Belinda Jackson
Travel writer
From Melbourne to the Middle East, Belinda Jackson is drawn to curious alleyways, street-eat carts and places of wild emptiness. She searches the globe for the weekly Expert Expats column.Connect via email.
Just 45 minutes from central Melbourne, get a taste of an off-limits country
Afghanistan is on DFAT’s “do not travel” list, but you can still get a delicious taste of this Central Asian country in Melbourne.
- Belinda Jackson
- ★★★½
- Airline reviews
Airline review: Carry-on limits ignored on this Mid East airline
Passengers wedge enormous bags into the overhead lockers, then start a bunfight trying to rip their luggage out while we are still taxiing to our gate.
- Belinda Jackson
Peaceful Middle Eastern country is underrated and understated, like its food
Oman is a rare creature of the Middle East. As I journey from desert camp to mud brick inn and five-star resort, dishes are as unexpected as they are fragrant.
- Belinda Jackson
Australia’s newest ‘Great Walk’ truly lives up to the name
The warm turquoise waters are so clear that every ridge in the white sand floor is visible, but this isn’t Queensland or WA.
- Belinda Jackson
Why this hidden oasis is the coolest luxury destination right now
Pilgrims, cameleers, incense traders, empire builders, and even Lawrence of Arabia have passed through these lands. Now, it’s the turn of curious travellers.
- Belinda Jackson
- ★★★★
- Airline reviews
No entertainment, but this budget business class is unbeatable value
The price is right and the food is a winner, but Vietjet’s business class comes with a couple of warnings.
- Belinda Jackson
At this High Country retreat, Saturday morning never felt so good
Sauna is a saviour on a wellness weekend in Victoria’s High Country.
- Belinda Jackson
- ★★★★
- Train journeys
Top speed 300km/h: On board the Middle East’s first high-speed train
Clean, efficient and punctual, this Saudi train has been modified to cope with temperatures up to 50 degrees.
- Belinda Jackson
I swam Australia’s humpback highway. But should I have?
The wish-list item for many travellers, gaining traction on the NSW South Coast, also comes with questions about humans getting so close to ocean wildlife.
- Belinda Jackson
Bring cash to avoid queues, crying kids at this bureaucratic airport
Cairo airport handles 26 million passengers a year. Allow time (and patience) for its lengthy security – better still, bring cash.
- Belinda Jackson
Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/traveller/by/belinda-jackson-hvf4w