The International Travel edition
I love a road trip as much as anyone (and will be at the tail-end of one by the time you read this) but there’s nothing quite like getting on a plane and flying off this continent for psychically breaking with your regular thoughts, feelings and routine. What going overseas does in spades, I think, is make us feel truly alive – whether greeting elephants in India or listening to music in Ireland, living la dolce vita in Rome or meeting penguins in Antarctica, the thrill and intoxication are strong. For today’s international travel issue, I asked some of our top writers to pen a piece about a place that does exactly that: makes them feel. In many cases, they chose somewhere they’ve been numerous times before, underlining again that emotional dimension of travel. We return to places that make our souls sing. In the case of Craig Tansley, it was the Cook Islands, where he grew up; for British expat Nick Bryant, it was London in summer; for Brook Turner, it was India, which he’s been revisiting for 40 years. For Jennifer Byrne, it was Antarctica, a continent to which she’s voyaged a remarkable seven times. She was sure this would be her last trip. Then she got there, and reconsidered. As you do. – Editor, Katrina Strickland
‘My mouth fell open’: Finding the real Bali beyond the influencers
Away from the posers, lads in bucket hats and end-of-season footballers, this Indonesian island’s natural beauty astounds.
- by Tim Elliott
I thought my seventh trip to Antarctica would be my last. But then ...
Where else on Earth could you kayak up close to curious penguins as well as whales – and see the world’s largest iceberg?
- by Jennifer Byrne
‘You are not tourists here’: In Ireland, there’s still a place for wonder
For those with an openness to whimsy, the stories from the Irish west coast will subvert normal thinking.
- by David Leser
The secret to finding la dolce vita? Staying in the same place for a month
The sweetest staycation: setting up a home base for four weeks in the heart of Rome’s Trastevere neighbourhood.
- by Barry Divola
Timing is everything: An expat’s guide to London’s best months for visitors
For this native Briton, it’s June and July: helped along by Wimbledon, the Royal Academy and the Lord’s Test.
- by Nick Bryant
‘Like Venice in high season’: The Indian city that’s going off
It’s always a risk to revisit a first love – but a return to the jewel in India’s crown is a revelation.
- by Brook Turner
Why tourists are converging on Europe’s second-oldest capital city
The past is never far away in Portugal’s resurgent capital – Lisbon embraced shabby chic long before it became fashionable.
- by Amelia Lester
The Florida island Hemingway called ‘the best place I’ve ever been’
Nearer to Havana than Miami, Key West’s vibe is famously chill.
- by Amelia Lester
Swimming pigs, white-flour sand and low-rise lodges: Exploring the Austral Islands
These rarely visited French Polynesian islands are a blast to the senses and a balm for the soul.
- by Luke Slattery
I haven’t lived on this Pacific island for 40 years – but it’s as if I never left
For this former local, returning to the Cook Islands means scooting about, breathing in sweet air – and being related to everyone (including a former PM).
- by Craig Tansley
Two of Us
Two of Us
They hit the road with four kids and no guaranteed work. Oh, and she was pregnant
Lyle and Helen Kent have spent 30 years travelling around the outback, equipping cattle stations with his handmade leather goods.
- by Cath Johnsen
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
Tech insider Kara Swisher on the problem of Silicon Valley’s ‘adult toddlers’
The influential US journalist discusses the politics of selfishness – and the difference between Star Trek people and Star Wars people.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern guru
Modern Guru
Chill pill: Do blister pack tablets need to be popped in order?
The answer relates to the urgency of pill intake, writes our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
Birth of a nickname
Sitting outside the cafe in their sweaty cycling knicks, they were on the verge of a perfect quiz score. “What first name,” read Eddy, with gravitas, “did Walt Disney originally propose for Mickey Mouse?” Bernard and Mario, nursing coffees, looked heavenwards. Mortimer, thought Fabian. But he couldn’t be right. He rarely was. How they ribbed him about that. The bastards. He said nothing as they lobbed random names. “Well, Eddy?” “It’s Mortimer.” “Who knew?” said Bernard. “I did,” squeaked Fabian. They laughed. “Sure you did, Mortimer,” Mario said. “Ha! Mortimer!” said Bernard. “Mortimer!” agreed Eddy. Mortimer, lamented Fabian. – Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Pack your bags: Good Weekend’s travel gift guide 2024
From foldaway storage to waterproof boots, hitting the road just got easier.
- by Frances Mocnik
This hearty white beans and greens soup gives you a whack of midweek nutrition
Keep a stash of cheese rinds in the freezer ready to add flavour to this simple Italian soup.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Helen Goh’s next-level banoffee pie with miso caramel, double banana and rye-cocoa crust
The only downside to this banana and caramel tart is you’ll end up eating more of it than you’d planned.
- by Helen Goh
Review
Good Weekend
If you like Korean barbecue, head to Wang Wang for something a bit different
This Chinese barbecue restaurant showcases the food of the north-eastern Qiqihar region.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Good Weekend
Icon review: Is a long lunch at Catalina still a great day out?
When lunch calls for white linen napkins and good ol’ fashioned hospitality, this Sydney stayer nails the brief.
- by Callan Boys
Opinion
Opinion
Why you should throw some money at your favourite food shop, right now
Good cooking is 80 per cent good shopping. Great grocers and markets are your support team, writes Terry Durack.
- by Terry Durack
