You’ve just rolled off the Spirit of Tasmania and arrived in the northern Tassie town of Devonport after a good night sleeping while crossing the Bass Strait… but now what?

As it turns out, Tasmania’s north and north-west regions are happy to keep the good times rolling before you set your course south, chasing waterfalls and eclectic art.

Devonport is the first port of call for travellers arriving by ferry from the mainland and there’s everything from chocolate factories to rare wildlife, heritage motors and glow worm caves all within easy cruising distance of the wharf.

Here are seven stops to add to your road trip ahead.

1. For the food lovers

A visit to Anvers chocolate factory is a must for chocoholics. Take a self-guided tour through the factory and museum, sample the world’s rarest chocolate, Fortunato No. 4, in the shop then grab a block (or three) to take home. Craving more? Settle in the cafe with a hot chocolate and chocolate platter for breakfast – we won’t tell.

You’ll be fit to burst sampling food from up to 40-plus artisanal producers along the northern Tasting Trail. Go snuffling for truffles at The Truffledore, wash them down with a Spreyton Cider and try some of the world’s freshest oysters at Tarkine.

2. For the heritage transport lovers

If SA’s own motoring museum in Birdwood is the full three-course feast, the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania in Launceston is the perfectly curated tasting menu. The museum’s collection spans a century of style and technical achievement, including one of the first Holdens to be shipped across the Bass Strait. Want more? The Ransley Veteran Car Collection in Wynyard, restored by local Francis Ransley, houses one of the oldest Fords in the world – the 1903 Model A.

Nostalgic for heritage rail? There’s plenty in northern Tasmania to help you blow off steam. Within an hour of Devonport, locomotives puff along the Don River Railway’s Melrose Line, while Pearns Steam World has the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest boiler room and more than 200 traction engines to satisfy any historic locomotive fix.

3. For the art and culture lovers

Nothing in Australia competes with Hobart’s Mona art museum, but the north has its own treasures. The Devonport Regional Gallery holds more than 100,000 photographic negatives from the famed Robinson Collection. After dark, Waterfront Park comes alive with From Sky to Sea – a sound-and-light installation best explored from every angle. For a more grassroots art experience, drive through the Kentish region, aptly named Tasmania’s Outdoor Art Gallery, and keep a look out for murals, topiary and the novelty letterbox trail.

For a deeper connection to place, tunapri Patuyala offers a hands-on cultural walk at Boat Harbour led by proud Palawa waypa man Jye Crosswell, covering traditional tidal fish traps and seasonal bush foods and craft. Or set your own pace along the Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail on the banks of the Meander River, where native plants, artworks and a stone yarning circle invite you to sit a while.

4. For the animal lovers

Tasmania is a safe haven for some of Australia’s rarest wildlife. Encounter the endangered Tasmanian Devil up close during the chaotic after-dark feeding frenzy or joey encounter at Devils@Cradle, or wind down at Seahorse World to meet these gender-bending, mystical marine creatures alongside the critically endangered red handfish.

Between September and April, head to Lillico Beach in the evening to join volunteers at the Little Penguin Viewing platform and watch the tiny birds waddle home to their burrows after a long day’s fishing. It’s free, but donations are always appreciated.

5. For the adventure seekers

For an energy burn the whole family can enjoy, hire single, double, family and even wheelchair accessible and baby buggies from Pedal Buggies just outside Devonport. Pedal along the foreshore with an ice-cream and a swim stop built in.

Further afield at Cradle Mountain, join a kayak tour and glide across Dove Lake as the scenery rises breathtakingly around you. If you prefer dry land, (weather permitting), choose from walks ranging from a 10-minute rainforest stroll to multi-day hikes along the Overland Track, keeping an eye out for the elusive platypus along the way.

6. For nature lovers

Stand beside the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and gaze across the Tasman. The clifftop walking tracks offer sweeping views and if you’re here of an evening, you might spot the Spirit of Tasmania beginning its return journey. The lighthouse reserve is a vibrant sanctuary for wildlife, birds and flora, and you’ll also find the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre – one of Australia’s oldest Keeping Places, which is home to ancient rock art and carvings.

For something a little more subterranean, head underground on a Mole Creek Karst National Park cave tour. Peer into sparkling, reflective pools, listen to the music of the underground creeks and be delighted by the surprising blue pinpricks of the Glow Worm Caves.

