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Michael Gebicki

Michael Gebicki

The Tripologist

Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer and photographer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With over four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours for curious travellers to some of his favourite places. Follow him on Instagram @michael_gebickiConnect via email.

After Tim Ryan’s Airbnb host cancelled his booking, he was offered a bunk in a hostel as an alternative.

Tim’s Airbnb cancelled last-minute. He was offered a bunk instead

Airbnb hosts can cancel a booking for legitimate reasons, but sometimes they do it to try to get a better price. What can you do in response?

  • Michael Gebicki
Rice grows at Ha Giang in northern Vietnam.

Your questions: What destination in Asia will keep our marriage intact?

“One of us needs a week of fun, food and action and the other needs downtime with a swim, lovely food and cocktails.”

  • Michael Gebicki
Having enough time to reach your connecting flight can mean factoring in numerous variables.

Nine mistakes you should never make at an airport

The airport terminal is one of the most stressful environments known to humankind – don’t make it any worse for yourself.

  • Michael Gebicki
Central Park in New York.

I used to tick things off my bucket list. One moment changed my travel

Travel has become a trophy cabinet exercise for too many of us. An episode in New York City converted me to a different style of travelling.

  • Michael Gebicki
Want to use your phone in Japan? There’s an app for that.

Your questions: How can I use my phone while in Japan?

“We’re travelling to Japan and all the phone websites have ‘data only’ SIM plans. What do I do for calls and texts?”

  • Michael Gebicki
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Budget business class v premium economy.

Premium economy versus budget business class: What you get for the money

Premium economy on full-service airlines can be expensive, but is travelling in a budget airline’s “business” class a worthy alternative?

  • Michael Gebicki
To avoid the crowds on Honolulu, head to the North Shore.

Your questions: Where should we go to avoid the crowds of Honolulu?

Just one hour north of Waikiki you’ll find the chilled side of Oahu, popular with surfers and visitors looking for a less frantic version of Hawaii.

  • Michael Gebicki
ATMs inside bank premises offer greater security than hole-in-the-wall terminals.

Fees and scams: Eight things to know about using credit cards overseas

Scammers lie in wait, and if you use the wrong card you could end up paying more than you need to.

  • Michael Gebicki
Using an eSIM from a foreign service provider is much cheaper than an Aussie telco data roaming plan.

Your questions: What’s the best eSIM for using my phone in Europe?

“Last year in Turkey, Optus had a failure that meant I was unable to use text messaging or phone calls. This time I’m not sure I trust Optus.”

  • Michael Gebicki
Car rental companies in Europe may require more details than your licence shows.

Hiring a car in Europe? Beware this little-known catch

Checking the fine print of the major car-hire operators, there’s one requirement that may be problematic for Australian driver’s licence holders.

  • Michael Gebicki

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/traveller/by/michael-gebicki-hvf4s