Innholdsfortegnelse for September - November 2025 i International Traveller

Scan the QR code to ASK AT People have always undertaken journeys not just to move from A to B, but to be changed by the experience. The Romans travelled to marvel at the Pyramids, pilgrims set their sights on Mecca, Santiago de Compostela or Varanasi, and Europe's 18th-century elite embarked on the Grand Tour to round out their education in the cultural capitals of France and Italy. And travel has always evolved with the times. Steamships and railways opened up the world in the 19th century; jet planes and postwar prosperity democratised it further. The counterculture hippie trail of the 1960s and ‘70s flipped the idea of a grand journey on its head. And adventure was firmly in the mix by the late 20th century – whether trekking to…

Every meal has a backstory in South Korea. It's not just how you eat; each dish and meal is also a reflection of Korea's vibrant traditions. It's an insight I would have likely missed if it wasn't for InsideAsia's Local Insiders – a network of local tour leaders – on the Soul of Korea small group tour. A TASTE OF KOREAN HOSPITALITY IN SEOUL Tour leader Jun Jang leads our group down a rabbit's warren of backstreets in Seoul's Insadong to try hanjeongsik, a traditional banquet-style meal accompanied by a variety of all-you-can-eat small side dishes known as banchan. It's rooted in the royal banquets of the Joseon Dynasty, but today the focus is on dining together. We listen as Jun explains the banquet set before us: bulgogi (soy sauce-marinated…

There's not the slightest breath of wind. The Persian Gulf beyond my villa deck is so motionless its cerulean surface bleeds seamlessly into the dust-hazed sky. A streak of black shatters the calm. With a splash, a Socotra cormorant dive-bombs for a reef fish and disappears, darting along the seabed in hot pursuit of dinner. Endangered and endemic to this part of the Middle East, the cormorants are regular visitors to Hawar Resort by Mantis, a luxury resort on a protected wildlife sanctuary on Hawar Island, 20 kilometres south of Bahrain's mainland. About 20 to 25 per cent of the world's population of Socotra cormorants resides within the 16-islet Hawar archipelago. Tens of thousands nest and rest on Rubud Island, saturating the seemingly desolate sandy patch in black. They outnumber…

Bright colours, a rich culture, incredible landscapes that range from flat deserts to tropical jungles; Colombia is a vibrant country that should be at the top of any South America bucket list. There are many modes to get around this colourful nation, but for the first time, river cruising is one of them. You can now sail the picturesque Magdalena River from Barranquilla to Cartagena with AmaWaterways. THE FIRST RIVER CRUISE IN COLOMBIA A full catalogue of truly unique itineraries – from Europe to Cambodia – allows AmaWaterways’ guests to join shore excursions (all included in the cruise fare) carefully curated to connect guests with the country they're exploring. And the newest offerings in Colombia are no different. It's about giving back just as much as it's about helping travellers…

Few things rival the excitement of planning your next holiday. And whether you want to soak up Milan's fashion scene, explore Gaudí architecture in Barcelona or experience Hong Kong's surprising natural beauty, Singapore Airlines can get you there. FLYING WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES With regular flights to over 30 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Southwest Pacific, Singapore Airlines seamlessly connects you with the rest of the world in comfort. Known as the ‘world's most awarded airline’, the carrier prides itself on worldclass hospitality and premium customer experience. Take advantage of inflight entertainment and connect to complimentary wi-fi while enjoying fantastic meals – the menu was tested under simulated cabin conditions to ensure it's tasty at altitude. A SINGAPORE STOP Kickstart the holiday with a stop at Singapore's…

Europeans have been visitng Malta for centuries, but for many unaware travellers, it's still a name dropped in passing rather than a destination circled on the map. That's a good thing, as it means you can still wander into villages that feel untouched, step inside temples older than Stonehenge and eat food unique to anywhere else. Not to mention, Malta's islands rival those of any Mediterranean country. The trick is to move slowly. Begin on the main island, then let the ferry carry you to Gozo and Comino when you see fit. Island-hopping here isn't about ticking boxes; it's about leaning into the rhythm of local life. Malta AT A GLANCE Malta itself is the entry point and the largest of the three inhabited islands. Malta's colourful capital, Valletta, is…

