Qantas has announced the biggest changes to its Frequent Flyer program since it launched in 1987. If you hold status or are working toward it, these updates will affect how …
What Happened When My Jetstar Flight Got Cancelled My Jetstar flight was cancelled and I ended up stuck in Singapore for two nights. Jetstar’s email laid out a compensation guide: …
Ten minutes from four MRT lines and a short walk to some of Singapore’s best hawker centres. The location is the headline, but there are a few things worth knowing …
Five changes to a program that looks a bit different on the other side of December 8. If you hold Qantas status or you’re chasing it, here’s what’s changing and …
This one is time-sensitive. The registration window closes in two days and if you miss it, you miss the offer entirely. What the Offer Is Qantas is running a double …
It happens to prepared travellers. It happens to experienced ones. And it always happens at the worst possible moment. Why Banks Block Cards Overseas A card block overseas usually comes …
If you guessed Porto, well done. If you guessed a museum or a palace, you were close in spirit. São Bento is technically a train station, but calling it that …
I stayed at New World Hoiana Beach Resort in September 2025, one of several hotels that make up the Hoiana complex near Hoi An, Vietnam. It’s a big resort with …
That sentence sounds wrong. But it wasn’t. I booked Melbourne to Seoul (Incheon), which meant a domestic Jetstar leg from Melbourne to Sydney followed by the international business class sector …
Planning a trip to Bali? Before you start packing your bags and dreaming about rice terraces and beach clubs, there are three important things you need to sort out before …
In our defence, it looked exactly like dried mango. The Incident One of the first things I do in any new country is find a local supermarket or convenience store …
Upgrading with points feels like a smart move. In most cases the maths says otherwise. The Numbers That Change How You Think About Upgrades Let’s use the Melbourne to Singapore …
It sounds like the kind of thing that happens to other people. But it could happen to you. Ships leave passengers behind at port regularly, and the financial consequences can …
I nearly missed my flight out of Madrid because of a train. I wasn’t the only one standing there wondering if I was going to make it. What Most Travellers …
In 2009 I started backpacking and counted every dollar. Dorm beds, overnight buses, meals chosen by price rather than preference. That was the deal and I loved it. Somewhere along …
Nearly 5,000 passengers, robot bartenders, a skydiving simulator and bumper cars. Quantum of the Seas is not a subtle ship. What Is Quantum of the Seas? Built in 2014 and …
Jetstar has announced a significant change to its carry-on baggage rules and, predictably, the internet has taken it well. What’s Actually Changing From February 2027, Jetstar is scrapping the existing …
The departures board says delayed. The airline app hasn’t updated in an hour. The gate staff don’t have answers. Here’s how to find out what’s going on yourself. Track the …
A private pool, your own villa, and dinner delivered without putting on real pants. That’s the pitch. But the traffic is horrendous. A 3.5 hour drive to cover 33 kilometres. …
City passes sell themselves on convenience and savings. The Paris Pass Plus is a good example of why you should run the numbers before you buy. What Does the Paris …
If you’ve flown Qantas between Sydney and Bangkok or Sydney and Singapore in the last couple of years and wondered why the aircraft looked different, here’s the explanation. What Is …
If you guessed Vanuatu, well done. If you didn’t, don’t feel bad. Champagne Beach on the island of Espiritu Santo is one of those places that doesn’t look real, and …
It looks convenient. It’s right there. You’re already paying for the hotel. But that breakfast buffet is quietly one of the more expensive decisions you can make on a trip. …
There’s a version of solo travel that lives in your twenties, hostels, no plan, sleep when you can. And then there’s the version nobody talks about enough: solo travel in …
Budget carriers in Europe look compelling until you do the full door-to-door calculation. For short legs, the train wins more often than most travellers realise. The Real Cost of a …
Book too early and you overpay. Book too late and you definitely overpay. The sweet spot is more specific than most people think. The General Rule for Europe For international …
Seoul is one of those cities that rewards a well-planned day. These three stops give you a genuinely varied experience without burning hours on transit or overthinking the itinerary. Namsan …
It’s 1am, just back from the rooftop bar at Marina Bay Sands, and there’s a robot roaming the hotel corridor. It turned, seemed to clock me standing there, then turned …
