ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER ADVENTURE

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Another day, another adventure.

Experiences

Experiences

Explore ancient wonders, plunge into underwater wonderlands and more in this selection of stories. Most of these stories appear here for the first time; some initially appeared in the Australian Financial Review and Traveller.

Need a bit of a boost? These destinations lift you up where you belong.

The world’s greatest feel-good nations

Need a bit of a boost? These destinations lift you up where you belong.

four-seasons-explorer-palau

This underwater paradise is luxury’s new frontier

Dive deep into the pleasures of Palau.

Istanbul

Discover a different side of Istanbul

The city’s colourful neighbourhoods hide plenty of secrets.

cartagena juniorlink from pixabay

South America’s most exciting ports

When choosing a cruise, these ports are must-visits.

vintage car and vintage bicycle n front of tent

Nostalgia travel: the joy of going back to the future

Why it’s better the second (or third, or fourth) time around.

Bryce Canyon

The monumental US landscapes you must experience for yourself

Big landscapes guaranteed to make you feel small (in the best possible way).

positano-sebastian-leonhardt-ute-junker

Amalfi Coast: where to stay, eat and explore

Make your sojourn on the Italian coast a holiday to remember.

Kreuzberg-Berlin_Ralf-Knufer-Unsplash-Ute-Junker

A guide to Berlin’s best neighbourhoods

Edgy street culture? World-class museums? Fabulous food? Tick, tick and tick.

Fort-Canning-Park-Singapore-green-city-Hosanna-Swee-Ute-Junker

Five cities where it is easy to go green

Head to these pioneering cities for a low-carbon getaway.

leon-nicaragua-hermes-rivera-unsplash-ute-junker

Is this Central America’s most underrated destination?

From beaches to volcanoes to picturesque towns, discover the delights of Nicaragua.

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Short route, big excitement: Japan’s new bullet train

Discover the beauty of western Japan aboard the new shinkansen route

opera-house-bayreuth-melanie-schillinger-ute-junker

Bayreuth: a town of parks and palaces created by a tragic princess

Long before Richard Wagner came to Bayreuth, Margravine Wilhelmine was remaking this town into a cultural hub.

kurashiki-japan

This scenic town is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets

Reasons to love Kurashiki: its willow-lined canals, its art studios and museums – and a whole street dedicated to denim.

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Best hikes around Lake Como

To make the most of Lake Como, swap your Jimmy Choos for walking shoes.

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The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone’s winter off-season can be even more magical than its magnificent summer.

norway-adventure-outdoors-scenery-hike-kayak-henning-sorby-ute-junker

Grab your paddle: Norway’s best outdoors adventures

Fjords, mountains and more: Norway gives good scenery. Discover the country’s best outdoor adventures (including some softcore options).

palau-cristina-mittermeier-Ute-Junker

How this island nation is rewarding responsible travellers

Calling all sustainable travellers! The Republic of Palau has is offering big rewards for visitors who do the right thing.

monkeys-in-a-hot-pool-jonathan-forage-on-unsplash-ute-junker

Getting naked around the world

Finnish saunas, South Korean bath houses – the world is full of public bathing opportunities. Here is why you should say yes.

paris-transformation-ute-junker

The new-look Paris: even better than before

Bicycles have now joined baguettes as an essential part of Parisian life. Post-pandemic, the city not only has some hot new attractions – it’s also cleaner and greener than ever.

bhutan-monastery-umma-desai-unsplash-ute-junker

The best of Bhutan (that most tourists miss)

This uncrowded Himalayan kingdom offers everything you’re craving – spectacular nature, a warm welcome, and a crowd-free experience.

Where else can you enjoy concerts in the field and chat with world-class musicians?

At this Brazilian music festival, cows are part of the audience

Where else can you enjoy concerts in the field and chat with world-class musicians?

indigenous-tourism-tiwi-islands-tourism-northern-territory-shaana-mcnaught-ute-junker

Australia’s most inspiring indigenous experiences

From rock art trails to long-distance hikes, these are some of the country’s most memorable First Nations experiences.

Sicily-rent-holiday-who-is-denilo-on-unsplash-ute-junker

Sicily: the best places to base yourself

With picturesque streets and handy locations, choose one of these pretty towns as the base for your Sicilian getaway.

Gold-Coast-Queensland-Ute-Junker

5 things you didn’t know you could do on the Gold Coast

Ready to go beyond the beach? Then add these unexpected activities to your itinerary.

paris-eiffel-tower-maykeloenning-via-pixabay-ute-junker

Six reasons to return to France (when travel restarts)

Catching the sunrise from a bridge, tucking into a big bowl of aligot… this is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Otumyheke-Miles-Holden-Ute-Junker

Why we love New Zealand’s North Island

The North Island is packed with natural wonders, from epic diving to the country’s highest ski field – and of course some sumptuous luxury lodges.

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How to hike the Great Ocean Road

Beaches, bush and the 12 Apostles – this walk has it all.

