Brian Johnston
Travel writer
Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.
Ten unexpected destinations where Christmas is surprisingly huge
Move over North America and Europe: You can find plenty of festive fun and decorations in places you never imagined as tinsel towns.
- by Brian Johnston
The strange island that feels like a piece of Venice floated away
Our Lady of the Rocks looks absurdly out of place in Kotor Bay, Montenegro, where it sits atop shipwrecks and other discarded debris.
- by Brian Johnston
Beyond cliches: 15 unexpected highlights in popular destinations
Beaches in Paris, fine-dining in Germany, hiking in China: don’t think you know everything a destination can offer before you go there.
- by Brian Johnston
The rich on the French Riviera are bored and boring, so I escaped them
If you’re not rich but interested in life’s variety, you should head to Juan-les-Pins, the Riviera town for the discerning and unpretentious.
- by Brian Johnston
Small, remote, exclusive: Eco-friendly cruising is booming in these islands
The Galapagos Islands are a wildlife wonder, and one of the few destinations where passenger ships are getting it right by treading lightly on the environment.
- by Brian Johnston
Adults-only areas on cruise ships are getting bigger and better
If you’re looking for family-friendly holiday options while secretly craving adult me-time, then big cruise ships have the solution for you.
- by Brian Johnston
Port guide: Abu Dhabi, UAE
It might be the conservative cousin of Dubai, but wealthier Abu Dhabi has rolled out ambitious tourism and cultural projects, and is a sight to behold.
- by Brian Johnston
Port guide: Hamburg, Germany
Fast-moving Hamburg is a great trading city with a spectacularly redeveloped waterfront and makes a refreshing change from Europe’s old towns.
- by Brian Johnston
Port guide: Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city, once known only for commerce, has acquired new-found fun in lively arts and nightlife scenes, and has a gloriously scenic setting.
- by Brian Johnston
This is luxury cruising’s most relaxed, enjoyable ship
Many luxury ships are filled with rich people who keep to themselves and often look bored. Seabourn Encore is different.
- by Brian Johnston
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/by/brian-johnston-hvf4e