNIVltWzPMlIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) 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~/RgRnZ7nwP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD1kMGMwdzluZjFibXEmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) 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~/RgRnZ7nwP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD1kOHVtdGN5NmJoNDkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDIyLTEyLTIzJnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgplhPA0hWW1bM8yUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) 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~/RgRnZ7nwP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPXAzeHY5bWoxY2o3NiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) 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~/RgRnZ7nwP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPWI0ZXc2bTB0NnYxbCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   [Compression socks](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ3OXFUSHM_bGlkPTB0ZDJ0MW9rcmtoOSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Prone to swollen legs whilst flying? There's 41 per cent off these highly-rated compression socks. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ3OXFUSHM_bGlkPTQ1bnJvdzIzdTF3NyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Eye mask deal](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ4NUZ2Wkc_bGlkPXowdzBwdHd5MXcybyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Get some sleep on long journeys and save 41 per cent on this best-selling blackout sleep mask. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnZ7nwP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXpuLnRvLzQ4NUZ2Wkc_bGlkPXp1eWtsZHViY2l6YiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMjItMTItMjMmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmWE8DSFZbVszzJSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   ~/AAAHagA~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~ The Independent proudly partners with 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