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
Yesterday
On trend and affordable: Athens hits the sweet spot but aims bigger
The Greek capital has rebounded from last decade’s dark economic times. Now a $13bn project hopes to cement its status as Europe’s next big thing.
- Hans van Leeuwen
This Month
Death in the Andes: a mountain gives up secrets
Fifty years after two mountaineers perished on South America’s tallest peak, a camera emerged from the ice with film that could help solve the mystery of their deaths.
- John Branch
What it’s like to stay at Southern Ocean Lodge II, from $3400 a night
The jewel in Baillie Lodges’ crown is back, following a $55 million rebuild after the original Kangaroo Island site burnt down in January 2020.
- Fiona Carruthers
Inside the $6000-a-night penthouse that makes you feel like a super villain
Careful: W Sydney’s aptly named Extreme Wow suite may prompt a personality change.
- Lucy Dean
Forget Phuket. Stuff Bali. Why Vietnam wins for the flop and drop
I’m checked in and ready for dinner all within an hour of touching down on the tarmac. Am I dreaming?
- Samantha Hutchinson
Why billionaire David Marriott goes strictly off grid for holidays
Three travel industry families reveal where they’re planning to get away from it all next year and what’s in store for their global businesses.
- Fiona Carruthers
The best $150m the Mandarin Oriental Singapore ever spent
A Moët & Chandon vending machine, a cake shop in the lobby and views over Marina Bay are the cherries on top of the hotel’s sparkling refresh.
- Chris Wright
‘People thought I was crazy’: how to spend eight weeks in Nepal
A longer trip around the south Asian nation drops you into a gentler rhythm of daily life. But it’s still hard to resist some hiking.
- Jason Mowen
From baby races to hidden Mickeys: here’s what a Disney cruise is like
Finally, the brand’s cruise line has made its Australian debut. Our writer stepped aboard a sceptic. Not so his two children.
- David Marin-Guzman
How to snare the best overseas flight deals this summer
You can still get to the United Kingdom return for under $2000, or fly to New Zealand for $300 one-way. But book now to get away over Christmas.
- Fiona Carruthers
- Christmas Gift Guide 2023
- Life & Leisure
At this wilderness spa, you can swim in a glacial lake - and lick a slug
At Clayoquot Lodge in Canada, an average day might involve a glacial plunge and hauling yourself up to a waterfall through ancient forest. You won’t regret it.
- Charis Perkins
November
How this travel company is weathering high airfares
Inspiring Vacations survived COVID to come out the other side stronger but is now facing the headwind of high airfares.
- Christopher Niesche
Virgin gives select journalists an upgrade
The soft-power lobbying game was perfected by Qantas. But Virgin is doing all it can to catch up.
- Myriam Robin
- 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
- Christmas Gift Guide 2023
- Life & Leisure
Why you should go to a hotel to celebrate Christmas
From Hong Kong to Bhutan to Kenya, great venues mark the day in grand style – but each with their own twist.
- Ute Junker
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
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
