Travel journalist Simon Calder is leaving The Independent after 32 years to join The Telegraph as its new travel correspondent on June 1, 2026.
Calder will lead the publication's travel newsletter, produce social media videos, and host a new weekly audio show.
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The newsletter that Calder is set to oversee already reaches nearly 200,000 subscribers.
His new podcast, titled "The Travel Expert with Simon Calder," is scheduled to debut on June 5, 2026, expanding the media outlet's existing portfolio of audio programs covering news, investigations, and sports.
Distributed across multiple podcast platforms, YouTube, and social media, the upcoming show will focus on global travel news discussions, expert interviews, destination recommendations, and consumer advice.
Calder previously served as the travel correspondent for The Independent since 1994, reporting on major industry milestones such as the launch of easyJet, the Eurostar opening, the 9/11 attacks, the 2010 Icelandic volcanic eruption, and the Covid pandemic.
The veteran journalist also frequently appears on television and radio, and he was named the top UK travel journalist in a 2010 Press Gazette survey before winning the travel journalism prize at the British Journalism Awards in 2022.
Telegraph Head of Travel Ben Ross welcomed the appointment, noting that the publisher is expanding its travel section to include the weekly podcast program.
"It’s brilliant news that Simon has agreed to join Telegraph Travel as we expand what is already Britain’s leading travel section to include a weekly podcast," said Ross.
Ross expressed high expectations for the upcoming award-winning coverage and praised the journalist's dedication to providing top-tier inspiration and guidance.
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"I know that his commitment and drive when it comes to giving readers the best advice and inspiration is unmatched.
I am hugely excited about the possibilities his arrival now unlocks for our award-winning coverage," said Ross.
Calder expressed enthusiasm about joining the editorial team alongside other writers and editors under Ross's leadership.
"After decades on the road as a guidebook writer and travel correspondent, I’m thrilled that my next destination is The Telegraph," said Calder.
The incoming correspondent highlighted both the rewards of global exploration and the current geopolitical and environmental difficulties facing the modern tourism sector.
"Exploring has never been more rewarding: travel is the industry of human happiness, bestowing benefits across the nation and the world.
Yet never has it been more challenging, with a range of risks from geopolitics to climate change," said Calder.
Calder stated that he looks forward to delivering informative and inspiring content to the publication's readership.
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"I can’t wait to play my part in inspiring and informing the Telegraph audience, alongside outstanding travel writers and editors, led by Ben Ross," said Calder.