**This article is not financial advice, please talk to a professional regarding your finances if considering a new credit card** Plenty of travellers walk into airport lounges on economy tickets. …
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as comparing redemption rates (how much rewards cost). Here’s how to think about it properly. What the Redemption Rates Actually Look Like …
Comparison sites make flight booking feel simple. But before you lock in that fare, it’s worth understanding what you’re actually paying and what you’re giving up. The Fees That Close …
There are hikes, and then there are experiences that don’t feel real while you’re in them. The Narrows at Zion National Park sits firmly in the second category. What Is …
Singapore has over 100 hawker centres. These five give you a real spread across the city, from the tourist-friendly to the genuinely local and everything in between. Lau Pa Sat …
Booking flights as separate tickets can save money, but it comes with risks most travellers don’t fully consider until something goes wrong. Here’s how to think about it before you …
Most frequent flyers stop paying attention to the safety demo, but one incident is a reminder of why that’s a mistake. What Happened A recent engine failure sent debris flying …
Airport SIM card kiosks are convenient in theory. In practice, they cost more than they should and create problems most travellers don’t anticipate until they’re already at their accommodation. The …
Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most visited cities. These three stops give you a feel for the place and show you why the city earns the attention. Da Nang …
Overstaying in the Schengen Zone is one of the most common and costly mistakes Australian travellers make in Europe. Since October 2025, it’s also far harder to slip through unnoticed. …
At $799 a year plus a $149 joining fee, Qantas Club membership is a significant commitment. Whether it makes financial sense depends entirely on how often you fly. This post …
Busan is one of South Korea’s most rewarding cities and it doesn’t need a packed itinerary to leave an impression. These three stops cover a few of the best spots …
Most travellers treat a connecting flight as dead time. But if you know what to look for when booking, your connection could turn into a bonus destination at little to …
It’s one of the worst moments in travel. Your wallet is gone and your mind goes blank. Here’s exactly what to do, so you don’t make a stressful situation worse. …
If you’re buying a new travel insurance policy every single trip, there’s a good chance you’re spending more than you need to. A quick comparison could save you money year …
Tokyo has two international airports and choosing the wrong one can cost you 90 minutes and a lot of unnecessary stress on arrival. Here’s how to make the right call …
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, this small counter restaurant belongs on your list. Just be prepared to plan ahead, because getting a seat is not as simple as …
If global travel news has you second-guessing your next trip, these three destinations are safe, easy to reach from Australia and worth your consideration. Whether you want a beach escape, …
Flight routes through the Middle East keep getting disrupted, and US travel feels less predictable than it used to. If you’re rethinking your next trip, you’re not alone. The good …
It is not glamorous, but it always pays off and most people never think about it until their luggage is overflowing. The Cost Problem Cruise ships and hotels charge a …
Here is everything covered in this week’s episode. World’s First 100% Gluten Free Cruise Oceania Cruises is running a 12 night sailing on the Oceania Vista departing in May 2028, …
…and most people have no idea until they are at the airport! It looks like a regular domestic booking. The check-in process is anything but. Which Flights This Applies To …
Singapore has some of the best street food in the world and the hawker market is the format that delivers it best. Here are three worth visiting. Maxwell Food Centre …
If you have unused travel credits sitting with either Virgin Australia or Qantas from the pandemic era, the time to act is now. Virgin Australia Credits must be Booked and …
Here is everything covered in this week’s episode. US Government Looks Closely at Sanctuary Cities If you have a US trip planned, this is something you need to watch closely. …
It sounds counterintuitive. But it works! How Jetstar Moves Everyone On and Off the Plane On domestic Jetstar flights, boarding and deplaning regularly happens through both the front and rear …
And the gap between what we pay and what other countries charge is growing. The Numbers An Australian passport currently costs A$422 and increases every single year. Singapore produces a …
