Today
Beyond power and politics in Washington DC, a surprising culinary find
The US capital is buzzing with the traditional restaurants and tantalising aromas of Ethiopia. Here are seven eateries to try.
- Keith Austin
November
- Christmas Gift Guide 2023
- Life & Leisure
Why it’s a great idea to travel on Christmas Day, especially overseas
Don’t be afraid to spend December 25 on the move. It might be your most exciting present to yourself yet – and save you pennies in the process.
- Fiona Carruthers and Ayesha de Kretser
Double takes in the town that Twin Peaks made famous
The cult 1990s TV show brings visitors to Washington State’s Snoqualmie Valley – and the friendly inhabitants tempt them to stay.
- Catherine Marshall
Where you should go in 2024 depends on which hot list you trust
Mongolia, Colombia and Sardinia are among the recommend to-go destinations for next year. But who knows best?
- Fiona Carruthers
Jill Dupleix’s take on the latest world’s best restaurant list
After months of so-so results on international food lists, Australia is finally getting traction with La Liste’s Top 1000 World’s Best Restaurants for 2024.
- Jill Dupleix
- Geoff Raby
- Life & Leisure
Why I rate Ladakh as the new Tibet
China-controlled Tibet hasn’t had the vibe of old for decades. If you’re after authentic Buddhism, try this epic road trip that ends in Leh.
- Geoff Raby
How this 29-year-old picked the world’s top hotel
Passalacqua in Italy is now well-known after being crowned best in category by the 50 Best brand in September. This hotel connoisseur was ahead of the pack.
- Fiona Carruthers
- Top 50 Hot List
- Life & Leisure
10 new airline routes and planes, plus cabin refreshes
Heated and cooled seats, 20-hour flights and loads more non-stop, long-haul services: strap yourself in for some innovative experiences in 2024.
- Ayesha de Kretser and Fiona Carruthers
Expedition leaders name the top wildlife and adventure trips for 2024
Turn the dial to adventure: spot NZ fur seals on Enderby Island, watch boobies dance in the Galápagos or snorkel with humphead parrotfish in the Seychelles.
- Brian Johnston
- Top 50 Hot List
- Life & Leisure
Lonely Planet co-founder reveals 10 top trips to take in 2024
Tony Wheeler has been pretty much everywhere. Here’s his pick of what he’s enjoyed most in recent years – and what he’s got his eye on for next year.
- Tony Wheeler
- Top 50 Hot List
- Life & Leisure
Love the sea? Here are nine new ships – and one refurbished
Plenty of shiny new hulls are already sliding down the slip rails to make fresh waves into the New Year.
- Brian Johnston
- Top 50 Hot List
- Life & Leisure
10 eco-friendly destinations to ease your conscience
It’s not easy being green, as Kermit said. You need to do your research. Here are some pointers for environmentally aware getaways that tick all the boxes.
- Nina Karnikowski
- Top 50 Hot List
- Life & Leisure
Ten luxurious new boutique hotels to book for 2024
Whether you want a floating villa in the Maldives (for $14,232 a night) or smart digs during the Paris Olympics, there are plenty of openings ahead.
- Jane Knight
Why A-list celebs and CEOs keep flocking to Kauai
The AFR’s Washington correspondent visits the Hawaiian island where Mark Zuckerberg has his hideaway.
- Matthew Cranston
How Aussies with a party bus turned Top Deck into a 50-year business
Flight Centre boss “Skroo” Turner was in London for the half-century birthday bash of his coach-tour company. A new film breathes life into its origin story.
- Hans van Leeuwen
Catch the 19th century’s most unseemly painting, showing at The Met
Édouard Manet’s “Olympia” – now on display in New York – is hardly shocking today. But it both outraged and revitalised the world of art in 1865: the Paris Salon even had to hire armed guards.
- Jason Farago
How a lonely cattle ranch became a contender for World Heritage status
To the unenlightened, the site outside the Canadian city of Saskatoon may not look like much. But buried below the surface is bountiful proof it’s been an important gathering place for 6400 years.
- Charis Perkins
What it’s like to do the Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island
There’s no Wi-Fi at the overnight lodge. But compensation for that is more than adequate on this five-day guided hike.
- Rose-Anne Manns
How do I fix wardrobe malfunctions on the go?
Our well-travelled reader wants to look good at all times – but buttons do go AWOL and spills happen. Next time, take these handy aids with you.
- Lauren Sams
This eye-popping new Singapore hotel is a brighter shade of green
How tourism is helping the island-state meet its climate goals.
- Ute Junker