Discover for yourself

Drive your own car onto the Spirit of Tasmania in Geelong and roll off in Devonport the next day, ready to begin your 14-night Sail and Drive tour with Tasmanian Vacations. Let Tasmanian Vacations deal with the logistics, leaving you the freedom to explore at your own pace knowing your quality accommodation is waiting at the end of the day.

Until 21 December 2026, Tasmanian Vacations is offering $150 of free petrol if you stay for a minimum of 10 nights, and $200 of free petrol if you stay for a minimum of 14 nights. They’ve also purchased carbon offsets to the value of petrol to promote a more environmentally friendly touring holiday.

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A multigenerational trip turned out to be the chance of a lifetime to explore family heritage for RAA member Peter and his daughter Mary.

RAA Travel Sales Consultant at RAA City, Duncan Carmichael helped the duo plan the perfect trip, and they were thrilled to share it with the team on their return.

What inspired you to take this trip?

The idea for the trip grew from two complementary motivations. For Mary, it was a desire to better understand her heritage, not as an abstract family history, but as something tangible and grounded in place.

Visiting the towns, villages, churches, and graveyards connected to our family gave real texture to stories that had previously existed only in conversation.

It was a chance to connect identity with geography, and to see how past generations had shaped the present.

What did the trip mean to you?

For me, the pull was both similar and slightly different. Ireland, in particular, carried personal significance, having not visited it for many years. Returning, this time with my daughter, added a new dimension.

Visiting my mother’s village in Wexford, standing at the graves of grandparents and earlier ancestors, and watching Mary trace family lines back centuries was quietly powerful. ‘We are because they were’. The journey shifts from sightseeing to something more reflective and personal, where places are not just destinations but reference points in a longer story.

Equally important was the shared nature of the journey. Travelling together across England, Scotland, Paris, and Ireland allowed us to experience similar interests and occasional differences in real time.

The trip became as much about connection in the present as understanding the past. Travelling in the weeks leading up to Christmas added an unexpected dimension to the journey.

Across both the UK and Ireland, the seasonal atmosphere was genuinely enjoyable, with festive decorations, Christmas music, and Christmas markets throughout.

Looking back, what would you say to someone considering a similar trip?

Take the opportunity and plan thoughtfully, but not rigidly. Travelling with someone from a different generation works best when there is space for independence as well as shared experiences.

Agree early that it’s perfectly acceptable to split up occasionally and reunite later, ideally with a clear plan for doing so.

Phones fail, batteries die, and it’s amazing how quickly a crowded place becomes complicated when you can’t get a message through. Establishing simple meet points saves stress.

What are your top tips for a great trip?

Timing matters. Late November and December bring shorter days and variable weather. This doesn’t diminish the experience, but it does require an awareness of daylight and a willingness to prioritise.

Having a loose daily structure helps, especially when daylight is limited, but flexibility is essential. Some days, plans can be reshuffled to suit the weather; other days you simply accept conditions and let the experience unfold.

Balance flexibility with a few smart commitments. Popular attractions do book out, sometimes days ahead, so while spontaneity is part of the fun, it’s often more prudent to secure key tickets online for the must see items, particularly if you’re moving on to the next city and won’t have a second chance. You can keep the rest of the itinerary open and still avoid the “sold out” sign at the door.

Good advice is invaluable. RAA Travel was able to translate our broad ambitions into something workable, across flights, trains, accommodation, and driving. It makes a real difference when time is limited. A considered itinerary provides confidence without feeling restrictive.

Finally, pack for reality rather than optimism. We were separated from our luggage on the way there. Keep essentials in your carry on (toothbrush and undies) and bring a power bank.

Accept that weather, traffic, and the occasional navigational curveball are part of the story rather than interruptions to it.

Most of all, allow space for the unexpected moments, quiet ones as much as dramatic ones. And sharing that with someone you care about makes it all the richer.

The post A journey tracing history appeared first on samove.com.au.

Imagine yourself horizontal in the shade of a palm tree, one of hundreds lining Fiji’s postcard coastline.

That’s the reality of this 300-plus island paradise, where most flights touch down at Nadi on the main island, Viti Levu. From there, many travellers hop on a quick shuttle to their all-inclusive resort on Denarau Island, and long days relaxing by a body of water stretch out ahead.

