Latest from Travel Opinion

Trials of a traveller: Beware of in-flight thieves

There's no room for complacency with your belongings while flying. Theft can happen anywhere.

Novel idea a tribute to authors

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.

Jet-setting germs a nasty business

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.

Showcasing our natural beauty

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.

The search for authenticity

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

Advice on travelling to hotspots

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.

What a card

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.

Camping free comes at a cost

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.

A good time for a holiday

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.

Planning more good times

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

Flights of fancy

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

Far from the madding crowds

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

Travel at the sharp end

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

Oldies first off the beaten path

Have a happy holiday... at home

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

Tangled web of free wireless

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

Budget not necessarily a bargain

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

Keeping a clear head in the air

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