Holidays
Photos
Six of the best: hotels opening in 2014
![Shangri-La, London, will open in the Shard.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/23/5031502/th-Shangri-La-London-90x60.jpg)
From the best address in London to the Whitsundays in Australia, here are the top six hotels opening around the world in 2014. By Belinda Jackson
Mama Holiday
Yes, we're flying on Christmas Day
![Spying eight tiny reindeer ... some people will be flying on Christmas Day.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/19/5022576/trv-th-Child-Plane-Santa-20131219150215160708-90x60.jpg)
Tracey Spicer 'Will we see Rudolph out the window?" my daughter Grace asks, excitedly. It depends on how many G&Ts; Mummy has.
Travel Insider
Call this a holiday? Surviving staying with the rellies
![Can't we all just get along? A holiday visiting the relatives can be stressful.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/19/5022590/th-Unhappy-Family-90x60.jpg)
Jane E Fraser Can staying with relatives ever be a holiday?
The Backpacker
Where not to go in summer
![Nice, Beach, France](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/18/5018729/th-Nice-Beach-France-90x60.jpg)
The Backpacker As the hotter months descend, thoughts turn to summer destinations - but you don't want to be going to these ones.
The Backpacker
Meet the travel nutters
![Female scuba diver.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/17/5015848/th-Scuba-Diver-Woman-90x60.jpg)
The Backpacker You meet nutters of all descriptions when you travel - they have an obsessive look about them.
Britain
The gold standard
![Pullman carriage at Victoria Station](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/13/5008255/Dan-20131213121408793014-90x60.jpg)
Rob McFarland leaps at the chance to experience the long-gone days of luxury train travel.
Queensland
Weekend Away: Brisbane
![Spicers Balfour, Brisbane, Queensland.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/12/5003389/JRDec14Wkendaway-Th-20131211225915125964-90x60.jpg)
Anthony Dennis Anthony Dennis meets elegance, tradition and comfort in a Brisbane Queenslander.
The Tripologist
LIVE Q&A;: Make the most of your summer holiday
![Summer caravan river girls.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/12/5003087/th-Camping-Caravan-Holiday-90x60.jpg)
The Tripologist Where are you heading this summer? The beach, the bush, overseas or a 'staycation'? Whatever your plans, our travel expert Michael Gebicki, the Tripologist is here to help.
Luxe Nomad
First world problem: is business class really worth it?
![Would you blow thousands on flying business class rather than spend it on luxurious accommodation after you've arrived at your destination?](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/09/4993987/th-Business-Class-Generic-90x60.jpg)
Lee Tulloch I often do fly business class and there's always a moment during every flight when I ask myself, "Is it worth it?"
Mama Holiday
How do you cope with allergies while travelling?
![child food](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/06/4987199/Dan-20131206143057322779-90x60.jpg)
Tracey Spicer If you have a family member with an allergy, a simple trip away can be life-threatening.
New South Wales
Weekend Away: Kingscliff
Sean Mooney finds a property for all seasons at Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, Kingscliff.
Victoria
Weekend Away: Fairhaven
![Manorola, Fairhaven.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/05/4983587/JRDec7VICaway-T-20131205160940556241-90x60.jpg)
Larissa Dubecki Larissa Dubecki enjoys a beach haven with views at Manorola, FAIRHAVEN.
Airlines
Flight test: Etihad business class
![Etihad's 'Pearl' business class has probably the most stylish cabin in the air.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/11/29/4966073/th-Etihad-Business-Class-1-90x60.jpg)
Flight Test Etihad has probably the most stylish cabin in the air with extensive meal choices.
NSW
Sealing the deal
![Lil (Naomi Watts), Tom (James Frecheville), Roz (Robin Wright) and Ian (Xavier Samuel) in a scene from Anne Fontaine's ADORATION.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/11/28/4960573/th-Adoration-Film-Image-90x60.jpg)
Daniel Scott returns to a favourite beach to find that despite its new A-list connection, its charm remains.
Photos
Phuket's hottest beach clubs
![Xana Beach Club . Phuket](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/11/19/4936497/th-Xana-Beach-Club-90x60.jpg)
There's a new vibe on the Thai island of Phuket, and it's hip, laid-back and sultry. Think sun, sand, cocktails and a chill-out beat, all served on a platter of decadence and luxury; think beautiful...
Thailand
Tranquil Laguna
An integrated resort provides an escape from Phuket's mayhem, writes Julie Miller.
South Australia
Weekend Away: Adelaide Hills
Sarah Maguire Sarah Maguire finds an atmospheric base for exploring the Adelaide Hills.
Australia
Summer is coming: Australia's best beach towns
![Backpacker haven is all grown up ... Airlie Beach, Queensland.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140106122304im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/11/04/4894230/th-Airlie-Beach-2-90x60.jpg)
Ute Junker With summer just around the corner, Ute Junker leaves no grain of sand unturned in her guide to the best beach towns on Australia's east coast.