Features

‘Looking Past the Pandemic’ with Pillow Queens from Dublin, Ireland

Keeping travel dreams alive and setting goals has never felt more important. We can all agree that 2020 has been an unfortunate year so far, and almost every facet of daily life has been wrought by this ongoing global pandemic, the start of which now feels like forever ago. The arts has been one of…

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What a road trip looks like in the UK right now: socially distanced tourism?

If there are two things I’ve missed most during months of lockdown in London, it’s pubs and the sea. Fortunately, the former – along with restaurants, cafes and self-contained accommodation – reopened their doors to customers on Saturday 4th July across most of the country, with a return to business caveated by strict health measures….

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Jetlag The Podcast: Finding flight hacks and error fares during a pandemic

In the final episode of the season for our podcast series Jetlag: An Industry Grounded, we talk to Immanuel Debeer from the website Flight Hacks to talk about what the Covid-19 pandemic has meant for the airline industry, and the future of frequent flyer programs. You may also be surprised to learn that it remains possible to find…

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Some of the absolute best staycations New South Wales has to offer (Part One)

That New South Wales has some of the best accommodation in the world has never been a secret. What, with the kind of landscapes that people save for their entire lives to come and see? You’d expect no less: seriously bucket list resorts sketching indulgence onto rugged scenery, relentlessly charming boutique hotels you’d dream of…

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Jetlag The Podcast: Why Memphis isn’t too worried about its future in tourism

In the fifth episode of the second season of Jetlag The Podcast, our ongoing series looking at how travel has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we sit down with Lisa Catron from Memphis Travel. The International & Domestic Sales Manager provides a surprisingly positive outlook on the state of tourism for her city, even…

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These 10 Sydney hotels have “post-iso staycation” written all over them

With hotels now throwing their doors open for guests, we’ve made the very hard choices to narrow Sydney’s excellent spread of hotels down to ten we’d recommend for a post-iso staycation. From a luxurious restoration in the leafy suburb of Mosman and a Double Bay mansion, to the CBD’s best design-forward luxury hotels, book into…

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Top 10 at-home workouts for that post-iso body

After months of binge-watching Peaky Blinders and only wearing pants with elasticised waists or let’s be honest, no pants at all. I knew it was time to start salvaging my beach bod. After all, how could I expect Cillian Murphy to run away with me when I’m sat on the couch eating dry noodles and…

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Life on the tarmac: What is happening to grounded airplanes during the Coronavirus?

Not too long ago, back when we could leave the house and go to the theatre, I was lucky enough to see the Toronto production of Come From Away, one of the most heartwarming and enjoyable theatrical productions I’ve seen in recent memory. It tells the story of how the eastern most city in North…

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This new Podcast will help you travel vicariously while living in self-isolation

Last week, the new Australian podcast Portland Unpacked dropped, hosted by Faustina Agolley. The series takes listeners on a comprehensive tour of the U.S. city of Portland. Who would have known though that when they were making the six episode series that it would arrive in our lives just as international travel has been forced…

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Chicago is live music mecca this year as it celebrates the “Year of Music”

House, blues, hip hop, gospel, and just about every other culturally important form of music you can think of. It’s all in the Windy City. And it’s everywhere, and anywhere, as it should be. Chicago is one of the most sacred cities in the world when it comes to music history. From legendary jazz clubs…

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True Art Deco Splendour: Why it’s time to visit the Empire State Building, re-imagined for 2020

There are a few buildings around the world that everyone and their dog are familiar with; so ingrained in popular culture that we feel like we know it intimately. The Eiffel Tower. The Sydney Opera House. Big Ben. And the Empire State Building. And the truth is, we all know a little bit about all…

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Here’s everything you should do for your first time in Bangkok

Bangkok is exciting. Sure, you’ve heard that one before, but it should be repeated at all times. It’s one of travel’s most reliable facts. Bangkok is this irrepressible beast of a city, as diverse as it is chaotic. You’ll never run of things to see and do here, which makes planning a trip a bit…

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Small City, Big Vibe: Reno, Nevada is more than Burning Man’s gateway

“The Biggest Little City in the World”: ambitious nickname for Reno and a loaded slogan for anyone who dares doubt the vitality of Las Vegas’ overshadowed sibling. Once the divorce capital of the USA, due to the blunt efficiency of Washoe County Courthouse, this Nevada hotspot flows with a lively cosmopolitan culture, rapidly emerging hipster…

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LAX ferries rideshare & taxi passengers away from the terminal with “LAX-it”: Three months in, does it save time?