For some, that’s the dream. For others, that sounds great… for about 20 minutes. If you’re an active traveller, you may have discounted Fiji as a destination that isn’t for you. Beyond the resort gates, there’s whole islands full of adventure just waiting to be explored. The most common regret from visitors is “I wish I’d left the resort more.”

So here are five ways to experience Fiji in the fast lane.

1. Ride the rails at Eco Trax Fiji

Eco Trax Fiji’s unique velocipede rail bike adventure follows a disused sugar cane railway along the Coral Coast, taking riders through lush rainforest and stretches of coastline that are otherwise difficult to access. Cool off with a swim and sip a fresh coconut on a secluded beach. High-five smiling children as they stand trackside while you coast through their traditional villages on the return journey.

The mostly flat route makes it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, while the electric-assisted rail bikes take the hard work out of the journey. This is a charming experience that needs to be on your itinerary. Book early as it fills up two months ahead.

2. Swim with sharks and manta rays

No trip to Fiji is complete without ducking beneath that impossibly clear water. Beqa Adventure Divers takes certified scuba divers into the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Pacific Harbour which bull, reef and lemon sharks (and the occasional tiger shark) call home.Prefer to stay closer to the surface? Between May and October, snorkel alongside graceful manta rays in the Yasawa Islands. If you’re lucky, you may spot a reef shark here too. Tours are offered for travellers staying at Mantaray Island Resort, or you can join a South Sea Cruises day-trip from Port Denarau.

3. Hike the Sigatoka Sand Dunes

Earn your sunset cocktail with a walk through Fiji’s first national park. Sigatoka Sand Dunes swaps postcard palm-lined beaches for shaded forest teeming with luminescent butterflies and birdlife, before opening to dramatic golden dunes towering over the water.

Choose the easier one-hour trail or the two-hour version, with plenty of side tracks for those feeling adventurous. Adelaidians may recognise the sound of resting fruit bats. Here, it’s the slightly smaller cousin, the Pacific Flying Fox. Pack plenty of water and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day. This hike is best enjoyed unhurried, on Fiji time.

4. Drift downstream at River Tubing Fiji

If there’s one motto that sums up Fiji, it’s “go with the flow”. River Tubing Fiji floats you down the Navua River in an inflatable tube, trading resort beaches for lush rainforest scenery and the occasional gentle rapid for a splash of excitement.

Start with a scenic longboat ride upriver as friendly local guides share stories of Fijian culture, history and village life along the way. Follow this with a refreshing dip in a hidden waterfall and enjoy a delicious Fijian-style riverside lunch. Then it’s back downstream, taking it all in again from tube level.

5. Meet the makers at Honey & Hive

Drop by Honey & Hive, tucked on the edge of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, for an encounter that’ll leave you buzzing long after you leave. Suit up and step into the apiary to meet Fiji’s hardest-working bees up close, as your guide uses smoke to keep them calm. Surrounded by the gentle drone of thousands of pollinators, you’ll see every stage of the bee life cycle within the hive and, if you’re lucky, you might spot the queen.

Make a day of it by pairing this heart-racing experience with more serene attractions nearby – even adventurers need some down time occasionally. First, wander through the countless orchids and tropical plants inside the Garden of the Sleeping Giant botanical garden. Finish the day at the cash-only Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, where you’ll slather yourself in squelchy mud before melting away the aches and pains with a soothing soak in the mineral-rich, naturally heated water.

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A trip to Europe is packed with excitement and choice. But with choice comes decisions. Where do you go, what do you see and how do you get around?

What if there were a way to see multiple countries in premium comfort, without the stress of moving hotels every few days? There is. It’s called a river cruise.

Europe’s rivers are increasingly popular with travellers, and for good reason. Here are our top five.

1. Unpack and relax

The beauty of river cruising lies in its simplicity. No dragging heavy luggage through cobblestone streets, no mad dashes to the airport at 4am, and no navigating complex public transit systems. Just climb aboard, settle into your comfortable cabin, and unpack once.

Sit back and enjoy the hospitality and indulgence a modern river ship provides. From your first welcome drink to your final chef-prepared meal with fresh local ingredients, everything’s designed to pamper you while the scenery drifts past and your dream holiday unfolds.