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The desert festival lighting up the night

Head to the desert for our most colourful indigenous art festival, Parrtjima in Alice Springs.

florence-marble-statues-history-art-travel-christian-hardi-pixabay-ute-junker

Florence: stories carved into stone

Some cities are carved out of rock. Florence’s beauty is built on marble, carved and shaped by masters of art and architecture.

ningaloo-reef-western-australia-manta-rays-ute-junker

Discover Australia’s other great reef

Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and vibrant coral – Ningaloo Reef is Western Australia’s most underrated destination.

roys-peak-wanaka-new-zealand-hiking-walking-nature-miles-holden-ute-junker

How to hike New Zealand’s best walks

Our guide to hiking New Zealand includes the best walking tracks and vital know-before-you-go tips.

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Brilliant Brasilia: how Brazil’s bold capital was created

It took 24 hour work days, materials delivered by plane, and a dream team led by uber-architect Oscar Niemeyer.

alaska-wildlife-cruising-ute-junker

Off the grid in Alaska

Blue glaciers, ancient forests and wildlife encounters – bears, whales, sea otters and more – make an Alaska cruise an unforgettable experience.

australia-outback-northern-territory-waterfalls-waterholes-sean-scott-ute-junker

Found: the outback’s best waterfalls

Some of our most beautiful waterholes are hidden away inside this under-the-radar national park.

seattle-travel-ute-junker

Seattle steps into the spotlight

The Space Needle isn’t the only thing that makes Seattle special. It starts with the superb seafood, the quirky neighbourhoods, the boutique wineries within city limits – and then it gets beter.

bolivia-travel-salt-flats-adventure-flamingos-ute-junker

Flying high in Bolivia

With spectacular landscapes including salt flats and Technicolor lakes, colonial cities and one-of-a-kind foods (try the volcano soup), Bolivia is a haven for adventure lovers.

uluru-ute-junker

What to do at Uluru

Desert days are long – which is fortunate, given how much there is to see and do at Uluru, from rock art to camel rides.

ethiopia-africa-history-culture-mountains-churches-lalibela-ute-junker

5 reasons to visit Ethiopia

With a history and culture stretching back thousands of years, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most underrated destinations. Check out these essential sights, from the magnificent rock churches of Lalibela to the soaring Simien Mountains.

sao-tome-principe-tropical-island-africa-luxury-resort-beach-forest-adventure-scott-ramsay-ute-junker

How tourism hotspots are born

Never heard of Sao Tome and Principe? That’s about to change. These obscure islands floating off the African coast are now drawing luxury lovers eager to explore the pristine beaches and tropical forests.

quedlinburg-germany-travel-medieval-architecture-World-Heritage-Wolfgang-Lützgendorf-ute-junker

Best-kept secret: Quedlinburg

Skip Germany’s more crowded destinations and discover the picture-perfect town of Quedlinburg. This World Heritage listed beauty has 80 hectares of medieval architecture to explore, and was ruled by women for much of its history.

italy-dolomites-hiking-travel-uncrowded-ute-junker

Escape to Italy’s secret beauty spot

Italy without the crowds? Yes, it does exist. Head to the Dolomites in summer to enjoy fine food, superb hiking, and some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.

soneva-fushi-growth-eco-tourism-ute-junker-traveller-article

A brighter shade of green: the growth of eco-tourism

TRAVELLER

Eco-tourism is back and this time, it’s serious: introducing the new breed of green hotel

Indonesia’s Archipelago Raja Ampat

Dive into the amazing reefs of Indonesia’s Raja Ampat

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Why Raja Ampat is your dream diving destination.

Here’s a riddle for you. Why are Easter Island’s famous statues like snowflakes? Because no two are alike. This is the first surprising thing I learn.

Want to get away from it all? Easter Island will blow your mind

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Here’s a riddle for you. Why are Easter Island’s famous statues like snowflakes? Because no two are alike. This is the first surprising thing I learn.

The best way to see Egypt's top ancient attractions.

The best way to see Egypt’s ancient wonders

TRAVELLER

The best way to see Egypt’s top ancient attractions.

There are three things you are guaranteed in Iceland, Magnus tells me, shortly after picking me up at the airport. Good food, good coffee & bad hair days.

Iceland’s tourism boom: Where travellers outnumber locals five to one

TRAVELLER

There are three things you are guaranteed in Iceland, Magnus tells me, shortly after picking me up at the airport. Good food, good coffee & bad hair days.

orvieto-italy-hill-town-rome-history-valter-cirillo-pixabay-ute-junker

Italy’s best small towns: Orvieto

An easy day trip from Rome, the hill town of Orvieto hides plenty of marvels inside its fortified walls.

Zietz MOCCA - Explore Africa: newest adventures don't stop at the safari

Explore Africa: newest adventures don’t stop at the safari

AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW

Wildlife, luxury railways, designer camps, art hubs & beach breaks.

Travel gives us the chance to break free from the 9 to 5. So why do we tend to confine our explorations to office hours?

All night long: top 10 after dark experiences

TRAVELLER

Travel gives us the chance to break free from the 9 to 5. So why do we tend to confine our explorations to office hours?

polar-bear-churchill-wild-dennis-fast-ute-junker

Walking with polar bears

In this remote corner of Canada, you can encounter polar bears on their home turf.

