What we’ve learned in this week’s travel

When it comes to international travel, book on Sunday and avoid Friday. The best day of the week for New Zealand-based travellers to book international Economy airfares is Sunday.

Ask Away » p4

It’s the custom in much of Asia that if you get invited to dinner at a restaurant, the male half of the inviting couple will not only pay for everyone’s meals, he’ll take it upon himself to order everyone’s meals too.

Travel Bugs » p6

At the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, you can visit the Hall of Opium to see how opium poppies are grown and illegal drugs were manufactured. The museum is part of a project aimed at ending the local population’s dependency on the drugs trade. Asia » p8

The Green Pea Pancake at Porch & Parlour cafe Bondi Beach had rapper-turned-actor Will Smith raving on social media during his recent visit.

Australia » p10-p11

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is planning to introduce edible seaweed straws later this year, in flavours such as strawberry, to match what you are drinking.

Ethical traveller » p12

Rafflesia keithii, one of the world’s largest lilies, found only in Borneo, grows like a mushroom and is famous for its stench, not dissimilar to rotting flesh.

Asia » p16-p17

There are four different happy hours on Beachcomber Island, and the bar is open until 2am. After that, guests can bring their own dutyfree alcohol to the bar area and keep going for as long as they like.

Pacific Islands » p19

You can’t go past the self-serve Tiger beer tap at the SilverKris Singapore Airlines lounge at Changi Airport.

Lounge Check » p24

Weekend afternoon parties at the Mondrian in West Hollywood see people queuing down the block to get in — many of the women already wearing their teeny, tiny bikinis.

Room Check » p27

Pass a blissful few hours at the Strata Lounge at Auckland Airport while you wait for your flight.

Flight Check » p29

Travellers to Australia are required to present all powders in their hand luggage at outbound security. Inorganic powders include talcum, foot powders, detergent, cleaning products and sand.

Travel Wires » p31