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    Fiona Carruthers

    Travel editor

    Fiona Carruthers has written and edited travel for the Financial Review for almost a decade. She has held senior roles with ABC Radio National, Deutsche Welle Radio, TIME and The Australian, and was deputy editor of Traveller. Email Fiona at fcarruthers@afr.com

    Fiona Carruthers

    This Month

    This famous spa costs $17k for five nights. Is it worth it?

    We road-test celebrity magnet Ananda Spa in the Himalayas.

    April

    Scenic Eclipse II arrives in Sydney on Friday morning.

    Priciest global cruise arrives in Sydney

    Cruising is back in vogue, particularly on super-luxury options such as the Scenic Eclipse II, which boasts two helicopters and a submarine.

    February

    Church in Oia, on the northwestern tip of Santorini.

    New player in market set to spark fare wars to Europe

    Turkish Airlines will start flying direct into Melbourne (via Singapore) two weeks sooner than previously announced - igniting consumer hopes of better prices.

    Everything you need to know about flying from Australia at the pointy end.

    Which airlines have the longest beds, widest seats and best recline?

    Our at-a-glance guide explains what’s up the pointy end across the main international carriers servicing Australia - from the champagnes to amenity kits.

    How to fly to London, Europe and avoid Heathrow

    If a stopover en route to London on a palm-fringed white-sand beach island sounds good – not to mention skiing Japan and France – consider these airline choices.

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    Best airlines to fly first and business class to Europe

    Which international carrier has the longest beds and widest seats? And who pours Dom Pérignon? Here’s a handy guide to what you’ll find up the pointy end.

    The best airlines to fly business class to the US

    Here’s our guide to the major airlines that fly between Australia and the US, and what you’ll find in first class, business or premium economy.

    Sir Alexander McCall Smith pictured outside his local 181 deli earlier this month.

    Forget the 5am club; this famous author is up at 3am – even on Sundays

    Edinburgh-based Sir Alexander McCall Smith writes in the wee hours, and then goes back to bed and starts the weekends again later, with fried eggs and bacon.

    Aerial view of the Central park in New York.

    How to fly to the US and avoid LAX

    Here’s a route map with a range of options to help you avoid (or at least limit) the horror of LAX using alternative pathways into the United States.

    Five airline bosses reveal their favourite lounges – and airport hacks

    You don’t have to be platinum status to enjoy the good life during a transit. Just follow the experts as they explain how to nail a layover.

    January

    Lang Walker photographed at his $100 million Kokomo Private Island ahead of its opening in 2018.

    How Lang Walker got the most out of life

    From burnt toast to knock-off panama hats, time with Lang Walker at his great passion project Kokomo Private Island revealed what made this old-school Rich Lister tick.

    Lang Walker, owner of Walker Corporation.

    Billionaire property developer Lang Walker dies at 78

    The real estate tycoon and founder of Walker Corporation shaped much of postwar Australian suburban living.

    • Updated

    What not to miss in Australian travel this year

    From an $18,000-a-night suite in South Australia to a 25-day, POA bucket-list ‘Highlights of Australia’ trip, here’s what’s happening on the home front.

    Antony Thompson, owner of Widden Stud Australia.

    Labour of love: Putting in the hard yards before and after racing

    There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get a horse to the sale ring, as well as hefty costs along the way.

    Tom Magnier bought lot 606 for a record-breaking $2.7m at the Magic Millions sales last year.

    Records set to tumble at Magic Millions auction

    This year’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale is tipped to be another record as the big buyers from all around the world gather on the Gold Coast for the auction.

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    December 2023

    Australians hiking in Mowbray National Park, Queensland.

    Australians spend a record $108b to holiday at home

    Revenge travel is real – as are inflation and price rises driven by supply constraint. It seems taking a staycation never hurt so much as it did in 2023.

    The Great Room at Southern Ocean Lodge has been recreated pretty much as it was.

    What it’s like to stay at Southern Ocean Lodge II, from $3400 a night

    The jewel in Baillie Lodges’ crown is back, following a $55 million rebuild after the original Kangaroo Island site burnt down in January 2020.

    Why billionaire David Marriott goes strictly off grid for holidays

    Three travel industry families reveal where they’re planning to get away from it all next year and what’s in store for their global businesses.

    How to snare the best overseas flight deals this summer

    You can still get to the United Kingdom return for under $2000, or fly to New Zealand for $300 one-way. But book now to get away over Christmas.

    November 2023

    Qantas and Virgin Australia make the day extra special for their passengers.

    Why it’s a great idea to travel on Christmas Day, especially overseas

    Don’t be afraid to spend December 25 on the move. It might be your most exciting present to yourself yet – and save you pennies in the process.