Iceland: Trolling About

Be sure to pay your respects to little invisible Icelanders or your journey may end abruptly. Roderick Eime treads carefully.

“If you go walking, be careful not to kick around rocks and things. You could disturb a troll or an elf,” my guide tells me, and I turn to share in the joke. But he’s not laughing.

Liberia, Land of Freedom

'Unique' is an overused term to describe almost anything, but world traveller, Ros Freeman, found it perfectly appropriate to describe this African republic.

In 1821, the American Colonisation Society established the West African country of Liberia. The name means ‘Freedom’. An idealistic notion became a reality, returning African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans to Africa. 18,000 previously enslaved people elected to return to Africa, developing an Americo-Liberian identity. They brought their culture and traditions, and, along with the indigenous people, they founded Liberia. It became the first African republic to gain independence and is Africa's oldest continuously independent country. 

Intriguing Istanbul: A quick guide for first-time visitors

From domes and bazaars to ferries across the Bosporus, here’s how to navigate Istanbul’s essential sights, neighbourhoods and transport without losing your way.

 If Istanbul is not on your bucket list for 2026, I want to know why. Straddling Europe and Asia, it’s one of the world’s most storied cities, a place where Roman roads, Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces and modern cafés coexist in a daily, lived-in way. For first-time visitors, the scale and intensity can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, the city will reveal itself to the patiently curious.

The Elusive Enigma of the Adelaide Hills

Acclaimed author and journalist, Bruce Elder, tackles a gnarly South Australian question

For years I used to fly to Adelaide to report on the Womadelaide festival. In the early years it was beyond magnificent. Superb international acts – particularly from Africa and the Indian subcontinent. A sublime setting – the Botanic Gardens. Weather that was idyllic – Adelaide at that time was warm, balmy and dry. And the best food stalls of any festival in Australia. It was a rare case of a festival where the word “unforgettable” could never be overused.

Ethiopian Explorations and the Beauty of the Omo Valley

Are they the most beautiful people in Africa? Ros Freeman dives into the famed Omo Valley of Ethiopia and finds herself both enthralled and taken back in time.

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Words and photos: Ros Freeman. Main Image: Mario Gerth

The first thing you notice when you arrive at Addis Ababa airport is the date. It’s 2018. The Ethiopian calendar is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar. There are thirteen months in a year, the new year commences in September, and Christmas is in January. Ethiopia moves to the beat of a different drum. The time also differs. The day begins at dawn, with only twelve hours in a day: from 6.00am to 6.00pm; the remaining twelve hours are night.

Symphonie and the Capitals of the Danube with CroisiEurope

Enjoy the scenic Danube aboard a CroisiEurope river cruise. John Newton sailed aboard Symphonie

With the crack of a whip, the dynamic riding skills of Hungarian horsemen thrilled the crowd in the old wooden stand, providing one of the highlights on a 1000-kilometre cruise along Europe’s second longest river – the Danube. John joined CroisiEurope’s rivership - Symphonie – for the eight-day cruise spanning three countries.

Cruising the Rhine with CroisiEurope

Captaining a river-cruising vessel is not always plain sailing, as the unpredictable can be just around the bend and create a dilemma for captain, crew and passengers. Having the expertise to turn a chance problem into a positive is essential. 

Travel Throwback: Airport Adventures

For most of us, travel means. airports. You can't avoid them, but can you learn to love them?

Airports are adding all types of rooms, including tiny hotel rooms for travellers who want to sleep a few hours, massive rooms where premium passengers can lounge in luxury and even prison cells. 

I came across the latter recently on a tour of Zurich Airport. Our minivan passed a large grey building with small square windows on the runway perimeter. A new hotel, 1 wondered. "No, our guide explained candidly. "It's a prison for those arriving who are not legal in Switzerland."