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Michael Gebicki

Michael Gebicki

The Tripologist

Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer and photographer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With over four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours for curious travellers to some of his favourite places. Follow him on Instagram @michael_gebickiConnect via email.

Want to use your phone in Japan? There’s an app for that.

Your questions: How can I use my phone while in Japan?

“We’re travelling to Japan and all the phone websites have ‘data only’ SIM plans. What do I do for calls and texts?”

  • Michael Gebicki
Budget business class v premium economy.

Premium economy versus budget business class: What you get for the money

Premium economy on full-service airlines can be expensive, but is travelling in a budget airline’s “business” class a worthy alternative?

  • Michael Gebicki
To avoid the crowds on Honolulu, head to the North Shore.

Your questions: Where should we go to avoid the crowds of Honolulu?

Just one hour north of Waikiki you’ll find the chilled side of Oahu, popular with surfers and visitors looking for a less frantic version of Hawaii.

  • Michael Gebicki
ATMs inside bank premises offer greater security than hole-in-the-wall terminals.

Fees and scams: Eight things to know about using credit cards overseas

Scammers lie in wait, and if you use the wrong card you could end up paying more than you need to.

  • Michael Gebicki
Using an eSIM from a foreign service provider is much cheaper than an Aussie telco data roaming plan.

Your questions: What’s the best eSIM for using my phone in Europe?

“Last year in Turkey, Optus had a failure that meant I was unable to use text messaging or phone calls. This time I’m not sure I trust Optus.”

  • Michael Gebicki
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Car rental companies in Europe may require more details than your licence shows.

Hiring a car in Europe? Beware this little-known catch

Checking the fine print of the major car-hire operators, there’s one requirement that may be problematic for Australian driver’s licence holders.

  • Michael Gebicki
Wearing a crop top on a plane could be enough to get you kicked off, as two women in the US discovered.

Banned for a crop top? Airline dress codes have double standards

Dressing to fit the occasion signals to the world that you know what’s appropriate. But kicking women off a flight for wearing a crop top, or no bra?

  • Michael Gebicki
Keisha Village, Kanazawa.

Your questions: Where’s a good base to see less-travelled parts of Japan?

For a complicated trip and without a lot of time and effort to construct your itinerary, you would be better off talking to a specialist travel agency.

  • Michael Gebicki
Choose the timing of your booking and flight correctly and you could make large savings.

What is the best timing to get a cheap flight? Here’s what the data says

Airfares are getting cheaper, but getting the best price will depend on various factors. Let’s take a look at the numbers.

  • Michael Gebicki
If you want to enter Australia on a UK passport, you’ll need a visa.

Your questions: I’m Australian, but can I enter here on my UK passport?

“I have Australian and UK passports but only the UK passport is up-to-date.”

  • Michael Gebicki

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/by/michael-gebicki-hvf4s