Category: TRAVEL

4 hotels to stay at in Queensland now the borders are open

Posted: 30/11/2020

We’re taking any good news we can get these days and with the latest revelation that Queensland’s going to open its borders to Victoria and NSW, that’s about as good as it gets! With trips being planned and flights being booked, let’s take a look at four of urban Queensland’s top hotels to really throw the wallet at and spend some of those hard-saved Covid dollars. Riley, Cairns Crystalbrook Collection’s Riley is the pinnacle of five-star luxury in Cairns. The resort’s incredible food offerings include the highest rooftop bar in Cairns at Rocco, as well as Asian fusion at Paper Crane. For those looking to unwind guests can choose from the Eleme Day Spa, or simply relax by the pool with a beautiful view of the Coral Sea. Bailey, Cairns Modern, innovative and with an appreciation for the arts, Bailey celebrates originality and individuality. Guests can choose between the 5-star luxury of Bailey’s rooms and suites, and the equally luxe home-away-from-home oasis at Bailey Residences, featuring 1,2 and 3 bedroom residences. Culinary options include the reimagined steakhouse CC’s Bar and Grill. Flynn, Cairns The youngest sibling in Crystalbrook’s Cairns family, Flynn has just opened its doors to guests for the first time as of November 10. Boasting two glass-bottomed pools, casual eatery Boardwalk Social and 311 stylish suites, with the top three floors of the Esplanade tower offering guests the ultimate-luxe tropical escape, with large balconies to laze the day away. Flynn is the perfect new destination for those wanting to be in the heart of the action…. Read More

Category: AUSTRALIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: 4 hotels, 4 hotels to stay at in Queensland now the borders are open, Covid Queensland, Hotels guide, Queensland borders opern hotel guide, Queensland hotels

Backpacking the world

by THE F

Posted: 03/11/2020

Backpacking can be an incredible, life-changing endeavour. The opportunity to experience a wealth of different cultures is a true privilege and the experience of travelling to previously unexplored parts of the world can create memories that last a lifetime. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who went backpacking and did not discover at least one gem of a location, or had an encounter that itself affected their outlook on life. Meeting new people and visiting historical and culturally important locations is a truly enriching experience. Setting off Naturally, before you set off there are some important logistical and practical considerations to take care of. The traveller must look into a review of money transfer services, ensure that they have the appropriate clothing and toiletries, and meticulously plan their itineraries. Of course, this isn’t the most stimulating and enjoyable part of the whole experience, but it is incredibly important. Once a traveller ticks off all of these pre-adventure must-dos they will be well on their way to the journey of a lifetime. Flight The flight can be boring but there are some easy ways to avoid the worst of the tedium. Taking an engrossing novel or magazine is an excellent way to offset the worst of the in-air experience. Some people, particularly those with a fear of flying, find a little meditation a good way to take their mind off of the most mind-numbing parts of transit. Mindfulness is key. Having said that, some flights are particularly gruelling. The near 24 hour journey from… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Backpacking guide, Backpacking world, Guide to backpacking world

Why Australia’s your next top-three travel destination

by James Banham

Posted: 12/10/2020

First came Petra in Jordan, then the Galapagos Islands, followed closely thereafter by Australia’s spiritual heartland, Kata Tjuta and Uluru. The Lonely Planet ranking comes in an unprecedented 2020 that’s limiting international travel and impacting domestic visitation. Uluru is being acknowledged for its sustainable practices and ability to connect travellers with Aboriginal culture. Uluru climbed in the rankings from 33 in 2019, to three in 2020, making it the best-performing Australian ‘must see’! Not surprising really, given its history shadows most of the items on the list we all prize over it until now, like the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and the rest of Europe! Get booking now!

