Salzburg: The Music is still playing

Few jaw-dropping travel destinations in Europe can boast little or no change to their beauty spots over more than two decades. The Austrian city of Salzburg is one of them, as John Newton was relieved to find on a recent visit to Mozart’s city after a 25- year gap.

There are cities that never sleep but, more importantly, Salzburg is one that never loses its rich historical and picture postcard lure.

Vanuatu's Land Divers

There’s something almost suicidal about Vanuatu’s famous land divers. Bungy jumpers have the benefit of an elastic cord to cushion their fall, but not so the legendary N’Gol (land-diving) natives of Pentecost Island.

The origin of this dangerous ritual is clouded in tantalising mystery. One of the more romantic tales tells the story of the abusive husband Tamalie who, in pursuit of his recalcitrant wife, followed her up a tall tree as she fled from him. She, whose name seems to have been mislaid in the passage of time, refused to come down knowing that another beating was in store. Driven by pride and rage, Tamalie lunged at her, but she jumped. Tamalie, intoxicated by fury, lunged after her not knowing she had tied vines to her legs and he plunged to his death while she survived.

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.