Reviews & advice
My six Airbnb horror stories (that you need to avoid when booking)
Sometimes it is the fault of the host. Other times it was my mistake. I’m confessing both kinds here, so that you can learn from my mistakes.
- by Natalie B. Compton
★★★★★
Ship reviews
Ship review: The world’s biggest cruise ship is perfect, for some
- by Keith Austin
★★★★½
Airline reviews
Airline review: Rare jumbo jet’s economy class feels more like premium
- by Kristie Kellahan
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.
When it comes to tour groups, bigger is not better
Bigger groups usually mean lower cost but a group of 12 is a very different experience from one of 20.
- by Michael Gebicki
Tripologist: Is 90 minutes enough to connect to an international flight?
I have booked flights from Sydney to Tokyo using frequent flyer points, but I have to go via Melbourne. What if my domestic flight is cancelled or delayed?
- by Michael Gebicki
Fourteen worst-case travel scenarios (and how to cope with them)
No record of your booking? Got the time of your flight wrong? Been scammed and lost money? Don’t panic – here’s how to deal with it.
- by Michael Gebicki
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