As one of those kids who, in the mid-90s, got to see Toy Story in cinemas, having their minds blown by the possibilities of 3D animation in feature films, I can safely call myself part of the OG Pixar generation. And since then their hit rate has been second to none – with a catalogue…
In our ongoing first ride series, we update you on the latest rides and attractions at theme parks around the world. Today we take you to Universal Studios Hollywood, and their updated, limited time only, 60th Anniversary Studio Tour experience. The iconic Hollywood film studio has been offering backstage experiences since 1915. But it would…
The “World’s Fair” – known outside the United States as “World Expositions” or just “Expo” – used to be a big deal. A real big deal. It would attract tens of millions of visitors to a city over a number of months (generally three to six – but sometimes over multiple years), featuring dozens of…
With clear views of the sunset over the horizon of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, it’s hard to argue there’s any bad place to watch the sun set here. But on my recent visit to the iconic tourist destination, I may have found the best way to watch it – Holokai Catamaran Company’s nightly Sunset Sail….
This past Friday (26th April), under the theme of “Celebrating Friendship and Beyond”, Disneyland kicked off Pixar Fest 2024 – six years after the first took over Disney’s two California parks. The event comes almost three months to the day that the park unveiled the brand new Pixar Place Hotel, and less than three months…
Fiji Airways, known for having one of the most extensive networks in the world, has just dropped a surprise sale that’ll run from now until 17th May. With a flexible travel window of 12 months, it marks one of the best ways for Aussies to jump of overseas and, most importantly, control when they actually…
Honolulu’s Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (which I reviewed earlier this year) has recently undergone a more than US$80 million renovation. It’s seen the iconic resort (with its origins dating back to the 1950s) reimagined with updated rooms, facilities and the addition of the much lauded Monkeypod Kitchen restaurant – now the fourth location in the…
We discovered recently that renowned US-based healthy beverage brand, Liquid Death, is now available in Australia. Known for their engaging taglines such as “Murder Your Thirst” and “Death To Plastic, the brand has grabbed the attention of celebrities such as Tony Hawk and Travis Barker who both recently collaborated with them. Travis Barker released a…
Following on from the success of the previous few years, and in the wake of several other festivals scaling back, postponing or closing, it’s heartening to see the Beer and BBQ Festival back in full swing for 2024. Headlining the music will be Aussie music legends The Australian Rock Collective, Bad//Dreems & Friends and Peter…
A couple of months back, I climbed to 42,000 feet across the Pacific Ocean on board United Airlines‘ Boeing 777-300 service from Melbourne to San Francisco (Flight UA61). It had been about a year since I last few across the Pacific with United (then from Sydney to Houston on the Dreamliner), so how did this…
If you’re travelling through San Francisco Airport in California anytime soon and have at least a few hours in a stopover, chances are you’ll have enough time to head to the nearby In-N-Out Burger. Which, in my humble opinion, remains the best burger under $5 in the world. So how can you fit it in?…
Back in mid-December, the newest luxury hotel to hit the Las Vegas Strip finally enjoyed its grand opening – Fontainebleau Las Vegas. I had a chance to stay at the resort at the start of February, and got a taste of the hotel, rooms and the food and drink that’s on offer. So with 18…
With dozens of attractions across two parks – the OG Disneyland Park and California Adventure – not to mention the wealth of dining and immersive experiences to be had, there’s good reason to book in at least a few days at the Disneyland resort in Anaheim, California. Just take a look at some of the…
As a frequent traveller, and co-host of the podcast Jetlag (you can listen to both seasons HERE), I’m often asked how to best avoid the dreaded repercussions of international travel. As part of an ongoing series on the AU review, I’m going to be sharing my tips and tricks to do just that. If you’re…
Have you tried the new menu at Jana? Picked through the fresh seafood at Thermidor, had a nightcap at Vecina, or experienced the just-as-good-as-Totti’s offering at Alfies? If you’ve eaten your way around Sydney’s big-ticket restaurants, it’s time to get the drive on up to Newcastle. Because this sunny seaside town, fast climbing the ranks…