Grunge, Starbucks and Pike Place Market are all things that jump to mind when thinking of Seattle. But it's time to take another look at Washington's Emerald City. Surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests (not to mention thousands of hectares of parkland throughout the city itself), Seattle is increasingly integrating nature experiences with urban culture in a way unlike any other city in the USA. From nature-inspired hotels and hiking trails to thoughtful architecture, discover how Seattle is bringing its green side to life. LIFE ON THE WATER Nestled right on the edge of the Puget Sound, water is at the heart of the Seattle way of life. Dive right into this lifestyle at the new WATERFRONT PRECINCT; here, you'll discover playgrounds, bike lanes, the Seattle Aquarium and more.…

Fiji is known for its much-loved mix of pristine beaches, year-round tropical climate and welcoming locals. But the depth of experience a trip here provides is still only just being understood. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, there's an itinerary tailored to create an unforgettable Fijian escape just for you. YOUR BEACH HOLIDAY Bali often comes to mind when planning a beach holiday, but crowds can detract from the experience. Meanwhile, Fiji's beaches are pristine, offering everything from snorkelling to secluded, tranquil shores. Nowhere exemplifies that more than when checking into the SHERATON RESORT & SPA, TOKORIKI ISLAND. Take a quick boat ride across the azure-blue waters off the coast of Fiji to this private island resort, sitting pretty on its very own reef system. Enjoy beachside cocktails,…

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT? If an IKEA megastore was stocked floor-to-ceiling with historical treasures instead of flat-packed furniture, it might look a little something like the V&A East Storehouse. The newly opened wing of the V&A loosens the buttons on streamlined museum curation, letting its collection of 250,000+ artefacts all hang out. You can explore the vast array of objects - from fashion to furniture, artworks and everyday items spanning the past millennium - over four expansive storeys, with mini displays bookending aisles of storage racking. The museum's trailblazing ‘Order an Object’ service transfers curatorial powers to the visitor, allowing them to select up to five items from the Storehouse's online catalogue to view (and potentially touch) via a one-on-one appointment. Museums have long been the arbiters of what gets…

From river to ocean In an industry first, two luxury cruise leaders have joined forces to create a unique river-and-ocean journey. Seabourn and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ new combination package, Venice & the Mediterranean Sea (departing July and August 2026), pairs Uniworld's seven-night Venice and the Jewels of the Veneto aboard the elegant S.S. La Venezia with Seabourn's Adriatic and Grecian Gems voyage between Venice and Athens on Seabourn Quest for the best of both worlds. uniworld.com IT LOVES… FIELDBAR Can you kick it? Yes, you can. The team at International Traveller love accessories that marry form with function. And the hardcase FIELDBAR Drinks Box is a blend of heritage design with a durable exterior. The coolers are built to last by skilled artisans in Cape Town, where they have…

If you ever speak to a traveller who has been on a Tauck cruise, it instantly becomes clear that their experience was something else. Their eyes light up, and they have no hesitation in recommending the company to others. It's a reputation that family-owned Tauck has worked hard to cultivate since its beginnings in 1925. Don't believe us? We spoke to Phil Hoffmann AO – an industry legend with his own travel agency and awards for his outstanding contribution to the Australian cruise industry – who recently joined Tauck for their 12-day Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon and Madrid itinerary. “I've been around a long time – 45 years running travel companies, and another 10 years of travelling before that, so I've got a bit of history in the game,”…

