Travel & Lifestyle

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship - Old Mate Media

Cruise Review: Is Disney Wonder “the happiest place on Earth”?

The Disney Wonder cruise ship experience may be designed with kids in mind, but it delivers for all ages. Admit it, you want to go to Disneyland! We all do. No matter how old you get, there’s a place inside all of us where some Disney story, or character, or song, has burrowed into our…

Read more

Set Jetting: The blockbuster appeal of Oahu’s Kualoa Ranch

I’ve traced O’ahu to the island’s bucolic north-east and find myself in the heart of a 4,000-acre private nature reserve. Kualoa Ranch has been a filming location for more than 250 movies and TV shows, so even those who’ve never been before have some level of familiarity with the blockbuster landscape. Jurassic Park, LOST, Hawaii…

Read more

Seven of the finest things I’ve eaten in the USA: From New York to San Antonio

Each year, James Beard hands me some fresh FOMO on a silver platter. The USA’s most prestigious culinary institution works similar to Michelin but is generally broader in criteria. In the past, I’ve been much more satisfied with something that’s been James Beard-approved rather than just Michelin-approved. Now, that’s not to say Michelin isn’t reliable,…

Read more

Universal Studios have confirmed their first UK theme park. Here’s everything we know.

Disney may have chosen France over the United Kingdom all those years ago, but now the UK has won the latest Theme Park battle: getting the European continent’s first Universal Studios Theme Park. According to the BBC, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed the long rumoured plans, hosting a press conference earlier today with…

Read more

Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue Review: Spectacular beachfront access and Hawaii’s largest pool, but how are the rooms?

While we’re all still reeling from The White Lotus finale in Thailand, I wanted to take us back to those beautiful vibes in Hawaii from season one. But we won’t be travelling to the same island where they filmed (Maui), rather to the fourth largest island in Hawaii, also known as “The Garden Isle”. At…

Read more
Photo of Turtle in New Caledonia by Mary D Enterprises

How you can enjoy a quick getaway with your family on a Carnival cruise

Looking for a family holiday where the entertainment never stops (no, really), the dining options please even the pickiest eaters, and the memories last long after you’ve disembarked? Carnival Cruise Line has long been a fantastic choice for families because of the myriad of options available to passengers, from short cruises to epic adventures, as…

Read more
Rydges Port Macquarie Drone Shot

Is this the “Best Pool in Port”? Rydges Port Macquarie Review

Big rooms, killer location and a great pool; there’s plenty to like about Rydges Port Macquarie. Fingers fumbling with excitement, I shove the fresh, shiny metal point of my fishing hook straight up the prawn’s backside, curving it around and digging it into the hardest part of the head. So far I’m four from five….

Read more
Rainbow Valley in Alice Springs

Why Alice Springs has inspired Aussies for generations

If Mother Nature had a favourite child, her name would be Alice. Like two outstretched arms giving the dusty red town a warm (sometimes too warm) hug, the East and West MacDonnell Ranges wrap around Alice Springs/Mparntwe in a way that places the Red Centre amongst the world’s most impressive geographical wonders. The local Arrernte…

Read more

Delta Air Lines now serves Shake Shack burgers onboard

In November 2024, Delta Air Lines announced that it will start serving Shake Shack’s burgers in an industry-first, sky-high collaboration that has completely shaken* the idea of airline food. From December 1st, America’s leading airline gave First Class passengers (on routes over 900 miles) the option to pre-select a Shake Shack cheeseburger as their meal…

Read more

Duty-Free is still one of the most valuable travel hacks in travel

The forgotten art of Duty Free shopping has long been used by discerning travellers to use their holidays to their advantage, not only as an opportunity to get away from the day-to-day and discover something new. Duty-free shopping can be invaluable for anyone jetsetting off to another country, allowing them to purchase goods without paying…

Read more

Where’s the best place to stay in L.A.? The case for Santa Monica

Where’s the best place to stay in Los Angeles? In a city so annoyingly spread out, being strategic about where to stay in L.A. is important. The city’s famously horrendous traffic isn’t something you’d want to contend with, and it can take over an hour to get from somewhere like Downtown L.A. to Venice. Getting…

Read more

How blinds and curtains are used to add warmth to any space

I think one of the most noticeable things about growing up is what you pay attention to in your home. You’re no longer focused on saving up that latest piece of home technology or buying expensive art pieces. And while those things are nice if you’ve got the money, maturing is realising that it’s those…

Read more

Luxury train travel in Southwest US peaks as Canyon Spirit emerges

America’s southwest has long beckoned travelers with its harsh, blood orange landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. Now, a significant expansion of one of the region’s most historic rail journeys promises to unveil even more of this spectacular terrain with unmatched comfort. The luxury train service currently operating as Rocky Mountaineer will rebrand as Canyon Spirit…

Read more

“Do your buffer in Fiji”: How using layovers strategically is a part of travelling well

Getting to your final destination without any breaks is always going to have more appeal for the modern traveller. Yet I feel like the art of a well-chosen layover isn’t talked about enough as it should be. To me, it all comes down to your buffer. When you’ve worked in a layover on your way…

Read more

Villa Ananya is the ultimate base for shopping in Seminyak

Situated just a short walk from the iconic Potato Head Beach Club, Villa Ananya puts you right in the centre of Seminyak’s nightlife, dining, and shopping scene. Its prime location also places you close to the stunning Petitenget and Batu Belig beaches. So, whether you want to enjoy a day at the beach or dive…

Read more

Leona Valley View: A secluded sanctuary enriched with the culture of Bali

Tucked along the peaceful banks of the Petanu River, Leona Valley View is a secluded sanctuary crafted with adult guests in mind – ideal for romantic getaways or those simply seeking a quiet retreat. The villa’s two-story design offers intimate comfort with two spacious bedrooms, each equipped with a king-sized bed and private ensuite bathroom….

