Latest In travel
Qantas passengers’ eight hours of hell
Staff writer and AAP A QANTAS flight from Melbourne to Dubai was forced to land in Sydney after encountering engineering problems.
Bike trail needs funds to fly
HELEN KEMPTON AN AMBITIOUS mountain bike development in Tasmania’s North-West will push for government funding to become a reality.
Stalin’s secret nuclear button
Matt Young IT’S like something out of a Bond film. The Soviet Union hid its ultimate weapon in a top secret bunker underground.
Alaska Air to buy Virgin America
Staff writers Alaska Air Group has agreed to buy Virgin America in a $4 billion takeover deal to create the fifth largest US airline.
‘It’s between absurd and suicidal’
Katie Jackson IF THERE ever was a country that epitomises beauty and despair at the same time, this is it. Home to a ruthless man with a $40bn fortune, it has a shocking history.
‘I could have killed many, but I’m a good person’
Martin Crummy MICHAELLA McCollum was thrown behind bars in Peru over a $3m drug stash. Now she’s out, and has made a strange TV appearance with all eyes on her new look.
Boeing flies into drama, again
Staff writers CONCERNS have been raised over one of the most popular new aircraft to grace our skies, with authorities warning of a “serious safety hazard”.
‘I felt humiliated and helpless’
Staff writers A WOMAN has accused an airline of racially profiling her family after they were booted off a flight, with video showing a pilot getting involved. But there’s a twist.
Asia
What’s going on at this holiday spot?
IT’S one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots, but it’s also very dangerous. So much so, that new measures are in place to protect tourists.
The Maldives’ dirty little secret
IT MIGHT look and feel like paradise, but this island chain in the Indian Ocean holds an incredibly depressing world record.
Aussie walker faces king cobra in India
AUSTRALIAN man Tom Mackay was halfway through his 900km walk across India when he came face-to-face with his worst nightmare: A king cobra.
North Korean site exposes truth
TO VIEW the humbling limits of round after round of international sanctions against North Korea, come to Masik Pass - a ski resort.
Is this Airbnb’s craziest apartment yet?
THEY’RE called “Reversible Destiny lofts” and aim to “extend the human lifespan” of inhabitants. These insane apartments might just be Airbnb’s craziest rentals.
Price of testing North Korea’s patience
THE American sentenced to 15 years’ hard labour in North Korea isn’t the first traveller to discover the brutal nature of their law.
North Korea’s bizarre rules for tourists
SOME tourists are drawn to the mystery of North Korea — but only those who are willing to put up with its incredibly strict rules for travelling.
The hidden, wild side of Bali
THERE’S far more to Bali than beaches and bars. Think bats, huge lizards and rare monkeys. A Perth scientist is opening up the island’s hidden wild side to tourists.
‘Illegal’ glimpse of North Korea
THEY’RE the photographs Kim Jong-un doesn’t want you to see: stunning snaps of life inside secretive North Korea that were smuggled out by a daring tourist.
Inside the world’s most brutal retreat
DEEP in the jungle lies a remote retreat that’s almost totally off the grid. Here, there’s a curfew of 5pm and it’s for your own good — it’s every man for himself.
These are Thailand’s best kept secrets
BEYOND the bar-hopping and shopping centres, the popular Aussie holiday spot hides a wealth of treasures the average tourist could easily miss.
Surprising sight hidden in this picture
IT MAY seem like a simple snap of a sprawling city landscape, but on closer inspection a shocking surprise lies in wait. Warning: Nudity.
Welcome to Bali without the beaches
LUANG Prabang is Laos’ answer to Ubud. Here’s 10 top reasons it’s time you paid a visit to this world heritage destination.
Bribes you’ll probably pay in Bali
IT’S one of Australia’s favourite travel destination, but spend time in Bali and you’re bound to be asked for a bribe by police.
‘I never expected that to happen in Bali’
WHEN Anna Lysakowska visited the much-loved Aussie holidayspot she was met with a lot of surprises, including one she’ll never forget.
Is this China’s best-kept secret?