2. A taste of everything

Unless you have unlimited time, Europe’s sheer density of countries and cultures means tough choices. You’ve always wanted to see France, but your friends say don’t miss The Netherlands. Budapest is stunning but what about Vienna? Your family is from Germany but is there time to see Czechia?

A European river cruise solves all of this; multiple countries, iconic cities and sights and completely different cultures, all on one trip. Tick several places off your must-visit list without the headache of multi-country travel. 

3. Extraordinary scenery

We’re talking about Europe here, so expect to be surrounded by scenery so picture-perfect it hardly seems real. Medieval castles perched on hilltops, cathedral spires shaping ancient city skylines, and rolling hills lined with vineyards drift past your window or from the deck.

It’s the ever-changing scenery that truly stays with you as you wake up each day to a new location. And if that’s not enough, there’s the thrill of sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube – rivers that have inspired countless works of music, art and literature. How’s that for a conversation starter?

4. The ship is a destination

Modern river ships are designed to please the most discerning traveller and perfectly suited to their environment.

Step ashore right in the centre of town and get into the action straight away, with knowledgeable guides showing you the sights.

On board, enjoy all-inclusive food and drink packages with regional dishes and wines, while you swap stories with fellow passengers and take in some locally themed entertainment.

No queuing at buffet tables or getting lost in floating cities; just laughs, fun and new friends.

5. Choose your own adventure

With so many rivers weaving through so many countries, there are countless ways to cruise Europe.

From the ever-popular 15-day trip from Amsterdam to Budapest, to the eight-day Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets cruise and the 22-day Ultimate Voyage of Europe cruise from Amsterdam to Bucharest, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday to suit.

If you want a bit extra, combine your river cruise with a rail or land tour to explore Europe further. You only pay for what you want to do, nothing more. After all, it’s your special holiday.

Cruise in style with Travelmarvel

Travelmarvel’s state-of-the-art ships Polaris, Capella, Vega and Rigel are ready to take you on your dream European river cruise.

Featuring contemporary, stylish accommodation and modern amenities like a sun deck, jacuzzi and gym, you’ll also find space to relax and unwind. The only thing left to do is pack.

The post 5 reasons to cruise Europe’s rivers appeared first on samove.com.au.

With Japan inundated by tourists, it’s no surprise Australian travellers are busy searching for an alternative destination that offers a similar mix of rich cultural immersion, incredible food experiences, and family-friendly travel. For many people, South Korea is that place.

South Korea is a fascinating land where ancient traditions and youthful energy coexist easily, offering a wealth of memorable experiences for the curious traveller. Just don’t wait too long to book your trip. A record 267,000 Australians visited in 2025, and that number is sure to increase this year.

New and old

Tradition and modernity collide on every corner in South Korea’s relentlessly buzzing capital. This is a city where glittering skyscrapers tower over ancient palaces, and it takes just two minutes to walk from a 1200-year-old temple to a sculpture immortalising Psy’s viral 2012 hit ‘Gangnam Style’.

Visitors can get a taste of Korea’s rich history at Gyeongbokgung (Palace of Shining Happiness), where the imposing Gwanghwamun Gate hosts a ceremonial changing of the guard. Beyond the gates lies a harmoniously designed compound where elegant pavilions gaze out over picturesque ornamental gardens and artificial lakes.

Alternatively, dive into the future in neon-lit Hongdae – a student hotspot where buskers compete with bars blasting out the latest K-pop hits, and achingly cool hipsters browse indie fashion boutiques in search of the latest trends and styles.

Wander the streets checking out the ever-changing landscape of street art, then copy the locals and sing your heart out in one of the many noraebangs (private karaoke rooms).

If you want to see an alternative vision of Korea, you can even take a day trip to the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) that separates North and South Korea. Just 50km north of Seoul, it can only be accessed on a guided tour that includes several poignant memorials, a walk through a secret tunnel dug by North Korea, and the chance to look over the heavily fortified border.

A full table

Food in Korea is more than a means of physical sustenance; it’s a way of life that provides a sense of connection and community. Meals are best enjoyed in company, and joining a group of friends around a glowing charcoal grill covered with sizzling skewers of marinated beef and pork for a classic Korean BBQ is a highlight of any trip.