And there is a way to get the full experience for significantly less than the headline rate. New World Hoiana Beach Resort Situated right on the beach south of Da …
Long-haul economy flights are rarely comfortable, especially when trying to sleep. Cramped seats, limited legroom, and constant interruptions often leave travellers arriving exhausted. That may soon change thanks to a …
Here is everything covered in this week’s episode. Melbourne Airport Drop Off Changes Melbourne Airport is introducing changes to its drop off zones later this year. If you’ve gone up …
Seat selection feels like a done deal the moment you confirm it. In reality it can change between booking and boarding, sometimes without any notification at all. Why Did My …
Not all direct routes are equal on price, product, or where they depart from. Here is a breakdown worth reading before you book. Who Flies Direct and From Which Australian …
Most travellers know jet lag is coming. Far fewer have a real plan for dealing with it on arrival. The Mistake That Cost Us a Night’s Sleep Flying Hong Kong …
Tokyo does a lot of things well. These four sit in a category of their own. Totti Candy Factory, Harajuku Rainbow fairy floss made fresh in front of you, then …
Here is what actually happened and what it means for your next booking. The Codeshare Chain Flying Miami to Barcelona, a Qantas booking put me on a British Airways ticket …
If you have Qantas Points sitting in your account, Jetstar flights are worth a second look before you pay cash. The Problem With Paying Cash Jetstar cash fares vary depending …
Qantas is reducing domestic capacity by five percent across both Qantas and Jetstar schedules, citing ongoing Middle East conflict and rising fuel costs. Some routes are not just reduced but …
If you have ever been asked at an overseas ATM or checkout whether you want to pay in Australian dollars or local currency, you have encountered dynamic currency conversion. Always …
One social media response set off a debate that the airline industry has been quietly avoiding for years. What Happened When a customer complained about a $230 price jump on …
The Perfect Day concept is one of Royal Caribbean’s signature offerings, but the two locations take distinctly different approaches. Here is how they compare. Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas The …
Two openings in particular are worth putting on your radar right now. What Is the Royal Beach Club Concept? The Royal Beach Club sits in an interesting space, above a …
Pickpockets and petty theft rarely involve confrontation. They rely on distraction and easy access. A few simple habits significantly reduce your exposure. Take Only What You Need for the Day …
The best seat depends on the flight, not a fixed preference. Here is how to think about it depending on what aircraft and route you are flying. Start With Exit …
Your ticket price is locked the moment you purchase. Airlines cannot come back after the fact and charge you more for fuel. That protection is real and worth knowing about. …
The advertised room rate and the final bill are two very different numbers in Las Vegas. Here is what that actually looks like in practice. The Real Cost of Three …
The paid domes get most of the attention. The outdoor gardens are free to enter and genuinely worth a couple of hours of your time. What is Out There The …
The Flower Dome is one of the largest glass greenhouses in the world. Most visitors walk in without realising how much ground it actually covers. A World Tour Under One …
Here is what to expect inside one of Singapore’s most extraordinary structures. The Dinosaurs Are ‘Real‘ Dinosaurs are placed throughout the greenery inside the dome, adding a genuinely fun and …
Qantas is running a Red Tail Sale and there are some genuinely competitive fares across popular domestic routes before it closes. Fares Worth Knowing These are full Qantas fares, not …
You can choose to include a meal in your Jetstar International fare. What lands on your tray is not always what the menu photo suggested. Here is an honest rundown …
A travel adapter solves one problem. Most people do not realise there are two. The Two Separate Issues The first is plug shape. Different countries use different socket types and …
Some of the best experiences around Port Vila in Vanuatu, are resorts. These three are worth visiting purely for a meal, a drink, or a sunset. Erakor Island This one …
Somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a sailing from Seattle to Sydney, Tuesday disappeared. Here is what actually happens when a cruise ship crosses the International Date …
Most travellers think about accommodation price and star rating. Fewer think carefully about location until they are already there and realise the problem. What Good Location Actually Looks Like Arriving …
