On the whole I tend to regard a hotel as somewhere to sleep, wash, change clothes and recharge the batteries in between exploring the world outside.

It is amazing that - despite how thoroughly the airlines reckon they filter the air - almost invariably after a long flight I end up with a dose of flu.

Once upon a time it seemed to me the Department of Conservation's basic aim was to lock up the vast areas under its control and throw away the key.

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.

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

Do you have a dream holiday? Some impossible travel scheme involving exotic places? Jim Eagles outlines his...

The debate about extra-large passengers - should they have to buy a second seat instead of spilling over into their skinny neighbours' space - is off again.

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?

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

Factoring in refreshments and baggage costs can narrow the gap between budget and full-service prices.

There's hope for those who suffer from stuffed-up heads on aeroplanes.

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.