You don’t need to be a kimchi fan to fall in love with South Korea’s vibrant cuisine (though it certainly doesn’t hurt), but you can expect bold flavours in every meal. Delicacies like gimbap (rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed) and hwae (thinly sliced raw fish) resemble popular Japanese dishes, but bibimbap (a rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, meat and an egg) is so iconically Korean that its birthplace of Jeonju has been declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

And no matter whether you’re sitting down to a meal of japchae (sweet and savoury glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and sesame oil), perfectly crispy Korean fried chicken, or tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy sauce), you can expect the table to be laden with banchan. These side dishes (banchan) are essential to any true Korean meal, and might include spicy cucumber salad, blanched greens with garlic and sesame oil, crunchy potato pancakes, fried tofu or shredded squid.

Busan bound

South Korea’s second-biggest city of Busan is a bustling port that has preserved its raffish energy even as skyscrapers have sprung up and transformed the skyline. Today it’s a place where bustling street markets and flashy seaside hotels coexist between densely forested mountain ranges and a coastline of surprisingly inviting beaches.

Start your day the same way generations of locals have in the sprawling Jagalchi Fish Market, where hundreds of stalls sell every imaginable form of seafood… and several you never knew existed. Then enjoy an overview of the cityscape from the glass-bottom Songdo Cable Car, which provides spectacular views as it floats almost 90 metres above a sparkling turquoise bay.

Busan’s coast is sprinkled with white-sand beaches and even a rare coastal temple where multi-tiered pagodas stare out over the waves. But the city’s most intriguing destination lies further up the hill. Once populated by refugees fleeing the Korean War, Gamcheon Culture Village has, in recent years, transformed into a creative hotspot. The neighbourhood’s candy-coloured houses are connected by alleyways filled with quirky cafes and strikingly contemporary street art.

Into the wild

Four out of five South Koreans are city dwellers, which leaves plenty of space for wilderness across the peninsula. The mountainous landscape is home to more than 20 national parks, and when it launches later this year, the 750km Dongseo Trail will allow hikers to walk from coast to coast.

But the country’s most beautiful landscapes lie further south, where the subtropical island of Jeju rises out of the Korea Strait in a harmonious blend of mountain, sea and forest. At the centre of the island sits an extinct volcano known as Hallasan Mountain. At 1947 metres, it’s the tallest peak in the country.

The Olle Trail network encircles the entire island and is split into 27 sections that connect a host of natural wonders, including Jeongbangpokpo – a 23-metre-high waterfall that thunders directly into the ocean.

Seongsan Ilchulbong – a symmetrical volcanic crater that makes a perfect viewpoint to watch the sun rise over the sea – and countless rock formations that shoot up dramatically from the turquoise waters offshore are also visible from the route.

Even if the weather isn’t conducive to hiking, an extensive system of lava tubes stretch for more than 7km below the surface and can be explored year-round.

A living museum

Korea’s rich cultural heritage is on full display in the city of Gyeongju. Once the capital of the Silla Kingdom – one of the three kingdoms that laid the foundations of modern Korean culture – today it’s known as ‘the museum without walls’.

Take a stroll around the city and you’ll discover serene parks filled with ancient burial mounds, eye-catching pagodas and one of the world’s oldest astronomical observatories. See the story of the Silla Kingdom unfold through displays of intricate golden jewellery and religious carvings at the Gyeongju National Museum. Marvel at the harmonious Buddhist architecture of Bulguksa temple before climbing to an eighth-century grotto where a famous granite Buddha stares out over the sea and protects the country.

Back in the city, take a trip to the Hwangnidan-gil neighbourhood where you can eat, shop and even spend the night in a traditional timber and stone hanok building with a peaceful inner courtyard. Sleep on a foldable Korean yo mattress that’s placed directly on the floor beneath the distinctive curved tiled roof. A night in a hanok makes it easy to connect to the strong sense of tradition that permeates Korean culture. But the modern world is never far away in this endlessly connected nation. When you’re ready, the KTX high-speed train will whisk you back to central Seoul in just two hours.

The post Seoul searching appeared first on samove.com.au.

Smartphones have revolutionised the way we travel, and with nine out of 10 South Australians owning one, it’s safe to say there’s a phone in pretty much every traveller’s pocket.

Gone are the days of quick calls and creatively cramming everything you need to say into 160-characters SMS. Today’s phones are tiny supercomputers, with processing power and speeds faster than many desktop computers.