UTE JUNKER

Luxury Travel and Lifestyle - Writer, editor, podcaster. Co-founder, tonicmag.com.au

Ute Junker has been reporting on luxury travel and lifestyle for more than 20 years. She spends much of the year on the road and is happiest snorkelling a coral reef, tucking into a new cuisine, or enjoying an up-close encounter with wildlife.

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I learned something about hotel bathrooms the othe

I learned something about hotel bathrooms the other day.
Which was surprising, since this is a subject about which I’ve always had Many Thoughts.
Spending too much time in hotels over too many years, I have strong opinions on everything from the best amenities to the correct shape for a bathtub.
(Nix those round tubs – they may look great but they take forever to fill up.)
A good bathroom should have big piles of towels – I’m not going to use them all, I just want to know they’re there - and cuddly bathrobes that instantly switch me to holiday mode.
(Unless I’m in the tropics, that is, in which case I want something loose and light.)
Lights: bright. Floors: heated.
The one element I’ve never worried about too much, however, is the sink.
It’s a fairly basic piece of equipment.
You don’t spend too much time with a sink. Hand washing, teeth brushing: they’re both over fairly quickly.
The other reason you need a sink, of course, it to launder your smalls. And that’s where I’ve recently come unstuck.
Travelling through Central Asia I encountered something I haven’t seen for years: the hotel sink without a plug.
They were a thing back when I was young, exploring Asia on a couple of dollars a day, but it’s been years since I’ve seen one.
In three weeks of travel, however, only one or two of the hotels I stayed in supplied this essential luxury.
Let me tell you, it’s hard to wash your undies without a plug in the sink!
So next time I check into a high-end hotel, I’m going to revel not just in the extra-long bathtub or the high-end amenities: I’m going to thank the heavens for the simple pleasure of a sink full of water.
Find more musings on travel over at my Substack account - it’s free to sign up, and you’ll get it delivered straight to your inbox.

Next time you’re in Singapore, should you be pla

Next time you’re in Singapore, should you be planning to have dinner at @mrniland’s @fyshsingapore - and you really should - head to @singaporeedition hotel a bit earlier so you can check out the fab interiors. BYO photographer highly recommended.

No surprise that @qatarairways was named World’s

No surprise that @qatarairways was named World’s Best Airline this week - the last couple of times I’ve flown with them, they were terrific. And there’s another thing they do well too: and that’s the lounge.
They have a huge number of lounges at @dohaairport but the newest - Al Mourjan Garden Lounge, which I just tried - is something special.
It has everything you’d expect - quiet spaces, lively areas, a la carte dining - and a few added extras including a small gym, for workouts and stretching, and a full-scale spa (not the poky rooms you find in most lounges) where I had an absolutely superb massage (which you have to pay for, but it was well worth it.)
The other fabulous feature: it opens onto the airport garden, and the oxygen-rich air on your face is the best break you could ask for.
The lounge is only open to business class and first class passengers but you don’t need to be a @qatarairways frequent flyer to get in: as long as you are flying in the right class, you have access.

People come to Central Asia for its incredible his

People come to Central Asia for its incredible history and its wild natural beauty, but I want to give a shout-out to its transport. We’ve boarded high-speed trains at futurist Soviet-era stations, and travelled through high-altitude tunnels that go for 5km at a time. But it’s in our last stop, Tashkent, that I’ve had one of my favourite transport encounters.
Tashkent’s metro stations are not as grandiose as their Moscow equivalents but they were built on the same principle: that the public needs exalted spaces.
And the closest station to our hotel, Kosmonavtlar, certainly fits the bill, with its portraits of pioneering cosmonauts like Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova.

So here’s the thing about Bukhara. I’ve wanted

So here’s the thing about Bukhara.
I’ve wanted to visit Bukhara as long as I can remember. This oasis city has an incredible history stretching back several millennia, and for centuries it was a major cultural capital under both the Persians and the Arabs.
A large chunk of the city centre has a World Heritage listing in recognition of its gorgeous architecture, including mosques, madrassas, bazaars and caravanserais.
All of which is wonderful. But the other thing about Bukhara is that at this time of year it’s hot. Really hot. And let me tell you, sightseeing in 42 degrees saps you.
So here’s my hot tip: do as the locals do and head out after dinner. The temps will still be around 38 degrees but without the sun beating down on you - and with locals out in force, feasting, shopping, having fun - Bukhara by night is magical.

I’ve always loved cemeteries and burial places b

I’ve always loved cemeteries and burial places but this one is beyond compare. Sit back and let the beauty of Samarkand’s Shah-I-Zinfandel necropolis - a cluster of magnificent tombs laden with mesmerising details - wash over you.

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© 2019 Ute Junker, All Rights Reserved | Site By Design Counsel

LISTEN UP

Subscribe to my podcast I Know This Place, a series about the world’s most interesting places, seen through the eyes of the people who know them best. Join me on the road as I talk with chefs, architects, historians and more about the places that are special to them.

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Join my absolutely zero spam email list for insider travel tips and other news.

Leave this field empty if you're human:

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© 2019 Ute Junker, All Rights Reserved | Site By Design Counsel

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