Ben Groundwater’s flights to Barcelona were cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East,so he turned to a travel agent to make new arrangements.

For the first time in decades,I changed how I book a trip

I’m a confident,knowledgeable traveller who enjoys researching and booking trips on my own. But the current global uncertainty has sent me back to a travel agent.

  • Ben Groundwater
Phi Phi Island,Thailand.

Our experts’ 52 greatest money-saving travel tips

From which day of the week to book your flight to where to score a discounted high-end meal,our travel experts do the bargain hunting for you.

  • Brian Johnston,Ute Junker,Ben Groundwater,Belinda Jackson andMichael Gebicki
The lineup at Bupyeong Market.

Think you know Korean food? A visit to this city will show you know nothing

If you love markets,street food and eating,you’ll love Korea’s second-largest city.

  • Ben Groundwater
Ben Groundwater and colleagues during his Topdeck days.

Contiki and Topdeck created a legend around Europe tours. It’s no longer true

People used to scoff at the young backpackers I led around Europe. Today’s escorted tours are much different as operators prioritise local community and authenticity.

  • Ben Groundwater
Bento.

How Japan created the ultimate takeaway food

This specialised version of a bento box is designed specifically for train passengers. Add a bullet train and a cold beer and you have one of life’s great pleasures.

  • Ben Groundwater
Advertisement
Where does the time go?

Working on planes? Even in business class,it’s the worst

Finally,I always think to myself,a good long stretch with no distractions. Plenty of time to get things done. And then five hours are gone and I’ve done nothing.

  • Ben Groundwater
kkk

The true story behind the infamous name of this Italian pasta favourite

You may think you know the origin of the name “puttanesca”,but you’re probably wrong.

  • Ben Groundwater
Qantas’ slogan might be the “Spirit of Australia” but the idea of it being our national carrier is well and truly dead.

‘Spirit of Australia’? The idea of the national carrier is long dead

The idea that every serious country has a national airline to serve its citizens and represent its home nation persists. It’s time we put it to rest.

  • Ben Groundwater
A hangi is simply meat and vegetables. It’s the way it’s cooked that matters.

The Kiwi dish that every visitor to NZ needs to experience

A hangi is a method of cooking,but it’s also a social occasion,much like the Aussie barbecue.

  • Ben Groundwater
Several times daily a full-size train make its way through Hanoi’s famous (or infamous) tourist train street.

Seventeen places that became hit tourist attractions by accident

Railway tracks,a convenience store and even a public toilet are some of the places that were never supposed to be on tourists’ radars,but now attract huge crowds.

  • Ben Groundwater