Wouldn't it be great if there was an easy, reliable solution that took all the hassle out of travelling in Europe? Can we just have more holidays, more fun and less stress? To solve this problem, many travellers have turned to cruising. With Royal Caribbean, you can discover a new magical city every day, while only unpacking once. Even better, in 2026 you can sail on the newest addition to the fleet, Legend of the SeasSM – the first Icon Class ship to sail Europe. BUCKET LIST ITINERARIES From first-timers to Europe experts, couples to extended families, there's a Royal Caribbean holiday for all. So where will you to head to? Western Mediterranean Italy to Spain and everything in between; the Western Med is a classic experience. Spending your days…

ANTARCTICA What makes Antarctica truly otherworldly is the sheer scale of it. The most remote continent on Earth is a blindingly white landscape cracked open with deep-blue crevasses. Spot tuxedoed penguins, kayak around hidden coves and snowshoe across glacial sculptures while cruising to the edge of the Earth on ships purpose-built for polar expeditions. Ponant takes adventures to the next level with its world-first 64-day Antarctic circumnavigation on luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. ARCTIC Few places on Earth boast such diverse and dramatic landscapes as the Arctic Circle. Stepping foot on colossal ice sheets and hiking the frozen tundra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. HX Expeditions cruises of Svalbard, Greenland and Norway give visitors the chance to see the northern lights and take in everything from frozen fjords to ancient Inuit…

Gazing at the blue, white and turquoise tiles and mosaics adorning Uzbekistan's ancient mosques, mausoleums and madrasahs (Islamic schools) is breathtaking. My journey through Uzbekistan, along parts of the Old Silk Road, begins in the Hazrati Imam Complex in the capital, Tashkent. There, leafy vines in shades of white and blue swirl across hand-painted majolica tiles above the entrance of the 16th-century Abu Bakr Kaffal Shoshi Mausoleum. I learn that these complex floral designs, intricate interlocking geometric patterns and calligraphy are typical of Islamic art. Three sets of angular geometric patterns decorate the formal gateway to the Barak Khan Madrasah. To my untrained Western eye, the glazed bricks form an attractive border framing the entry hall. But they are not only works of art. Laziz, our guide, explains that the…

There is certainly no shortage of reasons to visit the Loire Valley. It's the beating heart of fairy-tale France, with picturesque castles framed by the rushing waters of the Loire River and vineyards that cover 53 appellations of Protected Designation of Origin. Time stands still here, with multigenerational families ploughing the land and making wine. More than 300 châteaux rise above woodlands and bucolic vistas; it's easy to see why the Loire is also known as the ‘Garden of France’ and ‘Valley of the Kings’. While 280 kilometres of the river's mid-section is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the river flows deftly, crafting its well-worn path into the modern day. Stretching more than 1000 kilometres, the Loire River is France's longest river and one of its most important…

‘BEAAAAR,” yells a fellow passenger onboard the luxury Rocky Mountaineer as it carves through a stand of Douglas fir trees pinned to the flank of Sawatch Range in America's Southwest. My head swivels in time to see the black bear trudging up a steep slope in White River National Forest on a stretch of the Rockies to the Red Rocks route that snakes along a spine of the Southern Rocky Mountains, in the state of Colorado. Sighting wild animals is one of many incredible thrills along the two-day luxury rail journey that chugs westbound between Denver and Moab from mid-April until mid-October. In addition to the lone bear, we spot bighorn sheep, elk, beavers, pronghorn antelope, bald eagles and ospreys. Riding the rails onboard the luxury train, which was founded…

Small in stature but big in influence, Stockholm is the bureaucratic and economic heart of Sweden, as well as a global powerhouse of fashion, art, music and technology - constantly moving ahead of the cultural curve. But at its core, time slows and the focus shifts. Translating directly from Swedish, Gamla Stan literally means ‘Old Town’ - a fitting name for Stockholm's foundational centre. Less than a kilometre wide, Gamla Stan spans the islets of Stadsholmen, Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen and Stomsborg, briefly dividing the Söderström and Norrström rivers that link Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea. A snapshot of the city's past, Gamla Stan's cobblestoned streets and colourful gabled buildings date back to the 13th century and reflect a city on the cusp of expansion. It was a cospatial place –…

