Simon Calder's Travel Advice: Genoa Day Trips, Airline Fees, and European Train Tips
Travel expert Simon Calder has responded to a range of reader queries, covering everything from day trips around Genoa to the intricacies of budget airline baggage policies and validating train tickets in Europe. His insights provide valuable guidance for UK travellers planning their next getaway.
Exploring the Ligurian Riviera: Day Trips from Genoa
One reader asked for recommendations on day trips from Genoa, to which Calder emphasised the wealth of options along the Ligurian Riviera. He suggests allocating a solid 48 hours to explore Genoa itself, a city rich in maritime history and architectural splendour. From there, the excellent coastal railway offers easy access to picturesque locations with dramatic views.
Calder's expertise lies east of Genoa, where he recommends starting at Camogli, a charming fishing port turned resort. Moving along, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo are highlighted as more appealing alternatives to the often overcrowded Portofino. For the best of the east coast, he points to the Cinque Terre, a series of five stunning waterside villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—linked by rail and footpaths along nine miles of spectacular shoreline.
The journey can extend to La Spezia, a port city full of scenic, cultural, and culinary interest, with Portovenere just a bus ride away. Heading west towards the French border, Alassio is highly recommended for its east-facing views, especially scenic in the early morning. Calder even suggests an "open jaw" flight itinerary: flying out to Genoa and back from Nice, allowing visits to the Hanbury Botanic Gardens and Monte Carlo. Inland, Acqui Terme, built around Roman sulphurous springs, offers interesting towns and spectacular scenery.
Budget Airline Cabin Bag Rules: What You Need to Know
Another query addressed the changes in cabin bag policies on budget airlines. Calder notes that on 10 February 2021, easyJet followed Ryanair and Wizz Air in reducing the volume of bags allowed in the cabin without extra charge, aiming to monetise roll-along cases. Airlines framed this as a benefit to improve overhead space availability and boarding efficiency, though it coincided with a Covid-era travel ban that left many travellers unaware of the changes.
The Speedy Boarding benefit is a direct result of this policy, ensuring those who pay extra for larger bags can secure overhead bin space. However, Calder criticises the current pricing as ridiculous, citing examples where a large cabin bag can cost more than the flight itself. He mentions that the European Parliament has voted to potentially reinstate free roll-along bags, which could revert to previous complexities.
Validating Train Tickets in Europe: A Changing Landscape
A final question concerned validating physical train tickets in Europe, particularly when using digital tickets on apps like Trainline. Calder explains that the practice of stamping tickets to prevent fraud—common in France and Italy—is becoming less frequent with the rise of e-tickets.
In France, e-tickets for regional trains typically specify the departure time and date, eliminating the need for validation. Similarly, in Italy, tickets purchased through the Trenitalia app automatically "check in" at the designated departure time, rendering them valid. Calder reassures travellers that as digital ticketing becomes more prevalent, the risk of accidental fare-dodging penalties is diminishing, making European rail travel more straightforward.
