Set the controls for the heart of the world: Panama City

Simon Calder’s Travel Week ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     [The Independent](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0SwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvP2xpZD1xcTk3MGltbXU4a3ImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Friday, February 2, 2024   [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD1vcm5qcGtwa2hlZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) [Simon Calder's Travel Week](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S2aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsP2xpZD1qYnFsZ2sxdHRseDgmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) A sea cruise may be your idea of heaven. Or hell. Whichever, the industry dedicated to marine happiness is thriving. Tomorrow morning the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, returns to Miami at the end of [her maiden voyage](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T0aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvbmV3cy93b3JsZC9hbWVyaWNhcy9pY29uLW9mLXRoZS1zZWFzLWNydWlzZS1zaGlwLW1pYW1pLWIyNDg1OTc3Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWVodW9tZGloc3EybiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). Most of her week in the Caribbean has been spent at sea, with only a few island ports able to handle a giant vessel carrying a small town’s worth of passengers: up to 7,600. The on-board amenities beat most small towns: 40 restaurants and bars, seven swimming pools; and six water slides. She is basically a floating Center Parcs – just without the bikes to hire, so far at least. Now, I was born in Crawley and have visited Cleveland, Ohio (cruelly described as “the mistake on the lake”). So I understand the urge to escape. But while the new mega-vessel will enrich the shareholders of the owner, Royal Caribbean, I fear she will fail to enrich the soul of the traveller – nor the host communities on the islands its vast shadow darkens. - Florida fun: ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QCAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvY2hlYXBlc3QtdHJhaW4tdGlja2V0LXVrLW1hbmNoZXN0ZXItc3RvY2twb3J0LWIyNDc5MzgzLmh0bWw_bGlkPTBibWNtNDYyaDloaiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~[Plans for the vast new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QLAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvbmV3LXVuaXZlcnNhbC10aGVtZS1wYXJrLWZsb3JpZGEtaGFycnktcG90dGVyLW5pbnRlbmRvLWIyNDg3OTAyLmh0bWw_bGlkPXd0bXg5bndodmUxeCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) - Airport links: [Can you reach your flight by train during the rail strilkes?](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9yYWlsLXN0cmlrZXMtaG93LXRvLXJlYWNoLWFpcnBvcnQtdHJhaW4tYjI0ODg1NDguaHRtbD9saWQ9b3N3NGV5dTFmYnlvJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) - Wild side: ['I ditched my phone and hiked 110km through the Swedish wilderness'](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TmaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9zd2VkZW4vc3dlZGVuLWxhcGxhbmQtaGlrZS1iMjQ4MjI4NC5odG1sP2xpZD1sOWN0c3BwbHFhMGMmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Soul-stirring: The Bridge of the Americas carrying the Pan-American Highway over the Panama Canal   Get inspired... ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0ToaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL3RoZS10cmFpdG9ycy1wYXJ0eS1ob3VzZS1ob2xpZGF5LWIyNDg3Mjg0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTlnNXJndmRzcnYzMSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Create a Traitors-inspired getaway](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0ToaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL3RoZS10cmFpdG9ycy1wYXJ0eS1ob3VzZS1ob2xpZGF5LWIyNDg3Mjg0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTV2djlhd3lmNjFoayZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) If you're already missing the series, why not play your own version of the game? Our writer booked a party house in the [Cotswolds](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TLaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3VrL2VuZ2xhbmQvY290c3dvbGRzP2xpZD1yaG1oa2tocHRmMnUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) and tried to work out the traitors from the faithfuls. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QFAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9pbnNwaXJhdGlvbi9iZXN0LXZhbGVudGluZXMtZGF5LWFsdGVybmF0aXZlLXJvbWFudGljLWNpdHktYnJlYWtzLWIyNDg3MjgxLmh0bWw_bGlkPWVrOTMydGwzZjV1byZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Swap Venice for the canals of Annecy](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QFAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9pbnNwaXJhdGlvbi9iZXN0LXZhbGVudGluZXMtZGF5LWFsdGVybmF0aXZlLXJvbWFudGljLWNpdHktYnJlYWtzLWIyNDg3MjgxLmh0bWw_bGlkPXhzZjhxc295aG0xZiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Planning a romantic holiday? Forget Paris and Rome. Break with tradition and try some of our alternatives for a swoon-worthy trip that will impress you beau and make your own heart swell. ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9pdGFseS13aWxkbGlmZS1hZHZlbnR1cmUtaG9saWRheS13b2x2ZXMtYmVhcnMtYjI0ODgwMzYuaHRtbD9saWQ9NjExYjJtYmF2YmplJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj [Tracking bears and wolves in Italy](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T_aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9pdGFseS13aWxkbGlmZS1hZHZlbnR1cmUtaG9saWRheS13b2x2ZXMtYmVhcnMtYjI0ODgwMzYuaHRtbD9saWQ9d3gwdDQ5amUzZmN6JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Just 90 minutes outside of [Rome](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TIaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9pdGFseS9yb21lP2xpZD1oNndoZnBuc3U4b2MmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~), this wildlife-watching trip shows how tourism can support efforts to save at-risk animals – while hopefully catching sight of some of the elusive creatures.   Deal of the week: Algarve, next week ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9wb3J0dWdhbC9hbGdhcnZlLXBvcnR1Z2FsLWZvb2QtZHJpbmstcmVzdGF1cmFudHMtYjIzNjkxNzQuaHRtbD9saWQ9ZzNpZ3lwNjh6cGkzJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj Sub-£300 package holidays are still available between now and next weekend, when prices soar because of the half-term holiday. Flying from Newcastle on Sunday 4 February, Jet2 Holidays has a week at the Mirachoro Praia Da Rocha on Portugal’s Algarve coast for £299 – including flights (with 22kg of baggage), transfers and self-catering accommodation. From East Midlands airport, the cost falls to £284. Prices per person based on two adults sharing. [THE ALGARVE’S TASTY HINTERLAND](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL2V1cm9wZS9wb3J0dWdhbC9hbGdhcnZlLXBvcnR1Z2FsLWZvb2QtZHJpbmstcmVzdGF1cmFudHMtYjIzNjkxNzQuaHRtbD9saWQ9bHEwaXVpYm4xN3F2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) PICK OF THE WEEK: BEST-VALUE HOLIDAY BY VALUE ADDED TRAVEL – YOUR PASSPORT TO AFFORDABLE LUXURY AND ENDLESS MEMORIES ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QUAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnZhbHVlYWRkZWR0cmF2ZWwuY29tL29mZmVycz91dG1fc291cmNlPXNpbW9uY2FsZGVyLW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1yZWZlcnJhbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3BlY2lhbF9vZmZlcnNfZmViXzIwMjQmbGlkPWhoMXpubTV1M3VjeSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ [Discover incredible holiday deals at Value Added Travel! From the Middle East to the Indian Ocean, explore budget-friendly luxury getaways. With 15+ years of expertise, we curate the best-value trips for you, ensuring unforgettable experiences. Book now and enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits!](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QUAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnZhbHVlYWRkZWR0cmF2ZWwuY29tL29mZmVycz91dG1fc291cmNlPXNpbW9uY2FsZGVyLW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1yZWZlcnJhbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3BlY2lhbF9vZmZlcnNfZmViXzIwMjQmbGlkPTA4OTd3bjBxNXNzciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   