Ready to explore a new corner of Japan? Or looking to elevate your next Japanese holiday? Discover a side of the country that’s still very much a local secret and take a look at how we spent a few days in Japan’s first national park, Unzen Onsen. Nestled in the heart of Nagasaki Prefecture, Unzen…
Dreaming of an island vacation? Fiji Airways has stepped in to make that dream a much more affordable reality with its latest flight sale, cutting airfares on services between Australia, Fiji and the rest of the Pacific from now through to next year. Jump on the sale now and you could score a flight from…
I’m staring up at the 67-metre tall Al Wasl Plaza as elaborate video works slide across the steelwork panels; a call to Prayer echoes through the air. The structure, which designers Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture revealed for Expo 2020 Dubai, is the perfect centrepiece for Dhabi Dubai. This small-scale light and arts festival…
From the faux Venice canals at the The Venetian, to the awe-inspiring fountain show at the Bellagio and a sky covered by LEDs on Fremont Street, Las Vegas has long immersed its audiences. These immersive experiences run from the streets right into the bars, from sitting under a replica of the Eiffel Tower, as at…
Island hopper flights are often the best way to get around tropical paradises. It’s how I travelled around Hawaii with Hawaiian Air in recent years. In the Caribbean country of Belize, Tropic Air are one of two airlines (the other being Maya Island Air) to provide regular service between the main destinations of the country…
In this fast changing environment, many people are looking towards expanding their entrepreneurial skills. Often though, the question is about how to start your journey. This April, Chivas Regal are hosting two valuable workshops featuring some of the nation’s most successful and creative entrepreneurs Geedup Co. and Serwah Attafuah. These free workshops are taking place on Saturday, April 13 with Geedup…
Since 1990, G Adventures has been leading people around the world as one of the biggest tour operators in the travel industry. From National Geographic itineraries across the Galapagos Islands, to wildlife tours in Madagascar, this company has kept an adventurous spirit for decades. And continues to find new ways to open up the world,…
A new design-forward hotel brand is set for Australia and New Zealand, initially opening properties in Christchurch and Byron Bay. Drifter, a unique hybrid hotel concept, will add a unique lifestyle brand to these frequently visited locales, with plans to grow steadily with two more properties earmarked for 2025. Drifter Byron Bay and Drifter Christchurch…
When it comes flight prices, it’s all about competition. The more airlines flying in and out of a country, the better it is – for your budget at least. It’s a big deal when a major airline makes its debut in any market for the first time, and so one of the biggest news stories…
I just don’t think I’m an island person. Throw me into a warehouse rave in New York City and I’ll thrive. Take me driving through the dizzying hills of Tuscany and I’m good. Tell me about “island time,” however, and I’ll let out an audible groan. I’m not a patient person when I’m travelling. So…
Last night, the 46th edition of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras took place. The event was a great success, bringing together the LGBTQIA+ communities to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness. The Dykes on Bikes, crowd-favourites for many, kicked off the parade. Following them were the 78’ers, the original marchers from the first edition, who…
After five years of hype and construction, no less than 54,000 m2 of LED on its exterior, and space for some 20,000 punters, the ambitious venue known simply as Sphere opened in Las Vegas last September, immediately becoming one of the world’s most recognisable structures. As the largest spherical building in the world, enjoying an…
In some of the world’s greatest cities, such as New York and Tokyo, locals heading to hotels to eat and drink well is a thing. It’s a big thing. From Dowling’s in The Carlyle (NYC) to Nadaman in Shangri-La (Tokyo), some of the best meals I’ve had overseas have been in hotels. Sydney has always…
In December last year, as Hawaiian versions of classic Christmas songs echoed across the busy streets of the tropical paradise, I spent two nights at the recently renovated Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. The US$80 million renovation has seen the iconic resort (with its origins dating back to the 1950s) reimagined with updated rooms, facilities…
Sydneysiders, I know what’s on your mind when you book into The Gidley’s moody bar area. You want that superlative signature burger. You know, the one with such a strong cult following that the popular steakhouse sells around 500 of them each week. That winning combination hasn’t changed over the years. A classic bun with…
