Arrivals & Departures Weekly Travel News & Views 21 May 2024

SHINING EXAMPLE

“It’s all right for you men … we have to pack SHOES!” Often when we get into the subject of packing, this little phrase comes up from females. Of course, it’s true. For what it’s worth, I always wear a pair of smart-but-sturdy elastic sided boots (Mongrels, made in Australia). They are easy to take off at airport security, protective enough for stamping round Africa, and slick enough for evenings. My trick is to always carry a shoe cleaning kit — dust ’em up by day, shine them up for evenings.

ON THE OTHER FOOT

… but this week in The Pod Well Travelled, travel writers Penny Thomas and Jade Jurewicz and fashion writer Megan French slip into the wonderful world of travel shoes. Penny says: “It may seem frivolous, but there is an art to strategically deciding what shoes will make the cut (or suitcase).” As Megan explains, in our podcast they discuss ...

Comfort The good old “comfort or style” question is no longer relevant. Why? Because there’s a multitude of options out there in the footwear (and clothing) department which mean we no longer have to sacrifice style for comfort.

Versatility Easily calculate how versatile the style of shoe is by asking yourself a few simple questions; how many outfits can you pair these shoes with? Can you dress them down for a casual day out, and then dress them up for a restaurant meal? Can they be cleaned or washed on the road? Prioritise versatility.

Worn-in Never pack a new pair of shoes — or you will be signing yourself up for a blister competition (spoiler: you’re the only one playing and there are no winners). Thongs and slippers are the only exception.

Pack smart Be ruthless when it comes to culling the “statement” shoes you may only wear once or twice.

Subscribe to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts.

CROC ATTACK

Jade just travelled for 10 days with just one pair of Crocs (and they were beige!). Shock revelation. You can read her story here.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

On May 18, Aldi launches a range of snow gear. There are more than 70 items in the range, with items from $4.99 and nothing over $100. A spokesperson says: “ Families can fit out two adults and two kids with everything they need, including all outerwear, gloves, goggles, helmets, thermoboots and kids knitted accessories for less than $750.”

SOLD OUT

We launched A Nice Day out on Rottnest last week — and it has sold out. We always announce our events and tours first in eTravel Digital Edition, which is sent free to inboxes each Wednesday. To get this, just go to westtravelclub.com.au/join. We just ask for your first name, surname and email address (and don’t use that information for anything else, of course). This makes you a free, registered member of West Travel Club, and members get first chance to book. (Our events, tours and days out tend to sell out quickly.)

NOT SOLD OUT

Our Rottnest day was put together in partnership with Journey Beyond, which owns Rottnest Express. My calling this “an Australian company” prompted reader Maxine to question this, as she had previously noticed that Journey Beyond was owned by the American Hornblower group. But on February 21, Journey Beyond announced that it was formally separating from Hornblower — it is now an independent business. Journey Beyond has a separate capital structure in Australia and its own sources of funding and full staff here. It also operates Outback Spirit and four train trips — the Indian Pacific and The Ghan, Great Southern and The Overland. I deal with them a lot.

LAST MINUTE

Our coach day called A Nice Day Out with Writers is next Thursday and we’ve had some last-minute cancellations, so there are a few places available. It is with me and Will Yeoman and $120, including lunch, transport, and lots of surprises and stories. Details and bookings at shorturl.at/cpSX5

SEAT ISSUES

Reader Brian Alderdice just flew from Sydney to Perth with Qantas. Brian writes: “We had booked and upgraded to business class using our flyer points and on boarding the aircraft found that there were some problems. I was in seat 4E and my wife in 4F. Unfortunately, in my seat the serving tray was broken and taped shut. So, seeing that seat 4A was taken and 4K was empty, I asked to be moved there, only to be told that the seat was completely broken. So had my meal served on the side bench, sitting sideways.”

SAIL SALE ANNOUNCED

Viking cruises has announced savings on four of its most popular European river sailings in October and November 2024. An eight-day voyage is from $2295 per person, twin share. Call 138 747.