Destination: Australia

Australia’s Prime Minister: ‘Hotter Than Obama’

Australia’s Prime Minister: ‘Hotter Than Obama’ Publicity still via IGN
Publicity still via IGN

That was the verdict from Bruno, comedian Sasha Baron Cohen’s gay Austrian alter ego, during a visit to Sydney for his movie‘s Australian premiere. Said the ostensible fashion TV reporter after meeting Prime Minister Kevin Rudd: “That guy is like, uber-cute. I thought Obama was like the hottest guy in the world until I met Kevin.”

Ooh. Them’s fighting words, Bruno. President Obama, care to respond?


How to Lick an Ant in Australia

The Oecophylla smaragdina packs a flavorful punch. Kristin Luna explains how to get a taste.

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What’s Become of the World’s Red-Light Districts?

red-light district Photo by FaceMePLS, via Flickr (Creative Commons)
Photo by FaceMePLS, via Flickr (Creative Commons)

A Wallpaper slideshow looks at how red-light districts in Amsterdam, Singapore, Sydney and seven other major world cities have been cleaned up. Or, as the story’s intro describes the transformation of Times Square in New York City, how they’ve reacted after after being given an “urban colonic.”


The Great Guidebook Retail Showdown

The Great Guidebook Retail Showdown Photo by fotologic via Flickr (Creative Commons)
Photo by fotologic via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Who knew the world of guidebooks-in-bookstores could be so fraught with conflict?

Last week came the news that WH Smith—a large British bookstore chain found in most of the country’s airports and major train stations—had reached an exclusive deal to sell only Penguin-published guidebooks (namely DK Eyewitness and Rough Guides) from its shops. According to the Guardian, the chain reasoned that travelers “are often pressed for time and want to have a straightforward range of travel guides to choose from.” Michael Palin and Margaret Drabble are among the big names opposing the move. Arthur Frommer also has a predictably furious response, calling the deal “an unthinkable act of literary censorship and corporate greed.”

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Sideways, Down Under

Margaret River Valley, Western Australia Photo by robertpaulyoung, via Flickr (Creative Commons)

In the Margaret River region of Western Australia, you can just sip wine and nibble on cheese. Or, like Tony Perrottet, you can push the limits of indulgence.

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Cheap Airfares! Buy Now!

Photo by egmb757lover, via Flickr (Creative Commons)

There is an amazing multitude of low fares for air travel out there right now. Want to fly cheaply to Australia? Shanghai? Las Vegas? I’ve rounded up some great travel deals below.

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Sydney Harbor Bridge, Australia

Sydney Harbor Bridge, Australia REUTERS/Tim Wimborne

A photographer captures an evening rainbow as it sets above the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

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Dhani Tackles Poetry: ‘The Great White Caddy’

Photo by Sarah Beri, Red Line Films

NFL linebacker and Renaissance man Dhani Jones hosts the new Travel Channel show, Dhani Tackles the Globe.

Like any good Renaissance man, he’s writing poems inspired by the travel experiences featured on each show.

The topic of tonight’s journey: Surf life saving in Australia.







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Five Hostels I Have Loved

Five Hostels I Have Loved Photo of Lizard Point by Eva Holland
Photo of Lizard Point by Eva Holland

These days, there are more accommodation options than ever for the budget traveler: everything from house swaps to pod hotels to rock-bottom recession-era deals at more traditional travel digs.

But even with that abundance of choices—most of which I’ve sampled, and enjoyed—I think my shoestringer’s heart will always belong to the youth hostel. I love the hosteling community, I (sometimes) love the fiesta atmosphere, and—of course—I love the price. From grungy party pads to serene dorm-room retreats, here are five hostels I have loved:

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Arthur Frommer Promises to Keep Digging up the Deals

The guidebook author/publisher-turned-blogger takes a hard look at the latest travel numbers and trends, and concludes that while overall travel is down, “nearly 90% of all Americans are continuing to travel. And when they do, they are seeking bargains and values beyond all else.” He goes on: “Though some have criticized this blog for its alleged over-emphasis on special deals and discounts, we’re going to continue to make those discoveries a hallmark of our content.”

Well, consider me a fan of that alleged over-emphasis—Frommer’s blog is a great source for must-act-fast cruise, flight and hotel deals, and sure enough, here’s his latest bargain find: a set of $750 round-trip flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand.


North Curl Curl Beach, Australia

little penguin REUTERS/Daniel Munoz

North, a Little Penguin, looks back as it is pushed into the sea by veterinarian Amy Twentyman of the Taronga Zoo at North Curl Curl beach in Sydney. The zoo released back into the ocean two adult Little Penguins after they had rested and been cared for at Taronga's Wildlife hospital.

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Morning Links: Japan’s ‘Ambassadors of Cute,’ Obama’s Position on Travel and More

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Tonight: ‘Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches’ Debuts

This is Bridget Marquardt, formerly one of “The Girls Next Door.”

She’s now a sexy blogger, a sexy Twitterer and star of a new show on the Travel Channel, Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches. Every week, she’ll be immersing herself in beach cultures around the world.

The first season kicks off tonight at 10 p.m. ET. The destination for her first sexy beach: Australia.


Best Cities to Drink Coffee

coffee cafe REUTERS

Terry Ward takes a look at seven of the best cities in the world to sit and sip

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Morning Links: Best Job in the World Finalists, ‘Narco-Tours’ and More

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