Vacations & Travel Volume 124 - 2024

Travel has always been about more than just getting away. It’s about finding pieces of yourself in unexpected places, creating memories that make you smile years later, and feeling that rush of connection – to the world, to others and to something larger. But let’s not pretend all is rosy on this planet; we’re dealing with climate change, war, inequality and fractured communities, and it can all feel a bit overwhelming. But we’re not powerless – as travellers, our choices hold power. Every decision we make – where we stay, what we support, how we transport – can make a huge difference to people, the planet and its beautiful creatures. When we choose ethical travel operators, our money helps create positive change, whether going directly into conservation projects or the…

Michael Stahl Michael’s journalism career has spanned 40 years, covering motoring, design, technology, travel and luxury for titles including Wheels, Australian Financial Review, Qantas The Australian Way and a variety of international magazines. Formerly residing in Paris, perhaps his proudest travel achievement was having platinum status concurrently on two different airlines. @stahlmeister Andrew Daddo Andrew Daddo has travelled professionally since the late ’90s with jobs on Lonely Planet, The Great Outdoors and more. He thought he’d seen it all, and then there was Egypt – which he had seen, but never in person. With proof that life always has a surprise in store, he vows to keep travelling and writing. @andrewdaddo Kristie Kellahan When asked to name her favourite destination, Kristie usually nominates the last place she was in. Based…

French finesse If you’ve watched the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris, you’ll know that Emily recently took some time out to visit Megève, a glamorous French alpine village. Here, the Four Seasons Hotel is a postcard-perfect paradise where you can follow in Emily’s footsteps with the new ‘A Night Above the Clouds’ experience. Sip champagne in your Suite Ideal – accessible only by cable car, with views of Mont Blanc – then enjoy a lavish dinner followed by stargazing on your private terrace. After breakfast the next day, a blanket of fresh snow awaits – and your privileged position means that your tracks will be the first on the pistes. fourseasons.com Non-stop sailing, ahoy! Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages is now offering annual passes, allowing cruise enthusiasts to board…

BEACH CHIC Mermaid mode has been activated; Zulu & Zephyr’s Horizon Stripe bralette and brief set is the wave-ready couture you’ve been waiting for. RRP $270 zuluandzephyr.com FRESH THREADS Embroidery, shell buttons and breezy cotton make the Rosalie blouse a summer essential. RRP $219au.augustthelabel.com RETRO REVIVAL Puma’s bringing back the ’80s with the Palermo kicks. Mixing retro design with modern comforts, these sneakers will keep your feet happy on long travel days. RRP $150 au.puma.com ALL EYES ON ME Made from 100 per cent recycled materials and offering Category 2 UV protection, these slick ‘Runway’ shades by Reality Eyewear are are your ticket to cool. RRP $59iconic.com.au RISE AND SHINE Packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane, this Good Morning glow potion has SPF 50 superpowers. RRP $34.95 wearefeelgoodinc.com.au…

Mabuhay, Brisbane! Fasten your seatbelts, Qantas customers can now fly direct from Brisbane to the Philippines with flights operating four times per week to the cosmopolitan capital of Manila. The Flying Kangaroo’s new route has opened a convenient gateway to the emerging Asian tourist destination. Connections in Auckland and Christchurch are also available for Kiwi travellers. qantas.com Making a comeback South Australian travellers, rejoice! Premium Arabian airline Emirates has finally relaunched its daily service between Adelaide and Dubai. With projections to fly more than 220,400 passengers between the two destinations annually, the route is anticipated to boost the local economy and provide a vital link to more than 140 global destinations. Emirates now operates 70 weekly services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. emirates.com AirTags take flight The new…

TRAVEL FACTS Experience all this and more on Bench Africa’s ‘Explore Kenya – Escorted Ladies Tour’. Departing 3 June and 13 November 2025, from $9,990. benchafrica.com…