The unmissable Kagata surf retreat of the Solomon Islands

The Backdoor — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:59:34 +0000

Thanks to our avid aid worker, surfer, traveller and friend, Eddie Burton, for providing this insightful and inspiring feature on the Solomon Islands. Towards the end of Eddie’s tale are his reflections, which will pull at the chords of every seasoned Island traveller. As I sat out the back alone, the last person in the [...]

Prawns in Australia, still tasty at the Sydney Seafood School

Keri Algar — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:20:44 +0000

There are three essential things to a good trip away anywhere in the world: a place to stay, food, and people. If you’re visiting Australia you’ll likely start in Sydney. Once you’ve sorted yourself out some sweet Sydney accommodation you’ll want to find somewhere good to eat. For an insight to Sydney culture and its culinary fame [...]

Get Shucked! Bruny Island has the best oysters and the friendliest locals

Keri Algar — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 04:06:31 +0000

Sometimes being a carefree traveller (read: disorganised) can you lead you to a more delicious experience. Where is Bruny Island? Bruny is an island off an island off an island. Specifically, it’s a hop and a skip south off Tasmania, which is a hop and skip south off the Australian continent. And it’s a little off-beat to [...]

Never Laugh at Live Dragons – Yasur Volcano, Tanna, Vanuatu

Imogen Throp — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:50:42 +0000

How often in your life do you get the chance to walk the rim of an active volcano? And if you get the opportunity – would you do it? Going against all hazard management, mountain craft and personal safety rules that I have learned in my earlier ski-patrol and guiding career, accompanied by an interminable [...]

India part 1: the Twin Towers of Delhi

Keri Algar — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:21:58 +0000

Chaos is the overused word of the day. To us, it’s not ‘organised chaos’ as our guide suggests. To us, Delhi is beyond hectic. Laneless highways, horns blaring, an indescribable smog, the rancid smell of overused oil, dogs yapping, 13 million people chattering. All of it overwhelming and entertaining. It’s a Sunday that my retired [...]

Things to do in Bali with kids

Keri Algar — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:33:42 +0000

The thing about holidays to Bali is that they can really cater for the whole family. Spa treatments, massages, surfing, diving, jungle, beaches, shopping…it’s a family holiday dream. And for kids, well, you can make it a total wonderland for them. Waterparks When I was 12 years old my dad took me to the Waterbom [...]

7 top spots you absolutely must see in Southern Phuket, Thailand

Imogen Throp — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:21:25 +0000

For a first time adventure into Thailand, why not concentrate on the beautiful southern tip of Phuket? Phuket is the nation’s largest island, and so easy to get to with quick, daily, cheap flights to Thailand from Singapore and Bangkok. A perfect place for a long relaxing holiday or just a quick fun-filled stop. Make a base [...]

Tips for taking a good passport photo

Keri Algar — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:11:42 +0000

Snap! Do you look like a startled deer in your passport photo, or worse, like a convict? Here’s 7 tips for turning your shot from horror to hot… Harsh lighting and heinous background colours makes us look washed out and sick. Adding insult to injury, facial recognition scanners have a hard time placing your face [...]

Making Gado Gado on the streets of Bali

Keri Algar — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:05:57 +0000

You’ll need no nonsense guts, a taste for the spicy, to forget meat and three veg, and about a dollar in your pocket. What’s Gado Gado? Watch and learn…. If you liked that you might be into this! Prawns in Australia, still tasty at the Sydney Seafood SchoolThere are three essential things to a [...]

Tim Baker’s ‘Surfari’ around Australia

Keri Algar — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:57:16 +0000

Tim Baker is so stoked that he can’t put his wetsuit on fast enough. Somehow, in the middle of his life, the prolific surf scribe has slipped one past mediocrity to live the adventure he wished for as a teenager. Balancing life on the road for the best part of a year as a [...]