Qantas shows you multiple ways to use your points on the same route. The price difference between them can be enormous and it is not always obvious which one represents …
Over-planning is one of the most common and most avoidable travel mistakes. When every hour is scheduled, a single delay creates a domino effect that stresses the entire day. The …
Bali is one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia, but a few things catch first timers off guard. Here is what is worth knowing before you land. The …
Free cancellation sounds like zero risk. There are two ways it catches people out that almost nobody reads the fine print on. The Deadline Trap Most hotels require cancellation 24 …
This is one of the most valuable passenger rights in the world and the vast majority of Australian travellers have never heard of it. What is EU261? EU261 is a …
Bali still has a lot going for it. But after spending time in both destinations back to back, Da Nang is making a stronger case than most travellers realise. The …
Flight cancellations are stressful at the best of times. On a public holiday with limited options, the airline’s solution made things worse before they got better. Here is what we …
Most visitors to Singapore stick to the usual spots. East Coast Park is worth knowing about and genuinely underrated. What You Can Do There The park sits along the eastern …
A transpacific sailing is not like a typical holiday. With multiple consecutive sea days crossing the Pacific, life onboard develops its own rhythm and that is very much the point. …
If you are planning a trip to Zion National Park, Angels Landing belongs on your radar. Just go in knowing what you are signing up for. What Makes it Challenging …
Yellowstone is one of the most geologically active places on earth and genuinely unlike anywhere else. If you are visiting, these three sites are worth prioritising. Old Faithful One of …
Most travellers skip this important step. It takes two minutes and can save you from a serious situation abroad. What is Smartraveller? Smartraveller is the Australian government’s official travel advisory …
The all inclusive appeal of a cruise drink package is real. But whether it actually saves you money depends on how you drink. The Numbers Behind the Package Most cruise …
Recent airspace closures in and around the Middle East have affected some of the world’s busiest flight routes. If your itinerary crosses that region, a few quick checks before you …
Vanuatu does not always make the top of the Pacific travel list, but Espiritu Santo, the country’s largest island, has a few things that are genuinely hard to find anywhere …
Showing up early to a major attraction is common advice. Arriving before opening time is a different level entirely. Why Opening Time Specifically Most visitors arrive mid-morning. By then the …
Every country has rules that catch visitors off guard. Most of the time the consequences are minor. Sometimes they are not. Singapore and Chewing Gum Importing chewing gum into Singapore …
Five changes to a program that looks a bit different on the other side of December 8. If you hold Qantas status or you’re chasing it, here’s what’s changing and …
I stayed at New World Hoiana Beach Resort in September 2025, one of several hotels that make up the Hoiana complex near Hoi An, Vietnam. It’s a big resort with …
Planning a trip to Bali? Before you start packing your bags and dreaming about rice terraces and beach clubs, there are three important things you need to sort out before …
A private pool, your own villa, and dinner delivered without putting on real pants. That’s the pitch. But the traffic is horrendous. A 3.5 hour drive to cover 33 kilometres. …
There’s a version of solo travel that lives in your twenties, hostels, no plan, sleep when you can. And then there’s the version nobody talks about enough: solo travel in …
It’s 1am, just back from the rooftop bar at Marina Bay Sands, and there’s a robot roaming the hotel corridor. It turned, seemed to clock me standing there, then turned …
Singapore has over 100 hawker centres. These five give you a real spread across the city, from the tourist-friendly to the genuinely local and everything in between. Lau Pa Sat …
Here is everything covered in this week’s episode. World’s First 100% Gluten Free Cruise Oceania Cruises is running a 12 night sailing on the Oceania Vista departing in May 2028, …
Here is everything covered in this week’s episode. US Government Looks Closely at Sanctuary Cities If you have a US trip planned, this is something you need to watch closely. …
Here is everything covered in this week’s episode. Melbourne Airport Drop Off Changes Melbourne Airport is introducing changes to its drop off zones later this year. If you’ve gone up …