In every travel or expat experience, there comes a time to leave. And some places make leaving easier than others.
Continue reading You can check out, but you can (maybe) never leave
I’m back, and based in Bangkok
There’s a good reason for the absence of fresh posts on this blog for the past week. I’ve been busy relocating myself from Brisbane to Bangkok (via Taipei).
Here are a few pictures of where I’ve been in recent days. Words will follow in due course (translation: when I get the chance to write them.)
Is your travel provider really paying attention?
I once read an article about the apparently ridiculous “riders” that touring bands have in their contracts, such as asking for the red M&Ms to be excluded from the dressing-room snacks.
It turns out that they serve a function other than pandering to the ego or perceived power of the band members. And that reason can be useful to travellers.
Continue reading Is your travel provider really paying attention?
A serendipitous day in Taipei
I really should pay attention to landmarks. I spent far too long walking the wrong way today, all because I confused Metro exit 5 and 8.
But I also visited the National Palace Museum during the day and I’m writing this from a very nice bar I spotted while I was walking the wrong way.
My day in Taipei
I haven’t the time now for words. Here are some pictures from my first day in Taipei.
Up, up and away … this time I’m off to Taipei
For reasons that will become clearer in future posts, I have to be in Bangkok by the last week of this month.
I checked my Qantas frequent flyer points* with the view to making a direct flight from Brisbane. But I discovered that for about the same number of points I could go first to somewhere I’d never been before — and I’m always up for that.
Continue reading Up, up and away … this time I’m off to Taipei
Five reasons why your next holiday should be a cruise
Cruising is said to be the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry. It’s no surprise why.
In case you have reservations about making a reservation on a ship, here are some good reasons why sailing is the answer.
Continue reading Five reasons why your next holiday should be a cruise
Do you really want to get away from it all?
In this age of constant connectivity, we’ve all had to adapt in all aspects of our lives.
Because our bosses, our families and our friends expect us to be instant,y contactable, that means the dream of sailing away to a deserted island and truly switching off may never again be achievable.
Continue reading Do you really want to get away from it all?
Five things to think about when choosing a hotel
Your choice of hotel will have a major effect on your holiday. It could make the difference between a memorable escape and a miserable time you’d rather forget.
Here are five things you should consider before you book.
Continue reading Five things to think about when choosing a hotel
Reflections on the river city
“Brisbane,” said a friend over coffee, “is like a boring boyfriend.
“Dependable, but after a while you want to run away with someone more exciting.”
On the road again
Brett’s travel update: after almost two months in Brisbane, I’m preparing to move on again.
Next stop, in a fortnight, is Taiwan, followed by Thailand.
Continue reading On the road again
Travel by numbers
A former colleague of mine has travelled to more than 100 countries. I don’t know if it’s his aim to visit them all, as others have done, but it’s a fairly impressive tally nonetheless.
And, as far as I know, he doesn’t just dash in and out. He takes his time to see the sights, meet people and go off the beaten track. My country tally is about half of his, but I don’t see it as a competition.
We all approach travel in our own way.
Be alert to travel dangers
The terrible events in London have once again brought terrorism to the forefront.
Those who commit these acts choose their targets carefully: they want to disrupt the daily lives of residents and to persuade would-be visitors to stay away. Their aims are to inflict immediate damage and to create long-term economic harm.
The show’s the thing
People take cruises for many reasons. So, apart from the niche players in the market who cater to very specific interests, cruise companies have to design their ships to provide something for everyone.
That means paying close attention to the menu, the shore excursions, the amenities and, crucially, the entertainment program.
The economy class squeeze
“Be careful what you wish for.” It’s an adage that applies in many circumstances.
And right now it’s germane to the issue of passenger comfort on commercial aircraft. It seems that we are getting squeezed on like sardines because that’s what comes with the lower fares that we demand.
Captain’s correct call
Along with other passengers on my recent cruise on the Pacific Aria to New Caledonia and Vanuatu, I missed out on two out of three scheduled port calls due to bad weather.
I could complain, I could ask for compensation — which wouldn’t be forthcoming, since this eventuality is covered in the fine print — but, while I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to see Noumea and Mare, I believe it was the right call.
The price isn’t right
As a solo traveller who likes cruising, I’m always desperate to find a fair deal in a market that’s clearly geared towards groups of two or more.
I understand why there has traditionally been a bias towards catering for couples and families, but times are changing and more people — young, old and in the middle — are travelling on their own. With this in mind, I sometimes get riled when a see “deal” that is patently biased against solo travellers.
Peaceful, picturesque Port Vila
I’ve rarely felt more welcome than I did in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, an island nation in the South Pacific about 1900 kilometres east of Brisbane, Australia.
The people I met were friendly and very proud of their country. Taxi and bus drivers eagerly volunteered information and pointed out interesting sights.
Hello, Vanuatu
My cruise finally found dry ground and blueish skies in Port Vila. For more photos, check Instagram and Twitter. Words will follow soon.
