Never mind scams abroad, Sydney Airport stung me twice

Sin city

Beware high fees at Sydney Airport’s currency exchange store.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Your Rants + raves reader letters frequently highlight scams encountered in travelling overseas, but based on a week in New Zealand, my experience suggests that scams are more common in Australia. At Sydney Airport I was charged $A287 to purchase $NZ250, with the explanation being I should have ordered the cash on the firm’s website, where the cost would have been $A237. That may be legal, but it has all the hallmarks of a scam. New Zealand, in contrast, was delightfully easy going. Everyone was genuinely friendly, helpful and honest. On returning to Sydney Airport late on a Sunday evening, it soon became apparent in the taxi that the meter was turning over rather too quickly. The fare was almost twice what it should have been, and the credit card machine did not work, with only a modest discount offered for cash. Not having thought to record the vehicle’s registration, I have no recourse. Never mind being vigilant when abroad. Be even more vigilant when in Sydney.
Richard Griffiths, Allambie Heights, NSW

Broken bridges

We are addicted to playing bridge on cruise ships, and we had hoped to embark from New Orleans in 2026. All thoughts of that trip dashed, we can’t risk it. What madness may Trump have unleashed upon the world by then? Instead, we are heading to our mates across the ditch in New Zealand – magnificent and friendly with some sanity and a good deal of the hands.
Margaret Skeen, Point Lonsdale, Vic

Drawing a line

We have been constant travellers for the past 25 years, and have decided how we will select cruise lines in the near future. We will only travel on European or British-owned ships. It is our way, however minuscule, to have a say.
Brian Ireland, Burleigh Head, Qld

Letter of the week: Pour response

Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 in drier times. Credit: Alamy

On April 16, 2024, Dubai experienced a once-in-a-century flood that left homes and businesses inundated and livelihoods threatened. At the same time, we, like thousands of other people, were on Emirates flights bound for Dubai and a connecting flight to our European holiday. While we remain grateful for the care and support shown to us on the flight by the crew – with a total of 24 hours on the plane – what’s unresolved and lacking is any explanation or apology by airport and airline management for what we all experienced over the frightening and exhausting days that followed. Thanks to our fabulous travel agent here in Australia, our travel plans were restarted after three days, with assurances by luggage staff that our luggage would be on our new booked flight. Eventually, our luggage found us – 12 days later. While lost travel plans and luggage can be reconciled, what can’t be excused is Emirates’ abysmal failure to communicate with, or show empathy for, its passengers both during and since the incident. Now, 12 months on, there’s still no offer of recompense.
Jen and Dan Pollard, Ballarat Central, Vic

Happy couple

Katrina Lobley’s cover story, “Shifting sands” (Traveller, April 5), featuring a women-only tour of Saudi Arabia reminded me of our independent seven-day tour of Saudi with my wife as something couples could enjoy. Fly from the United Arab Emirates to Riyadh, the Saudi capital, where there are Ubers everywhere, and don’t miss the restored ancient UNESCO site of Diriyah, 30 minutes by road from the airport. Then fly to Jeddah for the old town of Al Balad and the corniche along the Red Sea and for the extravagant buffet dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Fly on to AlUla and experience an early wildlife safari before a visit to the rock tombs. We stayed in Airbnbs during what proved an outstanding and inexpensive holiday.
Graham Gough, Abbotsford, Vic

Long way to go

Notwithstanding the intention of your cover story on Saudi Arabia to describe “what it is like to travel as a woman inside the world’s most patriarchal society” and the interesting observations made, I find such treatment of women described to be offensive and not deserving of the soft acceptance shown in the article. Revealing secret lives in subterranean venues is quite tragic. They have a long way to go.
Ruth Wilson, North Turramurra, NSW

Review reviewed

In response to your Flight Path review of Wizz Air (Traveller, April 5), about 12 months ago I flew with the airline from Tirana, Albania, to Naples, Italy, having purchased extra baggage online. The plane was modern and clean, the staff friendly and service excellent. Of course, there was no food, but at the price – as well as the length – of the flight, you can’t have everything. Your writer had a poor experience, which was the opposite of ours. It just goes to show that one bad review is equal to 20 good ones.
Philip Dowle, Wickham, NSW

