Some people love Airbnb. Some don't - though mostly you hear about disgruntled owners after their property has been trashed, rather than hearing about unhappy guests. That's a bit strange, given that sites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com are rich in descriptions of negative experiences at hotels. Can Airbnb accommodations really be so much better?

I've used Airbnb about six times around the globe. With one exception, I've never come away feeling like it was an awesome, flawless experience. There were often basic issues that (1) must have affected other guests, and (2) could easily have been avoided. ...continue reading "Only with reservations: Airbnb"

Dolphin off Bruny Island

I've done many suitcases-worth of travelling, but there are only a few experiences which have really made it onto a notional worldwide-must-dos list. Taking a ride down the coast of South Bruny Island in Tasmania is one of them. ...continue reading "Bucket-list: Boat ride down Bruny Island, Tasmania"