HIDDEN among towering mountains lies a valley of ancient villages with turquoise lakes and incredible scenery. It could be the most beautiful place on Earth.
Five things we can learn from Japan
IF THERE’S something Japan does well it’s simplicity. Here are five easy ways to have more time, eat better, dress better and relax without really thinking about it.
Hidden paradise 90m from Bali
WHILE Bali bursts at its seams with bogans, another island sits quietly nearby with unbelievable deserted white-sand beaches. You won’t want to miss this.
China’s abandoned shopping centre
BUILD it and they will come ... but they didn’t and now this monster mall has become a ghost town.
You can now buy airline seats for dolls
WOULD you pay full price for a plane ticket for a doll? One Thai airline is offering you the chance to do just that.
Where not to go in Southeast Asia
SOUTHEAST Asia is the favourite playground of Aussies. But some places have been ruined by tourists. What are the places that should be avoided?
How Ash London became queen of YOLO
ASH London has just become the queen of YOLO. The radio star quit everything in December to move to a tiny tropical island. And she hasn’t looked back.
China’s very cold winter wonderland
IT’S a Chinese winter festival celebrating all things ice and snow. More than a million people indulge in the -14°C event, but would you jump in the water?
Waterfalls awesomely frozen in time
TOURISTS are flocking to see this spooky yet spectacular looking quirk of nature in the Taihang Mountains of China.
Aussie travellers meet tragic end
A NURSE who spent much of her career treating children born with facial deformities is one of two Australians to die on idyllic southeast Asian beaches.
Dick Smith’s incredible gift
BLINK and you’d miss her. But when Dick Smith saw a little girl under a railway bridge, he decided to change her life forever.
What makes this airline so special?
THIS airline is very different to most around the world. Would you fly with this airline?
What you don’t know about Maldives
IT’S known as paradise on Earth, but did you know that alcohol, swimmers and public displays of affection are illegal here? That’s just the start.
The world’s most misunderstood country
THIS place has an air of secrecy and a feeling of being watched, that’s almost like North Korea. But it’s incredible. Aussies, you’re missing out.
Stunning pics of unseen India
KNOWN for his haunting photograph “Afghan Girl”, Steve McCurry exhibits unseen images of India through his eyes.
Bye, Boracay and Bali, we’re going here
THIS is the unspoilt paradise that tourists haven’t ruined yet and it’s full of secret lagoons and hidden islands. You won’t believe your eyes.
This place is not what it seems
IT’S a stunning island that could soon become the next tourist hotspot. But it’s also where 20,000 people died.
Seven unexpected things to do in Thailand
THINK Thailand is all about beaches? Here are seven things to do on the spectacular island of Koh Samui that you’d never expect.
Debaucherous party island with no rules
BY DAY it’s an island paradise. But one night each month, 30,000 tourists, fuelled by booze and drugs invade it and go wild.
Natural wonder that could disappear
MORE than three million people visit this ancient natural masterpiece annually. But it’s shrinking every year, and soon it may be gone forever.
The creepy lake at the end of the earth
THIS vast, ancient lake is in the middle of nowhere. Every winter it claims the lives of drivers who — to save time — tempt fate by driving across its frozen expanse.
‘Worst island I’ve ever been to’
IT’S a hugely popular place that’s known as paradise lost, but Anna Lysakowska says this “tourist trap” is shockingly sleazy.
Thai party town with a sordid past
IN NORTHERN Thailand there’s a troubled place that was once a haven for drug smugglers. More tourists are going there now, however, and “anything goes”.
Not Bali: The paradise you’re missing
THIS island paradise is the perfect alternative to well-trodden routes through destinations swarming with tourists. So why go to Bali when you can go here?
What’s wrong with this McDonald’s?
THIS Maccas opened last week near a hugely popular tourist spot. But there’s a problem, and it’s left some people in a McFury.
Spectacular pics of remote community
PHOTOGRAPHER Kevin Frayer travelled to Seda in Tibet to capture some spectacular images of a gathering in this remote region.