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been undergoing a number of welcome changes over the last couple of years: long overdue upgraded terminals, new walkways connecting terminals post-security, and a wide range of enhancements designed to make the experience of being at one of the world’s busiest airports all that better. Higher quality food,…

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How to get to the Grand Canyon without a car (and other adventures in Arizona)

I’ve always been flabbergasted by America’s undying reliance on the car. Unless you’re in a city like Chicago or New York which has a heavily ingrained public transport system, if you tell someone you’re getting from point A to point B without a car, they look at you with confusion. The concept just seems so…

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Tigerlily’s top five tips on balancing wellness and travel

Not only is she one of Australia’s most successful DJ exports, the eternally vibrant DJ Tigerlily (AKA Dara Hayes) is now increasingly known for her sharp focus on all things wellness. Whilst travelling, performing and partying all over the world, the rainbow-haired DJ and producer has managed to maintain a noticeably healthy lifestyle, influential amongst…

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Ed Wells at Home: A few of my favourite things (About London)

London based, Sydney raised singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ed Wells has long been a friend of the AU, and today Ed is releasing his debut EP, Home, produced by Luke Gerber. Musically, the EP is a vibrant mix of modern soul and R&B, a collection of songs of which Ed has reflected on different aspects of modern life….

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24 hours in Pattaya: Walking Street isn’t the only thing in this resort city

Many tourists unfortunately associate the beachside city of Pattaya with its notorious Walking Street. That’s understandable, but it’s also a massive overlook to what can be a fantastic weekend away from Bangkok’s kinetic social scene. The resort city not only has one of the country’s most spectacular temples, the eternally developing Sanctuary of Truth, but…

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Five new Broadway shows to see in New York City

New York City’s famed Broadway Collection isn’t slowing down for 2020, with five new productions set to open throughout the year. From a musical based on cult comedy Mrs. Doubtfire, to an ambitious show tracking the creative process and indelible work of Michael Jackson, these five are well worth paying attention to for those planning…

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Why Chicago International Film Festival is worth travelling for in 2020

In its 55th year of competition, the Chicago International Film Festival – the longest-running of its kind in the USA – once again acted as a beacon for cinephiles the world over, showcasing meaningful works across various genres and countries. Film festivals have long been considered some of the greatest and most impactful destination events…

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How to spend the perfect weekend in New Caledonia

Designated an official Overseas French Territory, New Caledonia is the closest slice of that delicious European lifestyle for Australian travellers looking to escape. The unique blend of its unmistakable South Pacific vibes and prevalent French influences make this major scuba diving and gourmand destination one of the most essential getaways for Aussies who have limited…

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The best ways to spend 24 Hours in Jasper, Alberta

The great Canadian Rockies are, rightfully, always found near the very top when adventurous travellers reveal their bucket list. Why? Well, exploring this immense and memorable part of the world is not just a true journey into powerful natural landscapes, but a path that might just redefine the way you think about travel and its…

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The ultimate guide to Phuket, for people who can’t stand Patong

If you’ve cringed at the thought of making your way to Thailand’s tourism hotspot of Phuket, then Patong is probably to blame. The island’s resort town and party centre is a constant reference for bad impressions. Although, this garish, hyper-boganised side of Phuket is a far cry from the rest of the island, with many…

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Cruising the Mekong: Best things to do in Can Tho, Vietnam

Can Tho, Vietnam may not be the first city on everyone’s bucket list, but don’t mistake it’s relative obscurity for anything but a lack of exposure. As the biggest city along the famed Mekong Delta, it is now enjoying a swift boost in interest from those looking to explore the diverse country, thanks to greater…

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Everything you should do at Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront

The historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is an essential part of any Cape Town itinerary. Shadowed by heaving Table Mountain and populated with restaurants, bars, shops and museums, the port is one of the most visually stunning precincts in the world. From what was once built as a refreshing station in at The Cape of…

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Why Santa Rosa is one of the best weekends away from San Francisco

People talk of some kind of imagined competition between Sonoma and Napa, both highly touted regions of California Wine Country; the reality is that both regions are as the strong as each other. Sure, Napa may just have a prestigious edge to its international reputation, but the much larger Sonoma County, with its 13 AVA’s…

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How to Plan a Canadian Ski Holiday on a Budget

Whether you are a seasoned pow chaser or beginner shredder, everyone knows Canadian snow is the absolute stuff of legend. For 5-6 months a year, soft, fluffy snow falls all across the province, and visitors from every corner of the globe flock for a piece of the action.  For folks on the other side of…

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Telluride Film Festival 2020

Five U.S. film festivals that are worth the trip in 2020

Travelling for arts festivals is one of the most enriching experiences an intrepid adventurer can have. Not only are you able to explore a destination as you normally would, and take in the many sights, sounds and experiences on offer, you also have access to a curated program brimming with creativity. Whether that means you’ve…

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Here’s how you can help victims of the bushfires in Australia

Australia is, at this very moment, gripped in a calamity the scale of which the country has never seen before. I’m sure you are already aware of the bushfires which are destroying entire communities and threatening countless more. They have taken lives, properties, livelihoods, they have killed almost half a billion animals, and we aren’t…

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11 theme parks and attractions opening in 2020 around the world to get excited about

It’s going to be a massive year in 2020 for those who enjoy theme parks, with a number of brand new, highlight anticipated parks and expansions opening up all over the world. There are also new museums, IMAX cinemas and even hotels that are worthy of getting excited about here in Australia and overseas. Here’s…

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