There's much more to New Zealand than you might be familiar with. Get ready to discover the very best of the Land of the Long White Cloud's culture, cuisine and stunning scenery with Great Journeys New Zealand's signature tour, New Zealand Up Close. Travelling from Auckland to Queenstown by rail, you'll experience a unique itinerary, uncover hidden treasures only the locals know about and dive deep into Māori culture and customs. 1 SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN NEW ZEALAND IS HOME TO SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST UNIQUE FLORA AND FAUNA. AT SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN MAUNGATAUTARI, YOU'LL GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ANIMALS AND PLANTS ON A CUSTOM WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR GREAT JOURNEYS NEW ZEALAND GUESTS. LEARN ABOUT RONGĀ RĀKAU, TRADITIONAL MĀORI HERBAL MEDICINE, AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN MĀORI CULTURAL PRACTICES. 2…

VILLA ORA PARAOA, MOOREA This villa in the Islands of Tahiti is a cowrie shell's throw from Maharepa Lagoon. The design-conscious eight-person hideaway has panoramic views, a 16-metre pool, cinema and three kitchens. oroparaoa.com HOTEL CALIMALA MILANO Florence's cult design hotel expanded to Milan's cool Porta Venezia district in June. And we reckon the Pantone Colour of the Year could be inspired from its palette of clay pink, citrus orange or minty blue. The hotel (pictured below) has 88 rooms, including four premium suites. calimalamilano.com ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL This new landmark hotel punches into the sky above Tenjin Station, just a short subway ride away from Fukuoka Airport on the island of Kyushu. One Fukuoka Hotel has eight types of guestrooms, many with views over Hakata Bay. onefukuokahotel.jp JW MARRIOTT…

Every city has its signature sound. In Melbourne, it's the ding-ding-ding of hurrying trams. In New York, the cacophony of honking cab horns. In Valencia, it's the cheerful metallic zing of a bicycle bell – a sure sign someone's gliding up behind you. Valencia is a city often overlooked. With Madrid's sophisticated glamour and Barcelona's vibrant arts scene stealing the spotlight, few Aussies realise Spain's true hidden gem is on the sun-drenched east coast. Despite its rich history dating back to Roman times, Valencia is not stuck in the past. This leafy coastal city blends old-world Mediterranean charm with forward-thinking sustainability. From its lush, urban parks and bike-friendly boulevards to its locally sourced cuisine and greencertified accommodations, Valencia is a European city leading the way in sustainable living and eco…

A few hundred years ago, Europe's elite would embark on what was known as the Grand Tour – an art-filled, 18th-century version of whirlwind travel. Think ruins, relics, reputation-building and a fair bit of bosom-heaving. These days it's t-shirts instead of corsets, but we still make the same mistake when chasing the greats; we dash from one European wonder to the next without stopping to ask how it got there. So let's catch our breath and take it in properly. 1 Marvel at St Mark's Basilica Stepping off a gondola and looking up at the five domes of St Mark's Basilica in Venice is the stuff of dreams. Built in the Byzantine style, the Doges drew inspiration from the Eastern Roman Empire, their trading partners across the sea. Got it on…

EXPERIENCE Luxury at sea is defined by excellent service, a link to the golden age of travel when transatlantic liners ferried members of high society between Europe and America. And nothing epitomises outstanding service like a butler trained at the prestigious Guild of Professional English Butlers, present to serve every suite and cabin onboard all Silversea Cruises. And then there's the VIP treatment that gives guests access to ultra behind-the-scenes experiences. For instance, when cruising with Tauck, you might enjoy after-hours access to the Vatican, or an evening feeling like an empress at Vienna's Palais Pallavicini. DESIGN Cruise ships are contained worlds, a temporary escape from material reality. A luxury cruise ensures this ‘world at sea’ is one of beauty, cocooning guests in exquisite art and design. Each ship tells…

