Travel deals for Croatia, Ireland, UK, Eastern Europe

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Back-Roads Touring has good discounts for small group tours of Ireland, Croatia, the Scottish Borders and Northern England, and a wintery Eastern European journey. Nice discount deal for the Ritz in Madrid and other goodies.

Tribute to travellers who died too soon

Water lilies

Peter and Mary rode bicycles through 23 countries. Their odyssey was tough, brave and inspiring. Sadly, they were killed in a crash while cycling in Thailand.

Back-Roads Touring Europe discounts and more

Amalfi Coast vista from Ravello

Back-Roads Touring has early bird discounts for European tours. And, brace yourself, Bentours has a trip to Eurovision. Dust off your sequins…

We’re travel culture vultures, sort of

London Bridge

When Australians travel they like to become culture vultures. Up to a point. Because many still prefer English-speaking countries, a new survey reveals.

Travel deals: Cruises, Dubai, Russia, spas

Bandara Resort Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand

Asia Pacific cruises, a three-day package to Dubai (a girl’s shopping dream), and spa deals in Queensland and Thailand are January’s best travel bargains.

Ariane discovers the rat temple of Rajasthan

Rats drinking milk at the Red Temple in Rajasthan, India

Intrepid traveller Ariane Tatas thought the Indian cab driver said he was taking her to a red temple….

How to help avoid jet lag hell

How to help avoid jet lag hell when travelling in economy

Do you sleep on long-haul flights? The chances are you don’t, and at your destination you stagger off the plane bleary-eyed.

Two Sheraton guests will take home diamonds

The bedroom in the refurbished Ambassador Suite, Sheraton on the Park, Sydney

Sydney’s Sheraton On the Park Hotel has up to $10,000 worth of Boucheron Diamonds for two lucky guests booking a suite November 17-25.

Early bird deals, win Peregrine trips

Taj Mahal at sunset

This month’s best deals: Peregrine Adventures is GIVING away 35 trips to celebrate its birthday, and Back-Roads Touring and Tempo Holidays have early bird discounts for Europe 2013.

Wish List: Tour of North Korea, anyone?

North Korea

Footsteps in Asia is offering a 10-day North Korea tour to provide an insight into a secretive, often reviled country. Everything you see and do will be 100 per cent controlled by the government. But hey, don’t let that stop you.