Arrivals & Departures Weekly Travel News & Views 11 March 2025

ROUND THE WORLD

Harmony and contrast make the world go round. I’ve been thinking about that a lot this week, given world events and the preparation for our Round the World Dinner on March 28. For that event, filled with unique food, music and words, getting the “flow” right helps to create a certain magic on the evening (and this dinner will be an “end-of-the-week Friday party”). We will visit Peru, Sri Lanka, Morocco and Greece, in that order. There will be harmony and contrast in cuisine and sounds and stories. You can book here.

THE GOOD TIMES

This week’s edition has been a big reminder for me. In writing our India Guide, I have been taken back to many places and moments, and been so strongly reminded that one of the most important aspects of travel is the memories our journeys embed in us. As I have written, I could see the misty Taj Mahal just after dawn, the cluster of people on the ghats at Nashik and the chap riding his motorbike, chatting on the phone stuffed up his helmet, while he texted on another phone. I could hear chatter and laughter and political arguments. I could smell it all, from cardamom to marigolds, Royal Enfield fumes to bad drains.

DISRAELI RECALLED

... that being said, I have been ruminating on this famous quote from former British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli: “Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.”

I have seen more than I remember. It’s self-explanatory, but a good reminder that small details of “where we are” make strong memories. One of my tricks is to stand still, slowly revolve through 360 degrees, and write a list of what I can see — right down to words on billboards and descriptions of clothing.

I remember more than I have seen. Our brains select, sort and prioritise moments and memories. Some things are more memorable than others, and we can’t always predict what they are, or what will linger the longest. Embrace every moment and experience.

AWAY & HOME

For another thoughtful view on travel, I also turn to American author John Steinbeck: “A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle, that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.”

And to Irish novelist, poet and memoirist George Moore: “A man (person) travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.”

FOUR PICTURES

... and on the last point, our little team has been busy here in WA. We know there’s a strong interest in places to visit locally, and in photography, and Mogens Johansen combines them with his new series, A Place In Four Pictures. It starts in this edition and there will be one a week. Not only does Mogens show us a place, he tells us how he’s taken the images. Nice combo, MoJo.

CPAP DEBATE

The CPAP sleep apnoea debate seems to have a gust of wind behind it. “I think you’ve hit on an important topic,” writes one reader. “CPAP is a topic verging on the challenge of travelling with a disability.” For those that don’t know, CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and these are machines that treat sleep apnoea and other breathing disorders by keeping airways open while people sleep, usually through a mask. (“I’d always wanted to sleep with a test pilot,” writes another reader, reflecting on her husband’s appearance in the mask.)

A reader suggests: “As a CPAP user carting my machine from the Amazon to Zanzibar over more than a decade, there is much that a CPAP reader group could contribute to Travel with tips and strategies for successful travel. It was stressful for me in the beginning and I would have appreciated suggestions from experienced CPAPers. Perhaps you could put a call-out for reader contributions on this topic.” So, here it is. Send tips to travel@wanews.com.au and we’ll share them.

HUNGARY FOR MORE

The tourism industry in Hungary is breathing a sigh of relief after a big start in 2025. In January alone, more than a million people visited, adding up to nearly 2.3 million overnight stays. That’s 29 per cent more than in January 2024. Most were international travellers. Insiders say that this tourism growth in Hungary could play a part in affecting immigration policies throughout the European Union, as the demand for seasonal workers in hotels, restaurants and tourism services may lead member states to rethink their work-visa rules.

THREE NEW SHIPS

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced the addition of three new “Super Ships” to its fleet. The ships’ designs will be inspired by the destinations they sail through, and will debut in 2027. An insider promises custom fabrics, hand-carved wood and marble floors. Most of the original artworks will be commissioned for the ship. All three new vessels will sail throughout Europe, cruising the Rhine, Main, Danube and Douro rivers. uniworld.com

MORE IN EUROPE

Tauck has announced the names of the two new river cruise boats that will join its fleet in Europe next year. They are MS Serene, which will sail the River Seine in France, and MS Lumiere, which will also operate in France and on Tauck’s cruises along the River Rhone.

The names were selected from more than 1000 suggestions from Tauck’s travel advisers, guests and employees.

“The name Serene is perfect for our new ship on the Seine, bringing to mind tranquillity and rejuvenation,” explains Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. “The River Seine itself is a gently flowing, meandering river that evokes a spirit of calm and escape that was captured beautifully in paintings of the waterway by the region’s Impressionist artists including Monet and Renoir.”

Lumiere evokes images of light, inspiration and discovery, says Jennifer, adding that the Rhone is a faster flowing and more lively river, “akin to a spark of inspiration”.

A popular destination on Tauck’s Rhone River cruises is Lyon, home to the Festival Lumiere. It celebrates classic cinema and honours the Lumiere brothers, pioneers in cinema, who were raised and educated in Lyon.

In 2026, MS Serene will sail a new itinerary called Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine . It is 11 days, from $10,990 per person, twin share. 1800 962 043 and tauck.com.au

BUSH SHIRTS

And the final talking point this week has been about the ABC TV series Muster Dogs (which readers have been watching as much for “the country” as the dogs themselves) — and particularly about Queensland dog trainer Renee Spencer’s colourful work shirts. We’re always on the lookout for good travel clothing, and her bright shirts have certainly been a conversation starter (those words are actually written across the back). They are Bonza long sleeve work shirts and cost $75 from trademutt.com.