Reviews & advice
Opinion
Tripologist
The pros and cons of ordering the special meal on planes
There are plenty of reasons to order the special meal on a flight – dietary or religious requirements, allergies, or sometimes you just want to get your food quicker.
- by Michael Gebicki
When it comes to planes v trains, the Eurostar wins the gold medal
The question isn’t why take the Eurostar between Paris and London, but why wouldn’t you?
- by Flip Byrnes
Opinion
Europe
Terrible French coffee is causing controversy in Paris. I’m not surprised
Australians have quickly become the world’s most painful coffee snobs – our Olympians even brought their own baristas to Paris.
- by Ben Groundwater
Are drinks packages worth it? 18 of cruising’s biggest questions, answered
Want to know how to score a seat at the Captain’s Table, or whether to splurge on a balcony suite or premium drinks package? We’ve got you covered.
- by Brian Johnston
★★★★
Perth
Hotel at Australian university is a far cry from student dorm rooms
The Wonil Hotel Perth taps into an under-catered market on Western Australia’s premier university campus grounds.
- by Julia D'Orazio
★★★★★
Airline reviews
Airline review: The world’s longest flight is an absolute pleasure
If you’re ever going to splurge on a front-of-plane experience, let it be this one.
- by Carolyn Beasley
Opinion
Tips & advice
Nervous flyers tense with fear during bumps. I know, because I am one
We keep our seatbelts firmly done up over our blankets when asleep. We limit toilet breaks to moments when there is no one waiting so we spend less time standing.
- by Lee Tulloch
Tripologist: What are the best short trips to take from Paris?
My short list would include Lyon for the food and culture and Strasbourg for its canals.
- by Michael Gebicki
Opinion
Tripologist
Gareth’s suitcase was stolen on a train, but insurers say it’s his fault
Gareth Lloyd and his wife were returning home to Melbourne after a holiday in Spain when a brazen thief started going through their suitcase.
- by Michael Gebicki
★★★★
Hotel reviews
Freshly revamped, Melbourne Airport hotel is an oasis in a concrete jungle
Here’s an excellent place to stay before or after a flight, or during a long stopover at Melbourne Airport.Â
- by Jim Darby
★★★★★
Airport reviews
South-East Asia’s newest airport is sleek, shiny and cavernously empty
The airport was built to sustain 7 million passengers a year, but is running at about 50,000. Hopefully, it will be a case of build it and they will come.
- by Christine Retschlag