How much time do you spend when booking a holiday? There’s plenty to consider; the destination, how you’ll get there, and of course where you’ll stay. But what happens when the accommodation you actually booked isn’t where you end up staying… In this Which? Investigation we’ll hear why those booking a package holiday could see their hotel booking changed even after they’ve stepped onto their flight, as well as hearing from some travellers with a nightmare story to tell. Sign up to one of our fre...
Mar 13, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 17
This week we’re hearing about the car sharks, investigating a rise in private parking fines, and explaining how to appeal if you get a ticket. Read our advice on how to appeal a parking ticket or sign up to one of our free newsletters ....
Mar 08, 2023•14 min
It’s the plot to many a science fiction movie, technology rising up and taking charge of the planet. But could that actually become a reality in the not too distant future? In this Which? Investigation we look at how technology is evolving, how our devices are increasingly ‘smart’, and whether the current rate of development can continue forever? Sign up to our free tech newsletter here ....
Feb 27, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Since the conflict started in Ukraine, our bills have soared. Energy bills reached levels unheard of previously, food prices rocketed, and inflation is still way above government targets. But exactly how much have the consequences of the war squeezed our finances, and what might happen next? In this Which? investigation we look at how the price for things like electricity, gas, food and other essentials have risen over the last twelve months, as well as looking ahead in an attempt to find some m...
Feb 13, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 15
This week we hear how new research from Which? has found huge differences in the amount of caffeine in popular hot drinks at high-street coffee shops. Read more about our research here and you can also sign-up to our free newsletters ....
Feb 08, 2023•10 min
The NHS is never far from the headlines. Record waiting times and debates over funding have been front and centre of the story for years, but for many people the wait to see their local doctor is the issue they feel most passionately about. In this Which? Investigation we’ll talk to frontline doctors, health professions, and others with a unique insight to take a look at the factors that have led to long waits, difficulties securing an appointment, and ask what could be done to improve the ...
Jan 30, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 14
2023 is here, and with it comes that ever growing urge to look ahead at where you might like to explore later in the year. But with new Which? research finding the cost of holidaying on the rise, where are the best places to go to get more for your money? In this Which? investigation we take a look at the factors pushing up prices, ask whether there are still good deals to be had, as well as hearing from those rejecting air travel in favour of a more leisurely and climate friendly method of tran...
Jan 16, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Think back to the last time you were on a plane, did it feel like there was less space than the last time you'd boarded an aircraft? This week Laura Sanders to take us through her recent investigation which left her with that shrinking feeling… You can sign-up to our free newsletters here .
Jan 11, 2023•11 min
The hosts of the Which? Investigates, Which? Money & Which? Shorts podcasts team up with our experts to answer some of your burning questions. They cover everything from insulation to savings rates, holiday recommendations to smart devices and more... Got a question you want us to answer, email us on [email protected] Read more of our energy saving tips & grants available & sign up to our free email newsletters ....
Dec 26, 2022•29 min
Can you cook dinner in an airfryer to save yourself some money? Is the traditional turkey centrepiece a thing of the past? And how much has our festive food changed over the last hundred years? In this Which? investigation we take a look at how our Christmas eating habits are changing. We'll also be lifting the lid on some of our intensive testing here at Which? to reveal the best value products, and giving you some ideas on how to impress your guests for less this holiday season. Read mor...
Dec 19, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 12
While many issues have rightly been thrust into the spotlight as the men’s World Cup takes place in Qatar, there’s another which perhaps hasn’t made the headlines. As with all major events, be they sporting or otherwise, criminals are using all tactics possible to defraud fans of their hard earned cash. In this Which? Investigates we take a look at ticket fraud. We’ll hear from those who have lost thousands, learn more about how the scammers operate, and ask those in the know what more needs to ...
Dec 05, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 11
We hear how new Which? research has found those great sales offers might not be all they're cracked up to be.
Nov 23, 2022•11 min
We’re fast approaching the busiest shopping period of the year. In just a few days Black Friday will mark the traditional start of the festive spending season, with billions spent on items over the few weeks between now and Christmas. But with so many of the sales moving online, how does the world’s biggest online retailer get ready to process millions of orders every single day? In this Which? investigation we go behind the scenes at one of the UK’s largest Amazon fulfilment centres, finding ou...
Nov 21, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 10
We give you a chance to hear our extended conversation from our Which? Investigates podcast as we chat to sustainable fashion campaigner Brett Staniland. He made a stand while appearing on the 2021 series of ITV show Love Island, refusing to wear the clothes provided by fast fastion retailer sponsoring the programme at the time. Here he explains why he made that decision, what he makes of the industry's attempts to become more sustainable, and his thoughs on how we can all live a greener life. R...
Nov 14, 2022•24 min
How often do you buy new clothes? A new t-shirt here, a new pair of jeans there, and with the increase in popularity for online shopping, it’s never been easier. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact your purchases could be having on the planet? And what happens to your unloved clothes when they no longer prove fit for purpose? In this Which? Investigation we’re taking on the world of fast fashion, hearing how market trends are impacting the planet. We’ll also chat to a former Love...
Nov 07, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 9
We all use technology every single day. From phones to computers, smartwatches and more, they are a key part of our everyday lives. But what do you do when it comes to replacing them? Do you repair them, recycle them, or, like most of us, simply throw them away? In this investigation we look at huge impact our thirst for technology has on the planet, before switching our focus to the challenges we face once our tech becomes obsolete. Find out more about the Restart Project , check out our phone ...
