Brian Johnston
Travel writer
Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.
The charming hot spring town that time forgot
In this charming Japanese town big hotels are banned and the buildings that are here are camouflaged in a dense valley of trees.
- by Brian Johnston
The best (and worst) times to visit the world’s greatest tourist sites
These are some of the world’s most popular – and crowded – places, but if you plan your visit correctly, you can experience them without the tourist hordes.
- by Brian Johnston
Opinion
Ocean cruises
Forget driverless cars, crewless ships are on the way
Crewless ships might be sailing over the horizon sooner than you think. So how do you feel about sailing on a cruise without a captain?
- by Brian Johnston
These 10 ‘national’ dishes aren’t as unique as you think
We carelessly associate certain dishes with a particular culture and cuisine, but they exist in many other places in very similar guise.
- by Brian Johnston
The same day, twice: My real-life Groundhog Day in paradise
I experienced a real-life Groundhog Day by travelling between two similar islands that are close together, but nearly 24 hours apart.
- by Brian Johnston
You’ll never look at a van Gogh the same way again after visiting here
Every time you see a van Gogh painting, you’ll think of this place, hot in the sun and exploding with colour and passion.
- by Brian Johnston
What lies beneath: 10 of the world’s most incredible underground structures
Put ordinary buildings underground and they transform into something far more interesting and otherworldly.
- by Brian Johnston
The world’s largest waterfall system is a dazzling experience
You’d be mad to miss some of the experiences at Iguazu Falls, even if you end up getting wet.
- by Brian Johnston
What most visitors miss on Kyoto’s bucket-list trail
Kyoto could easily entrap you in bucket-list busyness. Rush and you’ll wonder what the fuss is about.
- by Brian Johnston
Ten of the best destinations to visit in the (cheaper) low season
Lower prices, fewer people and a surprising number of other benefits can flow your way when you travel outside the peak periods.
- by Brian Johnston