THE RHINE AND DANUBE Describing Europe's landscapes as something from a fairy tale might be clichéd, but when it comes to the scenes along the Rhine and Danube rivers, there's no better comparison. Framed by vineyards, rolling hillsides dotted with crumbling castles and villages heaving with half-timbered houses, these mighty waterways are steeped in folklore and rich in cultural diversity. Choose the 1200-kilometre Rhine, which cuts through Austria, France, Germany and The Netherlands, or the 2800-kilometre Danube, which winds through 10 countries from Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea. Or explore both with cruise lines such as Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways and Viking, which offer in-depth itineraries combining the Rhine and the Danube – which are connected by the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is also bolstering its Danube…

With towering peaks, stunning landscapes and rare wildlife, Antarctica is one of the world's most awe-inspiring places. To experience this special spot in all its frozen glory, most travellers opt for expedition voyages. These take place on purpose-built ships that are considered the safest, simplest and most comfortable way to explore the Antarctic peninsula and its surroundings. While the ship operates as a floating base camp, the real magic happens when you step off. That's where operators like Quark Expeditions come in. The company hosts immersive experiences that get you off the ship as much as possible, truly engulfing you in this remarkable landscape. Feeling intrepid? Here are four Antarctic experiences that might surprise you. 1. HELICOPTER RIDES Antarctica by air is a totally different experience than those found on…

Australians are naturally adventurous, and in 2025, we have our sights set firmly on Asia. But how can we ditch the crowds and experience something unique? From safaris in Sri Lanka to getting beyond Bali in Indonesia, and river cruising in Cambodia to glamping in Mongolia, Wendy Wu Tours is leaning on its 25+ years of expertise to introduce new ways for guests to explore the world with all-inclusive tours led by experienced guides. Discover eight new experiences in incredible parts of the world with Wendy Wu Tours. 1. SPOT KOMODO DRAGONS Standing in front of a Komodo dragon is an impressive experience. Measuring up to three metres long and weighing up to 140 kilograms, walking among the world's largest lizards can feel like walking among dinosaurs. And you can…

The town of Eger – a 90-minute drive from Budapest – is home to the Szépasszony-völgy wine region, which translates to ‘Valley of Beautiful Women’. It is said to have earned its name back in the 1800s when the only women permitted into its wine cellars were beautiful escorts invited by men. Thankfully, these days everyone can try wine in the 200-odd cellars, all carved into the rock of Eger's mountainside. Visitors wind their way down the cobblestoned corridors, which open into ancient cellar ‘caves’ where they can try the region's flagship wine, Egri Bikavér – or ‘Bull's Blood’. What's more, all these cellar caves are situated within walking distance from one another, making it effortless for travellers to wander from one to the next. Despite being relatively unknown outside…

Ask most people what they know about Peru and two answers come to mind: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. Maybe the Amazon, if time allows. It's a stunning list, but one that leapfrogs over thousands of years of Peruvian history. Take the one-hour flight from Lima to the Ancash Highlands where, between the Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca, the centuries come roaring back to life. It's here that the pre-Hispanic cultures of Chavín and Wari reigned. The stars above the cities tell ancient Quechuan myths and glaciers melt and freeze again, feeding mountain-high lakes, year after year. So let others rush past. In Ancash, time will hold still for you. NEVADO HUASCARÁN Alpine landscapes aren't what you expect when you hear the word ‘tropics’ - but that's what you'll…

‘Every first was impossible until someone proved that it wasn't.” So says Lucy Barnard, who is roughly halfway through her quest to become the first woman to walk the length of the Americas. Lucy set out in February 2017 and - after a two-year pause during the pandemic - has since walked about 21,500 kilometres from her starting point in Ushuaia on the southernmost tip of Argentina. Joining Lucy is her dog, an energetic blue heeler named Wombat. Lucy was inspired to complete the challenge after learning only a few men have been able to do it, but not any females. “As a woman in adventure, I want to set the benchmark. I am determined to be the first woman to succeed in walking the length of the Americas,” she…