Reviews & advice
Opinion
Tripologist
Tripologist: What are the best things to do on a short stay in Istanbul?
“Any suggestion on where to stay and what to do to explore the history and culture of Istanbul for two or three days?”
- by Michael Gebicki
Opinion
Tips & advice
‘Get undressed, or get out’: Here, it’s normal to get naked with colleagues
- by Keith Austin
Opinion
Tips & advice
The greatest travel experience of my life was filled with danger
- by Ben Groundwater
This French rail journey makes our own XPT trains seem luxe
It’s a free-for-all. Passengers rush on to the train, cramming their larger luggage onto seats and in the aisles.
- by Kristie Kellahan
★★★★★
Hotel reviews
Central Coast’s new luxury lodges raise the bar
With five-star resort facilities, concierge service and a lauded eatery on-site, you’ll want for nothing.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
★★★★½
Airline reviews
Airline review: Economy class on the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for 2024
Someone give this crew a gold medal – their service is exemplary.
- by Ute Junker
Opinion
Paris
It stinks, it’s polluted and I wouldn’t swim in it, but I love the Seine
French President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hildegard promised earlier this year that they would swim in the Seine before the Olympics. It’s possible Macron called an election to avoid the task.
- by Lee Tulloch
Opinion
Savvy traveller
Here’s what to do if you’re robbed overseas (I speak from experience)
As we crossed an intersection in a chic, vibrant neighbourhood, a man jumped off a motorbike and literally onto the back of my travelling companion.
- by Katie Dundas
Flying to Europe? Here’s how to get a free (or cheap) stopover on the way
Why arrive exhausted? Some airlines are offering a free stopover, while others offer major discounts on hotel stays and more.
- by Julietta Jameson
★★★★½
Airport reviews
This cramped, daggy airport is my new favourite
This isn’t a flashy, modern airport, and it doesn’t have many exciting facilities, but I love New Chitose with all of my stomach and heart.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Tripologist
Tripologist: What places should we visit with 10 days in Japan?
“We are a family heading first to Fukuoka but what other places should we include on the way back to Tokyo over 10 days?”
- by Michael Gebicki
Opinion
Savvy traveller
I flew 300 hours in economy class last year. Here’s how I get the best seat
When faced with long-haul horror, gaining a spare seat or an entire row of seats on “full” flights demands strategy and tactics.
- by Flip Byrnes
★★★★½
Hotel reviews
Explore an overlooked part of Italy from this luxurious resort
The luxurious but unpretentious resort is a tranquil base from which to fully savour the fruits of this culturally rich region of Sicily.
- by Anthony Dennis