Oct 24, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 8
After our previous episode looked at the food we eat, this time we take a deep dive into the impact our food waste mountain could be having on the planet. With the UK throwing away around 10 million tonnes of food every year, more than any other nation in Europe, we ask what we can do to stop our compulsion to waste. We also explore which foods are the worst offenders when it comes to deadly greenhouse gas emissions, as well as exploring how food otherwise destined for the bin could help c...
Oct 10, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In an era of ‘superfoods’ and ‘miracle diets’ we take a look at the foods we eat every single day, examining the changes we could make for the better, and investigating when healthy doesn’t necessarily mean good for you. We also unpack how much we really know about the foods we’re eating, how marketing and unethical advertising could be leading to a health crisis, and what the wider consequences could mean for our own wellbeing. Read more about the 'healthy' snacks packed full of sugar, sa...
Sep 26, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 6
It’s the question on everybody’s lips, whether they be a potential buyer, or a would-be seller. With the Cost of Living crisis continuing and inflation on the rise, we take a look at the latest predictions for house prices and what factors could influence any major changes to the market. We also examine why so few properties have been built in the UK over the last decade, and explore what can be done to help improve the situation for many currently priced out of property. Read our latest house p...
Sep 12, 2022•34 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Marketed as a new way to pay, a step into an exciting future, or a way of taking back control against governments and financial institutions - cryptocurrency has become a rapid growth market for societies across the world. But how have we got here? In this Which? Investigation we discover how despite social media being awash with celebrities endorsing these new digital currencies, they’re anything but a safe and stable investment. Read our cryptocurrency explained article to find out more or rep...
Aug 29, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 4
With warnings about climate change and the recent heatwave fresh in our memory, we take a deep dive into the science behind sunscreen and debunk some of the claims made by some products available on shelves up and down the country. In this Which? Investigation as we take a look at our own tests which show not all products provide the protection you’d expect, while we also hear about early research which could prove how our fragile ecosystem could be harmed by some of the chemicals meant to help ...
Aug 11, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 3
We’re facing an unprecedented energy crisis. Over the last year numerous firms have gone bust, while bills are rising significantly. And that’s not all… in October prices are set to rise again. In this Which? Investigation we take a deep dive into the energy market. We’ll hear stories of those struggling to heat their homes, cook their food, and ask if there’s anything we can do to help lessen the impact of these soaring prices? Along the way Grace Forell also takes a look into the future to lea...
Aug 01, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Are you excluded from the chance to make greener travel choices simply because of where you live? It's something that came up with our experts when we were discussing the issue of travel chaos for last week episode. In this bitesize bonus, we ask whether it’s possible for a trip abroad to be both cheap and somewhat eco-friendly? And, to help answer that question, we’ll carry out our own real world experiment, stay tuned to hear our findings.
Jul 25, 2022•13 min
After two years of lockdowns, stay and home orders and border closures, the travel industry is open again and we can finally get back to enjoying trips abroad. Why then are we facing chaotic scenes at airports, mass cancellations, and customers being denied compensation that’s rightfully theirs? In this Which? Investigation we’ll go to the heart of the issues currently impacting the sector. We’ll hear customers, industry experts, as well as getting the view from those representing some of the UK...
Jul 18, 2022•34 min•Season 3Ep. 1
A chance for you to hear our brand new podcast, Which? shorts. This week we’re hearing about the metaverse, and how virtual reality goggles and holograms that travel effortlessly are just part of the digital universe Facebook, and others, are planning to build… This article was written by Chris Stokel-Walker, with narration from Harry Kind and Grace Forell. You can sign-up to our free newsletters here and find the podcast on Apple podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you listen. See acast.com/privac...
Apr 27, 2022•13 min
Technology offers us convenience, freedom, and a way to improve not just our health, but also the planet’s. But it can also collect our personal data and share it without our permission. We’re told it can harm our health. And that by buying & using it we’re damaging the environment. So how much is too much tech? In this final investigation of our tech & security season, Greg Foot turns his attention to our own digital lives. He asks whether we are indeed ‘addicted’ to smart tech, and wha...
Dec 17, 2021•42 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Scam texts asking you to pay a fake delivery fee. Emails claiming to contain links to book vaccines or covid passports. The list goes on. Frustratingly, more and more of us are being scammed, in more and more ingenious ways, and it looks like advances in tech are enabling it. In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot speaks to experts in fraud, fake news and consumer rights to find out some of the latest, most popular scams, and asks if technology could not only be the cause of the problem, but als...
Dec 10, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 7
As we explore the internet we leave digital footprints… but who is able to see them, follow them, and why do they want to? In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot asks the experts if we should indeed ‘Accept all cookies?’, he hears the importance of our choice of browser, learns of ‘Surveillance Capitalism’, and asks if we weren’t being tracked, would we be missing out on something? Show notes and references are available here . See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information....
Dec 03, 2021•42 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Alexa, do you record our chats? Siri, what do you know about me? Hey Google, how come I’m being shown an advert for something I’ve never searched for... but talked about in the kitchen yesterday? In this Which? Investigation Greg Foot tackles one of your biggest tech and security concerns: we appreciate smart assistants are always listening, but are they always recording? And what are the privacy and data implications of having them in our homes? Show notes and references are available here . Se...
Nov 26, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 5
A recording of our first-ever, live panel event. “Which? Investigates” Producer & Host Greg Foot puts your tech & security questions to Which? experts Kate Bevan, Andy Laughlin & Marianne Calnan, as well as Prof. Gavin Brown from the University of Liverpool. From whether our panellists would ever put a smart camera inside your home? to which products are most likely to appear with a fake review? Hear more on how the rise of technology is impacting our lives and what we can do to prot...
Nov 19, 2021•48 min