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~/RgRnnxkKP4TUAmh0dHBzOi8vMDIuZW1haWxpbmJvdW5kcHJvY2Vzc2luZy5ldS9wcmVmZXJlbmNlX2NlbnRlci92MS9leUpoYkdjaU9pSlNVekkxTmlKOS9leUp6ZFdJaU9pSndZM1l4SWl3aWFXRjBJam94TnpBMk9EVTNORGMyTENKbGVIQWlPakUzTXpnek9UTTBOellzSW1RaU9pSWtNQ1IxWVhwM1QwcDJWbWhVWkZNM2RuQlZSbEIzTjFwM1BUMGtlRGhNYjNOTlpFMHpLMGN5YUhoVFkxcFNabVZKVFdnd1MyTXhaM05pYlZFM1MzZFNkM0I2TUVGV2NVNVJTVkowYTFWWlVqY3dTSEZQTVROaVhHNTVSelYwSWl3aWFDSTZJakF5TG1WdFlXbHNhVzVpYjNWdVpIQnliMk5sYzNOcGJtY3VaWFVpTENKaklqb2lNamd5TlNJc0ltMGlPaUkyTldKaVpqUmlZamd4TlRnM1pqQXdOR1JpTXpNME0ySWlmUS9jVDRjQlNib0JIUTNDRHA4eEQ0Y3o0Wmh3Nk1qdmRQVGZSYmZTYXRsUl9DOTN5SGlMMDBYcEFkeVZGWUMwVWtLNEp1bngxVWNscXhYV0FsbFhnNmVmOHFxMFNjV2lUbUw0T0w1NXJUdDdSM3Uwb2JVQjBVRG8wLUpnRWdKTHhRM09VQ2RadjJsMUlDUDE5M2QyZjFiR3FoOFEzZXJpcXVkTFNZMngyYVhHR1BRTmc0VUJkekl6N3FVZXhYMnFUY2JFMHBzcmtwQTl0TzVLYXo3MGNnZ1FaWFZoSEpWbFJLdllHajdkRHU0MmFZNWZOMHRJQ3hid0FIMDlOV2h1a1Nia2NIY1lSc2xOOG5lUUhQNUt4UWh5ZFhjbXdTcm04VUJlZkJzRmtMT2tuV2Q1TWFoazNhQzFyWUJrZjNJeEdwV3NuT0ttRG1kaVQ0MnhJS1R3LW1qUWdXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPW1rbnEya2F5aTJxayZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPWM0ZnY4YTE1c3J3aCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ Tip of the week: [Eurostar class names to change – as well as service?](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9ldXJvcGVhbi1zbGVlcGVyLXRyYWlucy1wYXJpcy1iZXJsaW4tYjI0NjI5MjkuaHRtbD9saWQ9N2hjYWw3NmdpeWlpJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) [Eurostar](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9ldXJvc3Rhci1wYXNzZW5nZXItbnVtYmVycy1yaXNlLTIwMjMtYjI0ODM5OTEuaHRtbD9saWQ9cnJ0MWU4MmNwNHd5JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) began as the cross-Channel train operator connecting London with Brussels and Paris. It now also includes the former Thalys network, linking cities in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Now the names of the classes on board are to be standardised. The cheap seats on both parts of the business are labelled “Standard”. But from November 2024, “Standard Premier” on lines from London is set to become “Plus”, while “Business Premier” will change to “Premium”. Mark Smith, the international rail guru known as The Man in Seat 61, said: “No details yet and I hope I'm wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if all meal service in Standard Premier disappears when it becomes Plus, to bring it into line with Comfort class on former Thalys services.” A spokesperson for Eurostar told me: “We are working hard on our new customer offer and will be in a position to share more information as and when it is confirmed. Our customer experience is our top priority.” [THE EXPERTS ON EUROPEAN NIGHT TRAINS](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9ldXJvcGVhbi1zbGVlcGVyLXRyYWlucy1wYXJpcy1iZXJsaW4tYjI0NjI5MjkuaHRtbD9saWQ9bHdzMzNodTQ5NmYwJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj)   [Thermos flasks](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QVAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC90cmF2ZWwtb3V0ZG9vcnMvb3V0ZG9vci1lYXRpbmcvYmVzdC10cmF2ZWwtbXVnLWluc3VsYXRlZC1mbGFza3MtdGhlcm1vcy1hOTMzMzIwMS5odG1sP2xpZD1keWFkYXRiNXgwYnAmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) We've reviewed the [best flasks and travel mugs](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QVAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL2V4dHJhcy9pbmR5YmVzdC90cmF2ZWwtb3V0ZG9vcnMvb3V0ZG9vci1lYXRpbmcvYmVzdC10cmF2ZWwtbXVnLWluc3VsYXRlZC1mbGFza3MtdGhlcm1vcy1hOTMzMzIwMS5odG1sP2xpZD0zcThyZm9objJrb2kmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) that will keep drinks hot (or cold) for hours.   Simon’s dispatches Cruises began as an answer to the existential question facing shipping lines whose business was moving travellers around the globe: “What shall we do with our ocean liners now that these pesky jet planes are pinching our passengers?” The bulky behemoth that is Icon of the Seas is the evolutionary conclusion of that shift from vessels as transport to floating fun palaces (depending on your definition of “fun”, of course). She is destined to shuttle endlessly – and, I would venture, fairly pointlessly – around a very limited selection of Caribbean ports. Yet demand for cruises has never been stronger. Yesterday Jason Liberty, boss of Royal Caribbean – which has two same-size sister vessels on order – boasted of "the wind in our sails and record-breaking bookings”. The ships have never been fuller, and passengers are paying more than ever. Cruise ships of more modest proportions enjoy wider horizons and can provide travel experiences that are tough to achieve by other means. Alaska’s shoreline comprises raw nature gone to extremes, punctuated by ports created by pioneers and fortune-seekers with many stories to tell. And then there’s the Panama Canal: while the TransContinental Railway provides a thrilling canalside ride, the optimal way to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific is aboard a ship. Icon of the Seas