From the Editor
Our writers are not armchair travellers.
Rest assured any assistance we accept from the travel industry in the course of preparing our stories does not compromise the integrity of our coverage.
ABOUT THIS time every year, travel brands around the world unveil their destination lists for the coming 12 months. What’s hot, what’s not and what’s undiscovered (is there anywhere that fits that brief today?).
We’ve decided to do things a little differently. Yes, we’ll always offer you ideas about places to go and inspiration for your next holiday – that’s our entire ethos.
But travel has changed and while destinations continue to have incredible and lasting appeal (hello, New York, it’s been too long), now it’s as much about the experience as it is the location.
My question for you is: why are you travelling? Is it that you need to recharge after a relentless year at work? Are you craving adventure? Do you want to spend quality time with your family? Or do you hope to be transformed in some way?
Many travellers who’ve been lucky enough to visit the most iconic destinations in the world are searching for fresh experiences. That could mean heading somewhere remote to interact with nature instead of a smartphone. Other people may want to eat and drink their way around a lush but little-known Greek island. Some hanker to do something more meaningful than sip cocktails on a sun lounger. (For the record, I’m fully supportive of all these options.)
When I travel, I want to laugh. Have the sheer joy of wandering with no plans. Gaze at something I haven’t seen before. Feel a sense of surprise and bliss, euphoria and wonder. Live a different – more exotic – life for a couple of weeks.
For me, the Christmas holidays are about spending time with the people I love most. This year, after celebrating the festive season with family in Hobart, my husband and I are taking our daughters to eat street food, have breakfast with orangutans, picnic in the gardens, visit a museum and maybe a theme park or two.
Our destination is Singapore but it’s the experiences that will stay with us forever. And isn’t that the true delight of travel?
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.