Wait off my mind

In August 2022, I was assured by Air Canada that it would refund my hotel costs after it cancelled my flight to Montreal from Vancouver. In an update, thank you to the Traveller letter writer who advised me to make a claim through the Canadian Transport Agency. I did so, and it advised there were 3700 claims on its waiting list, and it could take up to three years before it assessed my claim. It did take that long – Air Canada finally paid me the full refund last week. Luckily, I’m still alive.
Kris Sloane, Fitzroy North, Vic

Tip of the week: You win, Turin

Turin and the Alps beyond.Credit: iStock

Turin, Italy, is a traveller’s gem, hiding in plain sight. The major sights are walkable from the train station and from each other – wander wide piazzas surrounded by the ornate magnificence of baroque and understated elegance of neoclassical designed buildings, churches and palaces. Stroll along Po River, and walk up to the 16th-century Renaissance church for panoramic views of Turin, the river and the Alps. Savour rustic Piedmontese cuisine and the intense flavour of gianduiotto, Turin’s iconic chocolate. Start your day with “bicerin”, Turin’s signature multi-layered coffee and end the day with its boozy version.
Grace Soriano, Ashburton, Vic

Size doesn’t matter

Forget the big cities of Italy, as featured in your “Metro marvels” cover story (Traveller, April 6), much of the beauty and appeal of Italy is found in the smaller, not-so-touristy places. Foligno, in Umbria, is a delightful place to stay, with only short train trips to several hilltop towns. These include Trevi, which holds a Black Celery Festival in October; Spello with medieval streets filled with flowers and pretty stone houses; Perugia, home of the famous Fontana Maggiore in the centre of the piazza; Spoleto, a traditional Roman town; and my favourite, Assisi. Be prepared for some uphill walking, but these towns won’t disappoint.
Sandra Wingrave, Toowoon Bay, NSW

Right onsen

At Tokyo Haneda, you can head for the onsen and might even catch glimpses of Mount Fuji.Credit: Alamy

In his April 6, column, Michael “The Tripologist” Gebicki made some recommendations for a six-hour layover at Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport). I would add that there is a rooftop onsen (hot spring) at Haneda. It is part of the Grand Villa Fontaine hotel, directly connected to Terminal 3 and open 24 hours. Travellers can relax with views of the airport and, potentially, Mount Fuji. I have used it, it was really wonderful, one of the best onsens I have visited in Japan.
Kristen Walker, Melbourne, Vic

All the Raj

Luxury boutique-style hotels while travelling are my thing and India is the best place in the world for them at modest prices. Nothing beats these Imperial-era hotels with the old wing at the Taj Mahal Palace (as opposed to the Taj Palace), perfectly located near the Gateway of India, the pick. It is all old-world architecture with a first-rate shopping arcade and restaurants, meaning you hardly have to step out the hotel door. Elsewhere, the Imperial hotel in Delhi looks as if Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, could come striding out at any moment. Old photos and artefacts line the wide corridors and rooms are large, cool and inviting.
Jennifer Saunders, Canberra, ACT

New Delhi’s Imperial Hotel is a colonial-era classic.Credit: Alamy

Canal therapy

We have been lucky enough to enjoy two magical holidays during New Year’s Eve, in our favourite Italian city, Venice. In winter, Venice takes on a mystical quality. Our hotel’s Grand Canal view was breathtaking, with gondolas right beneath our window. By night, after dinner, we wandered through dark alleys to the Danieli Hotel, its opulent interior a warm haven. In the bar, we sipped gin and tonics, mesmerised by the piano player’s soulful melodies. The magical atmosphere and beauty of Venice will forever be in our hearts.
Rhoda Silber, Manly, NSW

That’s the spirit

I recently had the pleasure of travelling to New Zealand with my mother to celebrate her 100th birthday, and I wanted to share what a wonderful experience we had. From the moment we arrived at Tullamarine, to our adventures in Wellington, Auckland, and back to Melbourne, the care and attention was exceptional. We travelled internationally with Qantas and internally with Jetstar New Zealand, and the service provided by both airlines was top-notch. Every step of the way, from the counter staff to the airport assistants and air crew, we were treated with such kindness and professionalism. Their efforts truly made our trip enjoyable and memorable, and we couldn’t fault any part of the experience. Thank you for providing such exceptional service and making our journey truly special.
Lynda Pilalis, Ormond, Vic

The Letter of the Week writer wins three Hardie Grant travel books. See hardiegrant.com

The Tip of the Week writer wins a set of three Lonely Planet travel books. See shop.lonelyplanet.com