Meet the real life walking dead
WHILE the mere sight of a corpse would frighten most, one community loves its dead so much that it’s started a bizarre tradition. WARNING: Graphic content.
Bizarre piercings at a Thai festival
FANCY threading a bike’s handlebars through your cheek? These Taoists show how. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Is this the busiest crossing in the world?
2500 people walking in five different directions. Each with 60 seconds to get where they’re going. But somehow walking through the busiest city in the world isn’t at all daunting.
Taiwan opens terrifying walkway
THIS glass-bottomed bridge suspended far above a spectacular valley is not for the faint of heart.
Shocking air host bullying tradition
FEMALE flight attendants working for a Chinese airline have been forced into overheard luggage compartments as part of a bizarre hazing ritual.
North Korea’s odd ‘pleasure park’
IT WAS built by officials to “raise people’s spirits”, but these rare photos from inside a bizarre park show the depressing reality.
Bye bye, Bali bogans
FAREWELL backpackers, bogans and Bintang beers ... these days it’s a whole different type of Aussie traveller flocking to Bali.
What holidays are really like in China
IS THIS an image of a mosh pit or a water theme park? These pics of everyday situations in China look hectic.
Bali’s forgotten gems
The mere mention of Bali conjures up images of a paradise. But have you been to these often overlooked yet breathtaking spots?
The best 48 hours a foodie can spend
IF YOU love delicious, delicious food, then this is seriously the best way you can spend two days of your life. Cue the food coma.
The unsolved 10,000-year-old mystery
THE discovery of underwater monoliths, including a huge pyramid, raise a question that has never been answered: Are these the ruins of an ancient sunken city?
Everest like you’ve never seen it
Unless you’ve stood on its slopes with an ice-axe in hand, the new $90 million Hollywood epic, ‘Everest’ is about as close as you will get to the real thing.
Forget about Bali, we’ve found paradise
THIS neglected tourist spot is home to more than 7,000 islands, with lush jungles, gorgeous beaches and more than a few surprises.
How to spend three days in Mumbai
IT IS easy to feel overwhelmed by Mumbai’s heady pace, noise and chaotic street life. The trick is to throw yourself headfirst into the hubbub, writes Johanna Leggatt.
Inside the secret Party Room in Tokyo
FROM bizarre restaurants to outrageous party hot spots, here’s how to spend a fast and furious 24 hours in one of the most exciting cities in the world.
The rare photos of life in North Korea
A COMPELLING new photo series seeks to shed light on what life is really like for those inside the world’s most secretive state.
China’s gruesome tourist attraction
IT IS like the Hunger Games of the animal world. Tourists at this park pay extra to select a sheep, cow or chicken from a menu and watch it fed live to the tigers. Warning: Distressing content.
Drunk Aussie lands in hot water overseas
A DRUNK Australian tourist has landed in some hot water after stealing a minibus and taking it for a joyride in Hong Kong.
China’s secret sights unlocked
SURE, the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City are cool, but there are plenty of spots awaiting visitors who know where to look.
4000 years of horror and love
TERROR is timeless: Grasped within its mother’s protective embrace, this child perished under rock and mud. Their final moments have been preserved for 4000 years.
Qantas‘ big Japanese push
QANTAS’ next big play has everything to do with cherry blossoms, green tea Kit Kats and sushi.
‘It’s a perilous trip, but tourists please come’
IT’S a rare oasis but both land routes to get here are deadly, sprinkled with bullet shells and the sound of rockets. Locals are desperately trying to lure visitors to the “City of Screams”.
Truth behind this iconic photo
IT WAS a scene of desperation and chaos, but it’s not on any tourist map. When one Aussie traveller stumbled upon it, he realised how wrong we’ve been all these years.
Could this ruin Thailand?
“IF THIS happens, Thailand will lose a lot”. Locals are furious over a plan that could ruin some of the country’s most popular and pristine tourist attractions.
Why were they hiding this?
IT’S a place of great importance but few people will ever see it, as it has long been sheltered behind the borders of a secretive former communist state.