will never squeeze through the locks that hoist international shipping over the continental divide, but smaller vessels can. Once through the tropical rainforest, the canal passes beneath the Bridge of the Americas – bearing the Pan-American Highway on its route from Alaska to the deep south of the continent. The intersection between the planet's longest road and the globe's greatest shortcut is a good approximation to the heart of the world. It is also adjacent to the dazzling, historic and friendly capital, Panama City. So set the controls to a destination where your spirits will soar. This is real life – and it is wonderful. [My podcast from Amarla, a new boutique hotel in Panama City](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QPAWh0dHBzOi8vc2hvd3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQvZXBpc29kZXMvamFudWFyeS0zMXN0LXRoZS1yaXNlLW9mLXBhbmFtYS1jaXR5P2xpZD14dDJ6cXZnbDJldzkmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   Question of the week Question of the week Best plan for Northern Lights?     I want to see the Northern Lights. Is it worth going on a cruise to Norway? Or is it better by train either in Norway or elsewhere in the world?     The Northern Lights, arguably the greatest show above earth, are created by solar wind concentrated into heavenly highways and deflected towards the North Pole by the earth's magnetic field. Electrically charged particles emitted by the sun collide in their billions with the nitrogen and oxygen that make up most of our air. This coming winter and next are particularly promising, as the sun’s activity will reach a peak in its 11-year cycle in July 2025. Broadly, the further north you are, the better. I have seen the Northern Lights three times: once in northern Iceland, when it was a faint, pearly performance; and twice while on Hurtigruten “coastal express” ferry that links Bergen in Norway with Tromso and Kirkenes in the far north of the nation. I recommend this option, because crucially if you travel in late February/early March or late October you get plenty of daylight to see the magnificent scenery – and also to visit fascinating coastal communities. Other destinations include Greenland, Canada and Alaska, but northern Norway is more accessible and affordable. Finally, I have heard good things about viewing the Northern Lights in Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland – between Kiruna and Narvik, which are both worth visiting. [Travellers' guide to the Northern Lights](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TyaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL3NpbW9uLWNhbGRlci90cmF2ZWxsZXItcy1ndWlkZS1ub3J0aGVybi1saWdodHMtNjI4OTEyMy5odG1sP2xpZD03eWpodjl3am5zeTgmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Essential reading ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9lZHVhZG9yLXRyYXZlbC1hZHZpY2Utc2FmZS1jcmltZS1iMjQ3NjIxMS5odG1sP2xpZD1qNXJoem1wbDNnemomdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Ecuador travel: Is it safe to visit and what are your rights if you have a trip booked?](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvdHJhdmVsL25ld3MtYW5kLWFkdmljZS9lZHVhZG9yLXRyYXZlbC1hZHZpY2Utc2FmZS1jcmltZS1iMjQ3NjIxMS5odG1sP2xpZD1qdmNyZG42eThnb3QmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) STAT OF THE WEEK 5 [Number of hours that passengers on an Air France jet spent on the Tarmac at Guadeloupe airport before business-class passengers were taken to hotels, while ecoonomy travellers slept at the airport](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QRAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL3RyYXZlbC9uZXdzLWFuZC1hZHZpY2UvYWlyLWZyYW5jZS1idXNpbmVzcy1jbGFzcy1wYXNzZW5nZXJzLW92ZXJuaWdodC1kZWxheS1haXJwb3J0LWIyNDg3ODQ0Lmh0bWw_bGlkPWszdG80MDE2aGRhbCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP4QUAWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnZhbHVlYWRkZWR0cmF2ZWwuY29tL29mZmVycz91dG1fc291cmNlPXNpbW9uY2FsZGVyLW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1yZWZlcnJhbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3BlY2lhbF9vZmZlcnNfZmViXzIwMjQmbGlkPWJjb2N1bmFwYjZyeSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvaW5kZXBlbmRlbnRwcmVtaXVtL3RyYXZlbC91cy1haXJsaW5lcy1kZWx0YS1tYWx0YS1iMjQ4NjY5MS5odG1sP2xpZD1kY2lhNGluODEwa3AmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ [Which rules apply when I fly home on a US carrier?](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvaW5kZXBlbmRlbnRwcmVtaXVtL3RyYXZlbC91cy1haXJsaW5lcy1kZWx0YS1tYWx0YS1iMjQ4NjY5MS5odG1sP2xpZD1kMmVrYnl5bGRkYXcmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   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~/RgRnnxkKP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPWVqNTFlcDFwM3I5dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9ajJmemUxZWVjbHVjJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPWlzdXZnNmJhYjBvYyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPWoxdmx4aWt5d3V4dyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). 