Read more

How do Southwest Airlines’ Island Hopper Flights compare to Hawaiian Airlines?

Because they don’t appear on most travel comparison sites*, a lot of people don’t realise Southwest Airlines offer Island Hopper flights in Hawaii. Nonetheless, having introduced routes across five Hawaiian airports back in 2019, the Dallas based airline provide an competitive alternative to Hawaiian Airlines’ long dominance in the market. Prices are generally comparable to…

Read more

First photos from inside Universal Studio’s new Orlando theme park Epic Universe revealed

It’s recently been announced that Epic Universe will open its portals in Orlando, Florida on 22nd May 2025! And today we have received the first on site photos from the highly anticipated theme park. The first round of tickets sales – with the 2025 Explorer Ticket that’s inclusive of a single day of Epic Universe…

Read more

ModernHaus SoHo knows what true luxury is in Lower Manhattan

JIMMY has always been my favourite rooftop bar in Manhattan. Despite its location on the west side of Soho, it remains an unpretentious, benevolent beacon for both the self-fashioned influencer types and art nerds that parade regularly parade around Lower Manhattan’s eternally hip and trendy villages. It’s but one of several spaces that makes ModernHaus…

Read more

Hiking the Most Breathtaking Trails in Southeast Asia

Have you ever dreamed of hiking through misty jungles, towering mountains, and coastal cliffs with endless ocean views? Southeast Asia is a paradise for outdoor lovers, which offers some of the most stunning trails in the world. From Indonesia’s volcanic landscapes to Thailand’s lush forests, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery. If you’re an…

Read more

Is Delta Comfort+ worth upgrading from Economy for domestic flights in the USA?

The marginal comforts of Economy are clearly no longer enough for the modern traveller. And those who can’t afford the substantial jump in price required for the pointy end are increasingly seeing the value in Premium Economy. Yet it seems like Premium Economy seats are getting even more expensive, a natural knock-on effect from increased…

Read more

AIRE Ancient Baths is the ultimate wellness “hack” in New York and Chicago

In travel writing, the word “hack” is thrown around so often that it’s become a meaningless nonsense phrase, like “literally,” “narcissist,” and “we should totally start a podcast.” Shortcuts made to improve certain bugbears of the travel experience are well-documented, and just about every self-fashioned influencer and their TikTok account claim to hold the key…

Read more

Flight Review: Is Westjet’s Premium Economy Upgrade worth it on their Caribbean flights?

When it comes to air travel, one of the few markets that would be comparable to Australia would be Canada. They have one national carrier (“Air Canada” being their “Qantas”), who are the only Canadian carrier to travel to and from Australia, with two main domestic airlines for competition. There’s Porter, who followed a similar…

Read more

A Guide to Kauai: How to explore The Garden Island of Hawaii

With direct flights into Hawaii – at least from Australia – only taking you to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, many guests to the closest American State to our country don’t take the opportunity to explore the surrounding islands. Or at least don’t go further than Maui. In fact, it took me more than…

Read more

SXSW 2025: Meow Wolf is coming to New York City – and we know the location!

It was revealed today at SXSW that the creators of some of the world’s best immersive art experiences, Meow Wolf, are readying their seventh permanent location in the USA – New York City. The news comes less than a year after they revealed that a Los Angeles location would open in a movie theatre in…

Read more

Meet the Aussies playing the iconic Download Festival in the UK this June

Download Festival, acknowledged as the UK’s Premier Rock Festival, has dropped an incredible lineup for 2025. Amongst those in the latest release is Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn.  The festival showcases the best of rock and metal music at Donnington Park in Leicestershire, England, and will be held this year from the 13th to…

Read more

1 Hotel South Beach: Is the Miami favourite one of the USA’s best luxury hotels?

As someone who has written about hotels for more than a decade now, I stumble when asked what my favourites are. Forestis in The Dolomites is a singular experience and easily one of the most unforgettable stays in the world. The Baccarat New York is pure indulgence, and its bar has some of the finest…

Read more

The underrated airport tips to help you travel more seamlessly

Travelling is an experience. Travelling well is an art. The popularity and time-honoured importance of “travel hacks” are well-documented in the age of social media. Just about everyone is scrambling for ways to make their holiday feel more like a holiday and less like a task. Just open TikTok or Instagram and you’ll meet a…

Read more

Herb + Chilli Festival sets its return to Melbourne for 2025

Wandin is about to turn up the heat with the 2025 Herb + Chilli Festival returning with a fresh lineup of flavours and fun. Set in beautiful Wandin, the two-day festival runs from March 15th to 16th and promises a mouth-tingling experience for every chilli lover. It offers spicy competitions, innovative food offerings, and nonstop…

Read more

NYC on a Budget: Five things you can do for free in New York City

Even when we don’t consider the frustrating AUD to USD exchange rate, New York City ain’t cheap. But when Qantas’ direct flight from Sydney to New York set to launch next year, the city will have never been more accessible for Australian tourists. So you’re going to have even more reason to make the trip…

Read more