10 great places you can’t visit
THE world is full of fascinating sights. However, there are some places that are just too dangerous, too well-protected or too special for guests.
China loses its mind over Uniqlo sex tape
A VIDEO of a couple having sex in a Uniqlo changing room has turned the store into a bizarre tourist attraction. The Chinese government is furious.
Chilling secret of skeleton lake
A GLACIAL lake in the mountains of India conceals a chilling secret. When the ice thaws for one month of the year, hundreds of human remains emerge.
From megacity to mega-fail
THERE are impressive skyscrapers, luxurious apartment buildings and shops. But you’ll be lucky to come across another person in this strange city.
Horrifying secret: If these walls could talk
OF COUNTLESS ghostly abandoned factories and mines in this country, this fortress island is among the most notorious. Here, unimaginable things happened to people.
What North Korea won’t tell you
HE HAS just gone to great lengths to show off a shiny new airport terminal. But there’s something that Kim Jong-un didn’t shout from the rooftops, and it’s disturbing.
Bali visa free for 45 nations. Not us
AUSTRALIA is Indonesia’s neighbour and the biggest source of visitors to Bali. Yet it is not among the 45 countries that does not need a visa to gain access.
The country with too many tourists to handle
FOR years, tourists were scared away from this place. But now it has become super-cheap and easy to get to, and there’s been an influx of visitors. So why isn’t everyone happy?
6 beaches to visit before everyone finds out
THERE’S nothing more satisfying than saying ‘I went there before it was touristy’. So get to these secluded beaches before the hoards find out how good they are.
The ‘rainbow caves’ of China
FEAST your eyes on what could be the world’s most colourful cave, which welcomes visitors at 240 metres under the surface of the Earth.
‘By 2017, Bali will be so over’
TRAFFIC-choked, flood-prone and sinking. The love affair Aussies enjoy with Bali might be over, with a secret gem nearby set to open.
The cheaper, better Thailand?
FOR ages, Thailand was the go-to destination in Southeast Asia. But recently, another country has started to steal the spotlight.
Has the boycott Bali call worked?
HAS the Boycott Bali social media campaign over Indonesia’s execution of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran deterred Australian holidaymakers?
Horrors of North Korea exposed
JOSEPH had a normal childhood in North Korea, if such a thing exists. The horrors he endured will make your skin crawl.
The mountain that claimed Mick
AUSSIE Mick Parker felt most alive at the point where others couldn’t catch their breath. He climbed without guides, Sherpas or oxygen. Then tragedy struck.
What’s a holiday like in North Korea?
IF YOU’RE still looking for somewhere exotic to go and don’t mind a holiday that comes with a heavy dose of socialist propaganda, North Korea says it’s just the place for you.
The land of the forgotten
HOME to ‘sea gypsies’ for more than 4000 years, these untouched pristine islands have remained largely isolated until now.
Wild ride on world’s fastest hover train
THIS isn’t your ordinary train ride. At speeds of up to 605kph, welcome to the fastest train in the world. Let’s just say, make sure you hold on tight!
China’s insane new megacities
HUNDREDS of mammoth new cities are springing up out of nowhere in China, which is throwing billions into the projects and willing them to succeed.
The hell that’s right here on Earth
LYING hidden in a little-known corner of China is a town that will horrify you, yet it’s responsible for many of the luxuries we take for granted today.
The strange side of Singapore
SINGAPORE can be fun, kooky and weird — and it’s not just because you need a prescription to get chewing gum.
Thailand now bans moon parties
THAILAND is cleaning up its image — and at the same time threatening its entire tourist industry. Now some moon parties have been banned.
Bali bogans to be spruced up?
BALI plans to tutor bogans as a crew of Bondi bar barons spice up the isle’s eating and night life.
6 things you need to know about North Korea
DID you know that it’s not the year 2014 in North Korea? These are things you need to know about the world’s most mysterious and secretive nation.
Bangkok gets its sexy back
THE curfew is over! The junta has given the green light for Bangkok's red-light districts and other evening activities to roar back to life.
