Arrivals & Departures Weekly Travel News & Views 11 August 2025

CALMING OASIS

The brains of neurodivergent people work in a less typical way. Neurodivergent conditions include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, Tourette syndrome and various types of cognitive and learning differences. And Perth Airport recently opened a sensory room in T1 International to help neurodivergent travellers before they take off. A calming environment, it is quieter and has soft lighting. There are seating nooks for small groups, two private areas and small cubby spaces. Plus Architecture came up with the design and the sensory room won The Iwan Iwanoff Award for Small Project Architecture at the 2025 WA Architecture Awards.

MEET & GREET

Arriving in Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar can be stressful at times. Readers (particularly those with mobility issues) often ask if they can get help and Bali Fast Track has a “meet and assist” service. Local greeters meet travellers at the airbridge when a plane arrives and can help avoid queues, for a quicker arrival. They will meet travellers outside the airport and guide them through on departure. They help with bags, and through border controls. Prices range from $US25 ($39) to $US70 ($108), depending on the services. balifasttrackservice.com

RUN ON RAILS

Railbookers has a new collection of e-brochures covering its huge collection worldwide and deeper-focus editions on Italy, Switzerland, cruise extensions and luxury rail holidays. Itineraries can been booked up to 24 months in advance. They can be downloaded at railbookers.com.au/where-to-start/resources.

Railbookers’ independent rail holidays can be fully customised, with flexible departures year-round — winter, shoulder and peak seasons.

A Railbookers spokesperson says: “Interest in our offerings has never been higher, with demand continuing to grow for travel in 2026 and beyond.”

SKIING KOREA

I’m seeing South Korea proving an increasingly interesting ski alternative for those who’ve been enjoying Japan, but are looking for “the next thing”. And it is appealing to both beginners and seasoned skiers.

Yongpyong has more than 28 groomed runs and a zone specifically for families. High1 Resort might have terrain suitable for novice skiers but also big, high-altitude views. It specialises in family packages.

Deogyusan Resort , in the Gucheon-dong Valley, has a ski area covering seven million square metres, and South Korea’s longest run, of 6.2km, called the Silk Road Slope. Its steepest slope is the 60-degree Raiders. Its season is from mid-November to early April and the snow tends to be light and dry. There are 12 lifts for three beginner runs, seven for intermediate skiers, six advance runs and six for experts. Top elevation is 1614m. Off the slopes, there are modern facilities and attentive service. Flight Centre has all-inclusive packages. 1300 462 105 and flightcentre.com.au

COMPANIONS

Reader Elizabeth Floyd is interested in reinstituting the idea of the “travel companion” — a rather quaint phrase, but with a proven history. Elizabeth is Perth born and bred, lived in the UK and London since her 20s and returned to Perth about a year ago. She has run event businesses and spent three years as assistant cruise director on cruise ships. She says: “Being a travel companion is a bit of a nod back to the olden days, I know, but I’ve discovered a lot of people still have the desire to travel; have the funds but ‘no one to do it with’. While it wasn’t an official offering in London, I did this for a UK client. The idea is that they pay for my ticket and a minimal daily fee (‘pin money’) and I make their travel easy and enjoyable. I’m there to sort and arrange everything in line with their individual preferences pre and during the trip. It could be local, further afield, short haul, long haul or on cruises. It could be independent — just us two (with help of local support as needed) or as part of an organised group.” 0449 100 601 and floyd.elizabeth@gmail.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Elizabeth also mentioned to me that she is a London Arts and Culture Companion. In fact, she was a founder of the organisation, which offers companions for people who have no one to go to London’s arts venues with and simply want company, or want to go out with a friend or friends but don’t know where to start. “What’s the best exhibition in London? Best play? How to navigate the V&A? What’s on at the National Gallery? Best place to see Constable or Yayoi Kusama. Classical concerts? Summer exhibition? What opera? How to get into the Chanel exhibition?” All can be answered by London Arts and Culture Companions. And arts and culture companions and organisers can be “gifted”. artsandculturecompanion.com

NEW LIFE

Shakti Himalaya, which offers “sophisticated walking journeys” through beautiful areas of the Indian Himalayas, is opening Prana in the remote Kumaon region in October 2025. It is on the site where Shakti’s 360 Leti closed in March 2024. Leti was dismantled stone by stone to make way for Prana — an exclusive lodge high in the mountains. There are seven cabins, each with a sitting room with open fire, bathroom and bedroom and mountain views. All have been built with local stone carried 820m up a steep goat path. A spokesperson for the retreat says there will be an emphasis on food, local culture, yoga and walking. There are daily mountain walks for guests. A seven-night “village walks experience” Shakti Himalaya package, with three nights at Prana, is from $12,125 per person, twin share. A five-night package with two nights at Prana is from $9850 each. shaktihimalaya.com.au

PS Prana means “breath” in Sanskrit.

VILLAGE LIFE

Susan Moss is an experienced photography tour guide and her next trip is to Gujarat in India from February 4-17, 2026. Her photo group will get right out in the countryside and visit villages. Susan says: “It will be the fifth tour I have led in India alongside my Indian tour leader Atik Ahmed, who cares for us all so well. Photographers at all levels very welcome along with their spouses. Artists also come to take photos to then paint. Atik loves to assist those on their phones.” The tour is $9450 for solo travellers and $8950 per person, twin share, including all meals. The itinerary is at susanmossartandphotography.com.

SET TO BLOOM

Canberra is set to become a living canvas of floral art as the biggest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Floriade, transforms Commonwealth Park. From September 13 to October 12, Floriade’s 38th year follows the theme of Science and Nature. Entry to Floriade is free and gates open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily. The month-long festival has a program of entertainment, music, cultural celebrations, food, wine and horticultural workshops. floriadeaustralia.com