Latest fromTravellers' Tips

Travel book: <i>Wild New Zealand From The Road</i>
It's hard to think of a better guide to our wild places than Gordon Ell.

Jim Eagles: Applauding eco conscious airlines
If you're one of those sad people who put a dampener on their own holidays by feeling guilty at the damage done to the planet when they fly overseas, here's something that should ease your conscience.

Don't miss: Sydney Festival
Sydney's summer heats up during this fabulous cultural kaleidoscope of theatre, music, dance and visual arts.

Ask Lonely Planet: Travelling alone in Switzerland
Advice on seeing the main sights of Switzerland solo and spending five days in Copenhagen.

Travel gadget: Probiotic gum
There's nothing more irritating than arriving at your travel destination with a cold or, worse, the flu. Which is probably why I write about it a lot.

A guide to guidebook realities
The latest Lonely Planet guide to New Zealand came out the other day with the usual flutter of controversy over descriptions of the Bay of Islands as over-hyped, Hamilton as dull and Kiwis as eager-to-please.

Close to home: Fresh from the sea
Cooking demonstrations, fish filleting and mussel opening competitions are part of the fun at the Tauranga Moana Seafood Festival.

Jim Eagles: A dog of a time through Customs
If you're moving back from Australia to New Zealand - going against the tide - you're better off not being a dog.

Don't miss: Loi Krathong
Held on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, Loi Krathong is one of Thailand's most atmospheric traditional festivals.

Travel book: <i>Tea with the Taliban: Travels in Afghanistan</i>
This book is the sort of journey it's great to read about from the comfort of your armchair.

Ask Lonely Planet: Pilgrims rewarded at end of long road
Advice from travel experts on walking in Spain and exploring Kuala Lumpur.

A gap in the walking market
It's a shame the path around Devonport's North Head isn't quite complete, writes Jim Eagles.

Close to home: Spring on sale
On October 23, enjoy a day exploring the glorious gardens and woodland trails at Eastwoodhill Arboretum near Gisborne for half price.

Don't miss: Ball Season
The elegant waltzes of Johann Strauss are synonymous with Vienna, and glamorous public balls are a Viennese tradition.

Travel gadget: Disposable toothbrush
This handy mini disposable toothbrush is perfect for those on the go and sits in the category of "why didn't anyone think of that before" products.

A tower of strength and light
Next time you're passing through Christchurch International Airport during the hours of darkness keep an eye out for the control tower.

Close to home: Paddle to the pools
During Waimarino's new Thermal Hot Pool & Glow-worm Cave Kayak Tour, paddlers skirt the bushy shores of Lake Rotoiti before slipping into a cave where glow-worms twinkle all around.

Don't miss: Carols in the Caves
Hosted by TV personalities, this fundraising event is a chance to join in traditional Christmas carols with gifted performers.

Ask Lonely Planet: Skies alight in winter darkness
Information on seeing the Northern Lights and

Don't miss: Art Basel Miami Beach
A sister event to Switzerland's prestigious Art Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach is regarded as the most important art show in the US.

Travel book: <i>Battlefields of the New Zealand Wars: A Visitor's Guide</i>
Read up on your New Zealand history as you travel the globe.

Ask Lonely Planet: The centre of Turkish delight
Advice on side trips from Istanbul and public transport options between Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.

Five of the best : Ways to raise your adrenalin
Get your blood pumping with these adventurous activities in and around Auckland.

Travel gadget: Fuji Finepix XP10
There was a lament about British manufacturing in the 1970s that went something like, "Why buy British when the Japanese make it smaller and cheaper?"