Category: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Australia Lonely Planet, Australia travel guide, Australia Uluru, lonely planet, travel guide, Where to travel

Road tripping New Zealand’s South Island

by THE F

Posted: 30/04/2020

Few places are as stunning as New Zealand’s South Island. With its dramatic scenery and relative isolation, there’s nowhere better to hit the road in a camper van. Sure, it would be nicer to roll around in a luxury 6 star RV, but for those of us not lucky enough to win a EuroMillions jackpot, a regular camper van might have to do. That won’t make the trip any less memorable, though. The South Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and with so much to see and do you could spend weeks exploring all it has to offer. Check out our to-do list, exploring the far south of the island, up to the very north. Fiordland National Park Our trip starts at Fiordland, New Zealand’s largest and most well-known national park. Shaped by glaciers over millions of years, and home to the spectacular Milford Sound, Fiordland is a haven for kayakers, campers, bush-walkers (called ‘trampers’ in New Zealand) alpine climbers and fly fishers. Boat tours of Milford and Doubtful Sounds are very popular, and the mirror lakes will give you some of the best scenery you’ll ever set eyes on. Dunedin Dunedin is the South Island’s second biggest city. It’s a university town with proud Scottish roots. On the coast is the beautiful Otago peninsula, where you can take a cruise to see seals lazing and albatrosses in feeding frenzies. ‘The Pride of the South’, the Speights Brewery, can also be found in Dunedin, and is open for tours. The historic Larnach Castle is a… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: New Zealand travel guide, road trip, road trip guide, Road tripping New Zealand’s South Island, Road trips, Sponsored content, sponsored post

4 things to know when planning your trip to Japan

by THE F

Posted: 23/03/2020

For many tourists, Japan is one of those countries they have to visit at least once in their lifetime. If you are planning your trip to this amazing country, then it is going to be the trip you will remember for the rest of your life. Many people think that traveling to Japan is very expensive, while in reality, it is much cheaper than visiting Western Europe, North America, and parts of Oceania. Some people also believe that Japan is difficult to get around and communicate. In reality, Japan is one of the easiest countries to get around all thanks to its incredible train networks that connect one city to the other. However, still, there are a lot of things you need to know before you plan your trip. What are they? Let’s find out. Visa requirements Of course, like most countries, you need a visa and passport to enter the country unless you are traveling from the visa-exempt country. It is essential to know that the Japanese government offers different visas for different purposes and lengths of time. Citizens from over 68 countries can travel to japan visa-free for tourism or business purposes while nationals from the rest of the countries would require to apply for a visa. In fact, Japan is soon introducing an eVisa in 2020, which is to simplify the application process for tourists or travelers. If you want more information on how to obtain Japanese e-Visa, then be sure to check out this website https://www.japan-visa.net/. People wear surgical masks Once… Read More

Category: ASIA, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: 4 things to know about Japan, Planning trip to Japan holiday

Travelling sustainably: Lonely Planet’s guide to not killing the earth while you holiday

by James Banham

Updated: 16/11/2022

Think off-grid camps, community stays, responsible wildlife encounters, cultural immersion tours, conservation opportunities, green hotels and more, the new guide book by Lonely Planet, available this March, has the Earth’s back. “While the global tourism industry has made great strides towards sustainability in recent years, achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process,” Lonely Planet says. “This process is reflected in our book. When we asked travel writers from around the globe to tell us about their favourite sustainable travel accommodation and experiences, their top picks covered the spectrum of sustainability. Some options had sustainability at heart from conception, while others have made a concerted effort to improve. What unites them, is a commitment to enacting positive change.” How to use the book… There’re five chapters, each alongside a theme of escape: Nature, Relaxation, Culture, Urban and Learning. Within each chapter, the profiles are labelled with the key sustainability features you can enjoy while staying at the hotel or participating in the tour. Check it all out and get your own at the Lonely Planet website.

Category: BOOKS, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Everything you need to know about Australian citizen visas for Spain

by THE F

Posted: 05/10/2019

Did you know that Spain was the third most visited country in 2016? Approximately 75.6 million tourists flocked to the beautiful European country. Of that number, The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Spain was Australia’s 22nd largest short-term destination. In the year ended September 2017, 88,500 Australian residents returned from Spain following a short-term visit overseas. There are many beautiful sights to see and cities to visit in Spain, so if you are planning your next holiday to Seville or you are wanting to go backpacking in Barcelona, you need to check out our travel essential guide. Travelling to Spain as a Tourist If you are an Australian citizen who is a member of the Schengen States, and you’re travelling to Spain as a tourist, then you don’t need to get a visa before arriving in the country. The Schengen States include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. However, if you’re an Australian citizen from a non-Schengen State, then you’ll be issued with a short period visa, or the common Schengen Visa upon arrival. The common Schengen Visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days over a six month period. If you are wanting to do some travelling, you need to note that this type of visa means the entire Schengen State area and not just an individual area. So if you want to… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Everything you need to know about Australian citizen visas for Spain, How to get visas, Spain visas, Spanish visas

