Rob McFarland

Travel writer

After abandoning a sensible career in IT, Rob McFarland now divides his time between Sydney, the US and Europe. He's won six writing awards and regularly runs workshops for aspiring writers. Follow his travels on Instagram @mctraveller

It’s possible to walk for hours without seeing any sign of human habitation.

New Zealand

The hidden side to one of NZ’s most popular islands

Only a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island receives an avalanche of visitors every summer. But it’s not hard to get away from them.

Rob McFarland

Some of the rooms at The Winfield have a loft-ish New York City feel.

★★★★
Hotel reviews

Terrific value LA hotel has an app for everything, including the door

This stylish urban bolthole in Downtown Los Angeles will help stretch your travel budget, provided you’re OK without five-star hand-holding.

Rob McFarland

Europe

Portugal’s second-largest city is packed with highlights

A magnificent bridge, beautiful buildings and a monstrous local sandwich are just some of what Porto has to offer visitors.

Rob McFarland

Turkey

Getting older, but still a backpacker at heart? This is the holiday for you

It’s the kind of experience you’d expect with a luxury operator. Yet, I’m on a tour with a company known for trips for cash-strapped backpackers.

Rob McFarland

Adventure holidays

This stunning winter wonderland is actually more magical in autumn

Autumn in the far north of Scandinavia means crisp mornings, warm sunny days and a colourful fanfare of foliage. It’s the ideal time to venture outdoors.

Rob McFarland

Sleep moored on a London canal with a stay at The Boathouse.

★★★★
Hotel reviews

One of London’s most unusual stays is in a rejuvenated part of the city

Paddington Basin has had a remarkable 20-year rejuvenation, so it’s apt that one of the area’s accommodations is a barge – and a very swish one at that.

Rob McFarland

Evening view of Tbilisi and its Peace Bridge.

Georgia

Nine must-see highlights of underrated eastern European city

With a dramatic setting in a plunging river valley, Georgia’s capital Tbilisi offers an intriguing range of architecture and the world’s oldest wine culture.