Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerHelp using this website - Accessibility statement
  • Advertisement

    Fiona Carruthers

    Travel editor

    Fiona Carruthers has written and edited travel for the Financial Review for almost a decade. She has held senior roles with ABC Radio National, Deutsche Welle Radio, TIME and The Australian, and was deputy editor of Traveller. Email Fiona at fcarruthers@afr.com

    Fiona Carruthers

    May

    The view over Portugal’s Douro River from Vinum Restaurant at Graham’s Port – an evening extravaganza courtesy of Viking Cruise Line.

    On your next cruise, try a magical night onshore you won’t forget

    Thanks to the growing popularity of cruising, luxury lines are coming up with ever-more exotic excursions on land – especially after sundown.

    The Le Petit Chef dining experience is a must when on a Celebrity cruise.

    Is this the cutest restaurant on water? Sea foodies seem to think so

    An energetic and animated chef keeps fine dining lively on the ocean.

    Handpicked Wines boss William Dong with Sydney Symphony Orchestra members Alexandra Osborne  and Tim Nankervis at the Handpicked Cellar Door in Chippendale, Sydney.

    Six ways to stay entertained for those staying home this winter

    Not everyone is travelling abroad for the northern hemisphere summer. Cosy up in Australia on a rail trip with Journey Beyond, or indulge at The Victoria & Albert Guesthouse in the Blue Mountains.

    Queen Anne’s Grand Lobby mixes tradition with a contemporary feel.

    A Michelin-star chef and pickleball - after 184 years, Cunard pivots

    Queen Anne is a litany of firsts for Cunard, including its first designated outdoor yoga space, along with mini golf, a pickleball court and an archery area.

    These four seasoned travellers nominate their choice destinations in Paris.

    ‘I’ll stay where she’s staying’: Insiders give their top Paris tips

    It took some arm twisting, but these four leading Australian hoteliers have revealed where they love to bed down when in the city of light.

    Advertisement
    Cheval Blanc’s Eiffel Suite comes with an outdoor terrace, walk-in Hammam shower and Dior Beauty Bar.

    Where to find the top hotel suites in Paris

    They all have round-the-clock butlers, only the freshest of geraniums, and champagne on tap. Welcome to the city of love’s six-star offerings.

    Capella Tufu Bay in Hainan has 190 spacious rooms.

    Squeeze out the most value at these five-star luxury hotels

    So you’ve splashed out on airfares, but you still have to book the accommodation for your next holiday. Here’s how to get the most bang from your remaining bucks.

    This famous spa costs $17k for five nights. Is it worth it?

    We road-test celebrity magnet Ananda Spa in the Himalayas.

    April

    Scenic Eclipse II arrives in Sydney on Friday morning.

    Priciest global cruise arrives in Sydney

    Cruising is back in vogue, particularly on super-luxury options such as the Scenic Eclipse II, which boasts two helicopters and a submarine.

    February

    Church in Oia, on the northwestern tip of Santorini.

    New player in market set to spark fare wars to Europe

    Turkish Airlines will start flying direct into Melbourne (via Singapore) two weeks sooner than previously announced - igniting consumer hopes of better prices.

    Everything you need to know about flying from Australia at the pointy end.

    Which airlines have the longest beds, widest seats and best recline?

    Our at-a-glance guide explains what’s up the pointy end across the main international carriers servicing Australia - from the champagnes to amenity kits.

    How to fly to London, Europe and avoid Heathrow

    If a stopover en route to London on a palm-fringed white-sand beach island sounds good – not to mention skiing Japan and France – consider these airline choices.

    Best airlines to fly first and business class to Europe

    Which international carrier has the longest beds and widest seats? And who pours Dom Pérignon? Here’s a handy guide to what you’ll find up the pointy end.

    The best airlines to fly business class to the US

    Here’s our guide to the major airlines that fly between Australia and the US, and what you’ll find in first class, business or premium economy.

    Sir Alexander McCall Smith pictured outside his local 181 deli earlier this month.

    Forget the 5am club; this famous author is up at 3am – even on Sundays

    Edinburgh-based Sir Alexander McCall Smith writes in the wee hours, and then goes back to bed and starts the weekends again later, with fried eggs and bacon.

    Advertisement
    Aerial view of the Central park in New York.

    How to fly to the US and avoid LAX

    Here’s a route map with a range of options to help you avoid (or at least limit) the horror of LAX using alternative pathways into the United States.

    Five airline bosses reveal their favourite lounges – and airport hacks

    You don’t have to be platinum status to enjoy the good life during a transit. Just follow the experts as they explain how to nail a layover.

    January

    Lang Walker photographed at his $100 million Kokomo Private Island ahead of its opening in 2018.

    How Lang Walker got the most out of life

    From burnt toast to knock-off panama hats, time with Lang Walker at his great passion project Kokomo Private Island revealed what made this old-school Rich Lister tick.

    Lang Walker, owner of Walker Corporation.

    Billionaire property developer Lang Walker dies at 78

    The real estate tycoon and founder of Walker Corporation shaped much of postwar Australian suburban living.

    • Updated

    What not to miss in Australian travel this year

    From an $18,000-a-night suite in South Australia to a 25-day, POA bucket-list ‘Highlights of Australia’ trip, here’s what’s happening on the home front.