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~/RgRnnxkKP0TlaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvMHMwSGwyaExoazR5VTFIMGFHVG5Vdz9zaT05V2dSS3NjYlROMlc1eElLYi1zT0lBJm5kPTEmbGlkPWhlbm83dW4xcGUxZiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~), [Apple Podcasts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T8aHR0cHM6Ly9wb2RjYXN0cy5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ2IvcG9kY2FzdC9ncmVlbi1saXN0LXRyYXZlbC13aXRoLXNpbW9uLWNhbGRlci1hbmQtdGhlLWluZGVwZW5kZW50L2lkMTU2NjkxNTc3MD9saWQ9dGUzaDQ3d3VuNmdnJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj), [Pocket Casts](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0SpaHR0cHM6Ly9wY2Euc3QvbXU0bDNjd2Q_bGlkPW5zOXh6cXNiZTVnMiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) or [Acast](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TiaHR0cHM6Ly9wbGF5LmFjYXN0LmNvbS9zL2dyZWVuLWxpc3QtdHJhdmVsLXdpdGgtc2ltb24tY2FsZGVyLWFuZC10aGUtaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQ_bGlkPXdybzUzbndrbnRkaSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~). 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~/RgRnnxkKP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9a2JwdzRnNTV6bzdqJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) 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~/RgRnnxkKP0S0aHR0cDovL3d3dy50d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zaW1vbmNhbGRlcj9saWQ9ZDh5dzU2dWJzZHplJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) 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~/RgRnnxkKP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD1ra3JxMXIzYW04MGomdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) 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~/RgRnnxkKP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbl9jYWxkZXIvP2xpZD1vc3Z0Mmw1N2ZnZ2smdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) 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~/RgRnnxkKP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPXhhdzJrNWdpc3FyMiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) 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~/RgRnnxkKP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGlrdG9rLmNvbS9kaXNjb3Zlci9TaW1vbi1DYWxkZXI_bGlkPWJuOHJ0MWEwZnBpNCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)   [Amazon kindle store sale](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2Jvb2tzL2FtYXpvbi1raW5kbGUtc3RvcmUtc2FsZS1lcmVhZGVyLWJvb2tzLWIyNDU3OTYxLmh0bWw_bGlkPWpjOWkxazUza3lwNiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Need entertainment for your travels? The [Amazon Kindle store sale](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2Jvb2tzL2FtYXpvbi1raW5kbGUtc3RvcmUtc2FsZS1lcmVhZGVyLWJvb2tzLWIyNDU3OTYxLmh0bWw_bGlkPW50cDExNWJvZXd3OSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) means books are reduced to as little as 99p. [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T6aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2Jvb2tzL2FtYXpvbi1raW5kbGUtc3RvcmUtc2FsZS1lcmVhZGVyLWJvb2tzLWIyNDU3OTYxLmh0bWw_bGlkPWd2dDVnMHp1MXM3ciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Kids suitcase deal](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2tpZHMvc2Nvb3Rlci1zdWl0Y2FzZS1raWRzLWFtYXpvbi1iMjQ4NzIwNC5odG1sP2xpZD0wcmltMXpjeHhkazYmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Holidaying with little ones? Save £30 on this [scooter suitcase for children](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2tpZHMvc2Nvb3Rlci1zdWl0Y2FzZS1raWRzLWFtYXpvbi1iMjQ4NzIwNC5odG1sP2xpZD1va2wzbGt6cmY3YXQmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~). [GET DEAL](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TvaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvZXh0cmFzL2luZHliZXN0L2tpZHMvc2Nvb3Rlci1zdWl0Y2FzZS1raWRzLWFtYXpvbi1iMjQ4NzIwNC5odG1sP2xpZD01ZGY2ZmJxcGh1ZDImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~)   ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T0aHR0cHM6Ly90di5hcHBsZS5jb20vY2hhbm5lbC90dnMuc2JkLjQwMDA_aXRzY3Q9dHZfdGhlaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQmaXRzY2c9MzAyMDAmYXQ9MTAwMGwzYWtLJmN0PVRFU1QmbGlkPWQwNDRjdTFrcTYwayZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0T0aHR0cHM6Ly90di5hcHBsZS5jb20vY2hhbm5lbC90dnMuc2JkLjQwMDA_aXRzY3Q9dHZfdGhlaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQmaXRzY2c9MzAyMDAmYXQ9MTAwMGwzYWtLJmN0PVRFU1QmbGlkPW8yd2l3eHg2aGM5dCZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP2xpZD1hM213OG1oYTRqOXomdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ ~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S5aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc3Vic2NyaWJlP2xpZD01anF6dWN5NnRiYXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~ The Independent proudly partners with [Refuge](~/AAAHagA~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~~) and the [National Domestic Abuse Helpline](~/AAAHagA~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~): 0808 2000 247 [The Independent](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0SwaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvP2xpZD1sczRhcmp0Mm9lZXUmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) Join the conversation or follow us [Twitter](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0SxaHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9JbmRlcGVuZGVudD9saWQ9dWc5anFramhiMnhxJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) [Instagram](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S3aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL3RoZS5pbmRlcGVuZGVudD9saWQ9ZzF0cG1haHk3ZHB2JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) [Facebook](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TAaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL1RoZUluZGVwZW5kZW50T25saW5lLz9saWQ9bGpkMm51ZDdib2RsJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1icmF6ZSZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249U2ltb24gQ2FsZGVyJ3MgVHJhdmVsIFdlZWsgTmV3c2xldHRlciAwMi0wMi0yNCZ1dG1fdGVybT1JTkRfVHJhdmVsX05ld3NsZXR0ZXJfQ0RQVwVzcGNldUIKZbsLlLxlwUNlGVIbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luOTBAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAMj) Download the free Independent app [Google Play](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPW02MWtndDUxNWtyaSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Apple App Store](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPW1paWJ1bGVuYWFpbiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Google Play](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPW42dTI5c2ZmeHpmNSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) [Google Play](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0S-aHR0cHM6Ly9pbmRlcGVuZGVudC5vbmVsaW5rLm1lL3dnaUEvaGdvaG9veno_bGlkPTEyY2l6bW5kY3VpYiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~) Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter. To unsubscribe from The Independent's Travel newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please [click here](~/AAAHagA~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~). This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our [privacy notice](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TUaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc2VydmljZS9wcml2YWN5LXBvbGljeS1hNjE4NDE4MS5odG1sP2xpZD1yMWZmc3pmYThmN3kmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWJyYXplJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1TaW1vbiBDYWxkZXIncyBUcmF2ZWwgV2VlayBOZXdzbGV0dGVyIDAyLTAyLTI0JnV0bV90ZXJtPUlORF9UcmF2ZWxfTmV3c2xldHRlcl9DRFBXBXNwY2V1QgpluwuUvGXBQ2UZUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW45MEBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAyM~) and [cookie policy](~/AAAHagA~/RgRnnxkKP0TTaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kZXBlbmRlbnQuY28udWsvc2VydmljZS9jb29raWUtcG9saWN5LWE2MTg0MTg2Lmh0bWw_bGlkPTRlaXJ5b2pyOXk1dSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9YnJhemUmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPVNpbW9uIENhbGRlcidzIFRyYXZlbCBXZWVrIE5ld3NsZXR0ZXIgMDItMDItMjQmdXRtX3Rlcm09SU5EX1RyYXZlbF9OZXdzbGV0dGVyX0NEUFcFc3BjZXVCCmW7C5S8ZcFDZRlSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjkwQGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAADIw~~)