Traveller Awards: 10 leaders in protecting the planet

From staying in an upcycled train carriage to signing a tourist pledge, these nations and operators prove there’s no single approach for protecting the planet.

• by Traveller team

New direct flight just made this paradise easily accessible

With more than 300 islands, aqua lagoons, a pristine reef system and overwater bungalows, Palau has been touted as a Maldives right on our doorstep.

• by Christine Retschlag

The forgotten island where an Australian legend was killed

Damien Parer shot footage that won Australia’s first Academy Award, but few visit the site of the bloody battle where he was killed.

• by Catherine Best

An expert expat’s tips for Palau

With supreme diving, a national karaoke obsession and restaurants that will cook your daily catch for a “corkage” fee, it’s easy to fall for this tiny island nation.

• by Belinda Jackson

Amazing and crowd-free: 12 of the world’s most underrated countries

Look beyond the usual destinations and you’ll find outstanding countries that offer something different, and may well be bargain-priced and uncrowded too.

• by Brian Johnston

Adventures in blue

Lee Atkinson faces her underwater fears swimming with sharks and jellyfish in Palau, one of the world's most beautiful underwater destinations.

On our doorstep: world's best-kept travel secret

A virtually untouched series of limestone islands is now easy for Australians to reach, writes David Barbeler.

Obscure islands set to become luxury tourist hotspot

Palau, a nation of sparsely populated Pacific islands surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with fish and giant clams, is so obscure most people must scour a map to find it. But with a crop of high-end resorts coming up, the islands may soon become a luxury tourist hotspot.