But left unchecked, they can also rack up enormous bills, drain your battery and leave you unable to phone home. So how do you make sure your phone is contributing not counteracting?

Here are seven features on your phone to check before switching to airport mode and taking off.

1. Download offline maps

Downloading offline maps before you go takes the stress out of getting lost in an unfamiliar country, saves you relying on slow (or non-existent) hotel or airport Wi-Fi, or being unexpectedly charged for data. Offline maps need no extra data once downloaded, work in coverage dead zones, use far less battery and help you avoid roaming fees. Even if you’re buying a local SIM, there’s no harm in having your maps ready as a backup.

Keep in mind, offline maps won’t give you real-time traffic and is designed for driving and walking routes rather than public transport.

Google Maps and Apple Maps are the most popular for offline navigation. Tap your profile picture, select Offline maps and choose your area. The more you zoom out, the more road information will be saved Keep zooming out to save the largest area; it takes up more space on your phone but it means that there’s a greater area of road information available to you.

And if you forget to delete the map once you’re home, don’t stress because most expire on their own.

Top tip: Keep Wi-Fi toggled on even in airplane mode. It won’t connect you to the internet, but it does give your phone access to better GPS positioning.

2. Snap photos of your belongings

Describing to weary lost baggage desk staff how your black suitcase differs from all the other black suitcases isn’t a lot of fun. Showing a photo on your phone can help staff locate your bag much faster than a verbal description.

The same goes for other essentials like your wallet, camera and the details page of your passport. In the unfortunate instance you need to prove something is yours at an airport or police station, having a snap ready makes the process easier.

It’s also worth keeping digital copies of important documents stored safely as either files or photos to access quickly if you don’t have internet access, like travel insurance, car hire confirmations and accommodation bookings.

Top tip: Create a dedicated photo album or hidden album for these so you’re not scrolling through 16,981 pictures to find the one that matters.

3. Turn data roaming off

There are few reasons to leave data roaming switched on, so play it safe and toggle it ‘off’ before you fly. Data roaming lets your phone ‘borrow’ signal from a local network when your own provider has no towers nearby – there’s no Telstra in Tokyo, for instance. Email, web browsing, social media, streaming music and navigating maps (if you didn’t download them) can rack up fast.

With data roaming left on, your phone starts searching for a local signal the moment you switch off airplane mode, often auto-connecting and letting background apps sync to the cloud or download updates. This not only sends your bill skyrocketing, it can drain your battery in the process. There are two times you’d switch roaming on:

1. You’ve bought an international roaming pack or eSIM (like Airalo) for that destination.
2. It’s an emergency, you have no local SIM or roaming pack, and no Wi-Fi is available. It’s not guaranteed to work and is often slower than what you’re used to.

Top tip: Once you’ve switched roaming off, you can leave it off – even back home. In remote parts of Australia your device will simply connect to available domestic networks.

4. Check your mobile data settings

You’ve turned data roaming off, bought a 3GB data travel pack that should last the whole week and somehow, you’ve powered through all your data in the first day. How? The culprit is usually background activity, when apps quietly download updates, backup to the cloud and scan for new notifications.

Turning off mobile data entirely means your apps will only work over W-Fi, which is handy for stretching your data further but not so useful if you need something on the go. A better middle ground is to check your data usage settings and switch off background data for apps you won’t need while you’re away, then toggle them back on if you need.

Top tip: Adjust settings in apps like Instagram and YouTube to limit auto-playing in high definition, so your data can stretch further while scrolling on holiday.

5. Check if your SIM has restrictions

If your service provider’s international roaming add-ons suit your needs, you can skip this tip. However, if you’re planning to get a local SIM to make calls, receive texts and use data, then read on before holding up the queue at the airport arrivals hall SIM desk.

Some phones are ‘locked’ to a single carrier, meaning only a SIM from that provider will work. This is most common with phones bought on a bundle plan. The only fix is to contact your provider; a task much easier done at home.

To check, either try another SIM in your phone, or look in your settings for terms like ‘Service provider lock’, ‘Carrier lock status’ or ‘Mobile network state’. If it names a carrier like Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, your phone is locked and needs unlocking before you go.

Top tip: If your phone is newer, you can skip the airport SIM swap entirely by downloading a digital eSIM like Airalo before departure. Leave your physical home SIM in your phone, turn off its data roaming and your eSIM will be ready to connect the moment you land.