What travel really does for you

by THE F

Updated: 06/11/2020

Getting away from where you’re currently situated, and heading off to a completely new part of the world is one of the greatest things you can do in life. We’re naturally hunters and gatherers, you know? It might not feel that way because we’re all pretty domesticated, and we have to stay in one place for society to function properly, but our bodies and minds are supposed to explore. Nothing is supposed to be locked in a cage, and being cooped up in your own hometown for years and years may as well be the same as a pair of handcuffs. Hopping on a plane, a train, or an automobile, and getting to see what the world has to offer is a must for absolutely everyone. Yes. Everyone. You, too! Even if you’re pretty shy and get a little anxious at the thought of it, you should still jump at the opportunity. You won’t regret it, and it would increase the quality of your life tenfold. Sure, some parts might be quite difficult, and it’s quite challenging to sleep on a plane, but the majority of this stuff makes your life so much better. Still unsure? Still need a little convincing? Want to know a few things that travel can really do for you? Well, read on and see: Allow You To Break Free From The Status Quo Every single day, you wake up and go to work. You might not be in the strictest of routines, but you’re in a routine anyway. There’s nothing… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: how to travel, the f travel, travel blog, travel guide, What travel really does for you

Sleeping on a plane: How to do it right

by THE F

Updated: 29/09/2019

When travelling by plane internationally, your flight may be exhausting, boring, or even make you nervous. That is due to the long hours spent on one seat. In order to avoid getting trapped in that circle of boredom, you need to accept the flight as an ordinary day. That means you should adjust your daily routines to the plane conditions. While drinking, sleeping, and entertainment aren’t usually a problem, many people find sleeping impossible or really difficult. It’s because of the lack of space, comfort, and the fact you are sleeping in a nearly sitting position. But, that doesn’t mean it should be a bad experience. Actually, if you know how to prepare for a good rest, you will certainly sleep like a baby. Below, you will find tips on how to sleep well while travelling on a plane. So, put your Bluetooth headphones on and sweet dreams. Book A Direct Flight Or The Most Direct Route (If Possible) Not everyone can afford a direct flight because they can get really expensive. But, if you can find a good deal, book it right away. In fact, it would be a good idea to book a red-eye flight because those flights are direct, yet cheaper. Plus, you won’t disrupt your sleeping pattern (sleeping during the night). If you can’t afford a direct flight, find one that doesn’t require you to change planes, even if it has stopovers. In this way, you won’t have to wake up to get on another plane. Pack The Items You Need… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Sleeping on plane

A new way to discover Barcelona: EDITION, TokyoBike and B-Guided show you how

by James Banham

Updated: 22/09/2019

For the times you just want someone to have done the hard work for you, Barcelona is obviously where you need to go. EDITION hotel in Barcelona, on the edge of El Born District, in the heart of the city, beside the Barcelona Cathedral and right next to the Santa Caterina Market, is not only centrally located, but central to a good time, too. They’ve teamed up with TokyoBike, to offer custom-built EDITION bikes to guests, with a curated series of Barcelona maps, created in collaboration with cult Catalonian city guide, B-guided. Say ‘hello’ to an easy holiday of exploration. For the bike rider hidden in us all, the deal is available when you book the tokyobike x The Barcelona EDITION stay package and covers pretty much all the good parts of the city you’d want to see. Think: Barceloneta – a very traditional location next to the beach. El Born – the city’s most modern and creative area. Montjuïc – Burtsting with culture, the area is home to museums, monuments and historical sites. El Raval – located in the very heart of Barcelona, it is a hub where contemporary arts meets cool Catalunian culture. For more, see the EDITION Barcelona website.

Category: EUROPE, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL

Tags: Barcelona guide, Barcelona Hotel, Best hotels Barcelona, Edition Hotel, Explore Barcelona, Hotel guide

ARTS & CULTURE

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Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

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Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.