Reviews & advice
Opinion
Tripologist
Australian travellers can get free healthcare overseas, but beware this trap
While Australia has healthcare agreements with 11 other countries that mean you can access their health systems for free, there are some issues to be aware of.
The medicines and first-aid items every traveller should pack
Few things ruin a tropical holiday as quickly as an ear infection. I’ve been burned before, but a two-week cruise finally saw me pack my first medical kit.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
Opinion
Air travel
The battle for carry-on bag space on planes has become a joke
I’m guilty of taking a bit more than is strictly allowed in my carry-on but some people – there’s no polite way to say this – are absolute piss-takers.
- by Ben Groundwater
Opinion
Tripologist
Got somewhere to be? Never try to arrive the same day
The recent deluge that soaked Dubai left some passengers stranded for several days.
- by Michael Gebicki
★★★★
Airline reviews
Airline review: Bravo to this Virgin crew. Boo to the same old food
The crew starts things off well by reorganising seating to give passengers some extra room.
- by Julietta Jameson
Tripologist: What traps do you need to look out for driving in Europe?
Beware of these rules or you risk copping a big fine if you’re planning to rent a car in Europe.
- by Michael Gebicki
Opinion
Air travel
When you shouldn’t (and definitely should) use headphones when travelling
When should air travellers wear headphones or take them out? Etiquette and travel experts weigh in.
- by Natalie B. Compton
Ten surprising airlines you can use your Qantas points with
You don’t have to use your points flying with Qantas. Sometimes the better deal comes from hopping aboard a partner airline.
- by David Whitley
★★★★
Train journeys
Eurostar’s version of premium economy is almost as good as business
Standard Premier offers the same seat and most of the trappings of Business Premier at a lower price.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
The Heineken beer family owns a historic hotel. It can never be sold
The billionaire brewers filled the hotel, built in 1896 on the site of Amsterdam’s first inn, with their priceless Dutch art collection.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
Opinion
Russia
The world’s biggest country is off-limits. Here’s where to go instead
You want vast and unknowable? Try the ninth-largest country in the world or one of its neighbours.
- by Ben Groundwater