Australia’s most epic train journey just got longer

The itinerary of the 4352-kilometre Indian Pacific, which includes the longest straight stretch of railway track on Earth, has been extended from 65 hours to 90 hours.

• by Anthony Dennis

This city is about to give Dubai a real run for its dirhams

Abu Dhabi is at last set to compete with its glitzier neighbour Dubai, with its incredible new cultural district finally near completion.

• by Anthony Dennis

Even our flight’s captain got sick of waiting for luggage

“After hours of delay, the captain had to make the call to depart, indicating that one third of the flight’s bags had not been loaded.”

Airlines now want to charge you for bringing a carry-on bag

Many supposedly “full-service” airlines started charging for checked luggage a while ago. Now some are going a step further.

• by Oliver Smith

Scandinavia’s coolest place to stay, literally

Each year the suites that make this unique hotel even more spectacular change with one good reason: the previous ones melt away.

• by Julietta Jameson

Backpackers, no one wants to see your bum at lunch

“This is for backpackers: please dress according to the local customs when visiting countries.”

Go somewhere else: Overtourism is no longer just a European problem

Kyoto tourist numbers have become so onerous the tourism board recently urged Australians to visit other parts of Japan.

• by Anthony Dennis

Where we went in 2024: The most popular destinations for Australians

We flocked to Bali and Japan in record numbers, but some surprising destinations also enjoyed a surge in Aussie visitors.

• by Craig Platt

Cheaper flights, no queues: Why cruisers are doing Europe in winter

Europe has long been about sunny summer cruising, but winter cruises are set to become mainstream. Why?

• by Brian Johnston

Traveller Letters: We won’t be returning to this stopover destination

“Although the people are mostly friendly, and it’s an interesting country, this is one of the few places we wouldn’t revisit.”