It may be put on solely for tourists, but a yak polo match in Mongolia is a heap of fun, writes Jim Eagles.

In less than a month I'm due to head down the ancient trade route that carried silk from China to Europe, along the way passing through Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan.

The old spirit of New Zealand ingenuity, of being able to build anything from a Large Hadron Collider to a small vacuum cleaner with No.8 fencing wire, lives on in the imaginative Kiwi traveller.

Just down the Seabird Coast from where I have a bach is a long stretch of beach alongside which runs a well-worn vehicle track.

The cost of travel basics like accommodation and flights may have gone up a bit over the past few months as the global economy stabilises, but they're still incredibly good value, writes Jim Eagles.

Clearly there's something about train travel that exercises a particular charm over New Zealanders, writes Jim Eagles.

Choosing the right drop to drink mid-air is a surprisingly tricky business.

Jim Eagles says it's a pity we we don't make more use of the marvellous recreational potential offered by the Hauraki Gulf.

Is Queensland's Gold Coast slipping in its appeal as a Kiwi holiday destination?

What do we, as New Zealanders, do to highlight our nationality when we're overseas?

Jim Eagles takes a fresh look at rail travel in New Zealand.

The festive season is barely over and the new year has only just begun.

When you're flying at 10,000m, how much does it matter to you what the person who serves dinner is actually wearing?

Staycations seem to be catching on with Kiwis keen to avoid holiday traffic jams.

If nations, airports and airlines really are serious about security how come screening standards seem to vary so hugely?

Herald Travel editor Jim Eagles on why a local vacation may turn out to be the most relaxing break you've ever had.

Jim Eagles wonders why some airports and hotels offer free wireless access while others charge an arm and a leg.

It pays to check the baggage allowances on all your connecting flights to avoid any unpleasant surprises, says Jim Eagles.

Transit times through LAX seem largely unchanged despite the introduction of the ESTA system, says Jim Eagles.

Picking up a bug from fellow passengers on a flight is a common complaint, writes Jim Eagles.

Sleeping in an airport terminal isn't as uncomfortable as it might sound.

Isobel Marriner steps onto a cruise ship and finds herself a convert.

Jill Worrall visits some of the lower North Island's lesser-known gems.

How to combine the best of backpacking and organised tours.

Jim Eagles wonders why we can't all be civilised when it comes to airport bag carousels.

Jim Eagles is in two minds over proposed developments around India's Taj Mahal.

Jill Worrall wonders whether travellers need to be wary about in-room surveillance.

New system of checking in has halved the average waiting time at the airport.

Jim Eagles evaluates the pros and cons of travelling with young children on planes.