contents
WHY TRAVEL WRITING MAY BE HEADING IN A NEW DIRECTION
LAST MONTH I wrote about a trip to Vietnam that had been four years in the making. I told of golfing exploits, visits to markets, sightseeing and general immersion in the local culture.
And then I watched The Last Tourist….
For those who haven’t heard about this documentary feature, it deals with the subject of “over-tourism” and how we may be destroying the very things we have travelled so far to see.
We’ve all seen and read about the gradual damage being done to places like Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat, the Pyramids (to name but a few) through the footsteps and general wear and tear of tourists.
The movie puts this into sharp focus and much more, including the half a million animals worldwide that are being used and often abused in the name of “entertainment”. It also shines a harsh spotlight on overseas orphanages, with many of the “orphans” having at least one living parent.
You’ll learn more about the film in our Talking Point article, but it certainly set me thinking. As a fellow travel writer remarked as we went into the cinema, “should I feel guilty about doing the job I do?”
It is an occupational necessity that I travel the world and report back on what I see and experience. I’m extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to travel as often as I do so, like many of you I’m sure, I’m conscious of my environmental footprint and try to minimise it wherever possible.
Maybe, as the world continues to shake off the after effects of COVID, writing about travel is also going to change. Destinations will need to be sustainable, eco-friendly and socially responsible to get a mention – and it’ll be our job to write about those who are and those who aren’t.
The Last Tourist is hard watching in sections but it doesn’t really tell us anything we didn’t already know – it just collates all the areas of concern and points out the dangers of continuing down this destructive path. I would urge anyone who travels to watch it.
On a much happier note, I had the pleasure of talking to Johanna Griggs and Graham Ross from Better Homes and Gardens for the third episode in our popular Talking Travel podcast.
They listed some of the top places around the world that they’ve visited with the show – and also some of the hilarious moments that didn’t make the program! You can catch the podcast at
INSIDE THIS MONTH
An Ideal Way to do a Trip of a Lifetime
Here, tour guide and country music broadcaster NICK ERBY explains why a motorhome is the perfect vehicle to explore North America.
Meet Australia’s Own Railway Man
Actor, TV presenter and model SCOTT MCGREGOR is well known to Aussie audiences. What they might not know is that he has a love of trains and is the managing director of Railway Adventures.
Grab a Taste of North Africa
A COLLECTION of 445 exciting and accessible recipes that celebrate North Africa’s vibrant and diverse food culture has just been published.
Five Ways Air Canada is Supporting Agents in 2023
BUILDING AND maintaining a supportive relationship with travel agents is a sure way to success for any supplier, but not every company is willing to invest the time and energy required.
The Film Every Traveller Has to Watch
Child exploitation, animal cruelty, environmental vandalism. These are just some of the topics covered in a new documentary film called The Last Tourist which claims that travel is at a tipping point.
How to Ride the Wave of K-pop Culture
POP CULTURE has seen a dramatic rise in global popularity in recent years and one country in particular is leading the way.
Dream Holidays in The Kimberley This Season
Make 2023 the year for travel to the Kimberley, the most awe-inspiring wilderness adventure on the planet.
Are We Making a Meal of Airline Food?
Our national airline has just unveiled swanky new meals in its cabins. JON UNDERWOOD looks at whether the Flying Kangaroo has the recipe for success.
Six Top Spots to get Cherry Merry
THERE’S A special time of year in Japan when locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy the colourful fruits of nature.