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Brian Johnston

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.

The Elbe and its sandstone massif.

Beyond the Rhine and the Danube: Alternative European rivers to cruise

Think you’ve done river cruising in Europe? It’s time to look beyond mainstream rivers at the marvellous range of alternative cruise destinations.

  • Brian Johnston
Gantheaume Point, Broome.

Port guide: Broome, Australia

This isolated West Australian town and gateway to the Kimberley has quirky character, multicultural history and a spectacular beach.

  • Brian Johnston
Madrid, Spain - 05 February, 2023: People walking in the Calle de Latoneros street. The public street is located in the animated city center, near the Puerta del Sol to Plaza. trav-europe-customs-202503062 cover story Europe Customs ; text by Brian Johnston

Ten parts of European culture we should embrace (and five we don’t want)

Ireland’s craic, Denmark’s hygge and Spain’s sobremesa are just a few of the local customs that should be embraced by travellers, no matter where they are.

  • Brian Johnston
P&O’s exclusive Byron Beach Club retreat will remain a fixture.

Beloved cruise line ends as Australian-based ships are reborn

Those lamenting the demise of iconic cruise brand P&O will find two of its ships sailing onwards and retaining some – but not all – of the familiar features.

  • Brian Johnston
Splurge-worthy Monte Carlo.

Port guide: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Few places are quite as glamorous as this tiny Mediterranean principality, but beyond the opulence, you’ll find very worthy sights.

  • Brian Johnston
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Scenic Eclipse II arrives in Sydney on Friday morning.

Bigger isn’t better: Why small ships offer the ultimate cruise trips

A small ship is a boutique hotel compared to the mega-ship’s resort; a private jet rather than an A380; a private tour compared to a coach tour.

  • Brian Johnston
An artist’s impression of the pool area on Oceania Allura, set to launch later this year.

The exciting new crop of cruise ships coming in 2025

A varied flotilla of new cruise ships has launched in the past couple of years, so 2025 will produce a more modest assortment of choices.

  • Brian Johnston
Colourful homes dominate the barren landscape of the capital city of the windblown islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

A mini Britain (but more interesting), this island’s a bucket-list spot

Stanley, one of the world’s most isolated settlements, is perfect for those drawn to odd and wonderfully obscure places.

  • Brian Johnston
Matt Moran… at sea.

Meet the new wave of world-class chefs boarding cruise ships

Move over cruise buffets. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is leading the cruise dining renaissance with a voyage packed with Aussie culinary talent.

  • Brian Johnston
Tauranga is a splendid sail-in, past Mount Maunganui.

Port guide: Tauranga, New Zealand

One of New Zealand’s most popular cruise ports offers a splendid arrival, breezy beauty and plenty of interesting shore-excursion choices.

  • Brian Johnston

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/by/brian-johnston-hvf4e