6. Check your emergency contacts can be reached

Don’t be faced with a ‘not delivered’ error or dialling a complete stranger when calling or texting home.

Every country has a unique code to sort and direct international phone calls. Australia’s is +61. Even a number saved in your contacts beginning with the local ‘04’ will either fail to connect or you may end up chatting to someone else entirely.

Before you go, replace the leading 0 in your important contacts with +61. It’ll make no difference when you’re at home, but it’ll make for a smoother experience in a travel emergency.

Top tip: Set up an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contact. If something happens and your phone is locked, emergency services can reach your people without needing your passcode.

7. Set up Find My Phone

Before you go, set up Lost Mode in the Find My iPhone app or make sure Find My Device on Android is switched on. If your phone goes missing, you can use another device to track its location remotely and lock it to keep your data safe.

You can even display a custom message on the lock screen such as a friend’s phone number and a reward if returned.

Top tip: Turn on ‘offline finding’ which is available in many newer smartphones. It uses nearby strangers’ Bluetooth signals to anonymously and securely relay your phone’s location – even if it’s switched off, has a drained battery, in airplane mode or has no data.

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Bali, Fiji and the Gold Coast have long been on the must-visit list for families, but have you considered a vacation to the land of smiles?

On a recent trip to Thailand – the first with our two young daughters – we found it to be a great family destination.

Here are five reasons you should put it on your must-visit list.

1. Bustling Bangkok

When you think of family destinations, you’re probably not considering Bangkok, but it’s a great place to kick off your holiday in Thailand.

There are family attractions galore in this metropolis, from the Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum where the littlies can try plenty of hands-on activities, to a Dream World theme park which will keep older kids entertained for hours.

It’s also a great base location for day trips to the Maeklong Railway Market, Ayutthaya’s ruins or one of the many floating markets close to Bangkok.

Known as the Venice of the east, families can enjoy a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River or Bangkok’s many khlongs (canals). It’s a trip that will give the kids great insight into how many of this city’s residents live day-to-day.

Want to escape the heat? Bangkok is full of world-class malls with plenty of entertainment that’s usually half the price that it is back home. Places like Siam Paragon have indoor theme parks, aquariums, ten-pin bowling alleys and ice rinks.

2. Tours kids and adults will both enjoy

On our trip to Phuket in the south of Thailand, we were surprised at how accommodating the tours were for families. On a kayaking tour in Phang Nga Bay we were treated to an entire day of activities, with plenty of time to rest on the boat as well.

Our guide (who did hard work kayaking for us) navigated his way through caves before coming to an opening, and as we entered a tropical lagoon surrounded by sheer cliff faces, my two children let out “ooohs” and “ahhhs” at the awe-inspiring sight before them.  A snake slithered across a branch, small fish flittered and jumped above the water before diving back underneath, and birds darted down to the surface in search of food.

As the sun set, we entered the water one last time to see one of the best bioluminescent plankton displays in Thailand. We swished the water with our hands and blue and green spark-like patterns appeared. The girls shouted with glee and their eyes widened in amazement. It was a mesmerising experience, and one that my children will remember forever.

3. Family-friendly resorts

You’ll be spoilt for choice when booking a place for the family to stay in Thailand.  There are plenty of resorts that cater to families. Giant Kids’ clubs, with supervised activities, will keep the young ones entertained for hours. Many have multiple pools, water play spaces for varying ages and even water slides and wave pools. Your kids can splash around and play while you supervise with a cool drink in hand.

Many family-friendly resorts also provide in-room or connecting family suites, or even villas with a private plunge pool. Some are even themed for kids. The hotel room during our most recent visit to Thailand had an underwater theme. Coral, fish, dolphin and jellyfish murals were painted across the walls, and the lighting gave it a playful, aquarium-like glow. When we arrived, the girls were so excited they spent 20 minutes exploring every nook of the room.

4. Kid-friendly food

Spicy cuisine is the first thought most people have when Thai food is mentioned. While some food will make you rush to a 7-Eleven for some milk to cool your mouth, there are plenty of tasty options for the littlies.

Phuket’s Old Town is a cornucopia of delicious cuisine, particularly each Sunday when dozens of market stalls line the roads. Kids and adults alike will love slurping on freshly made mango smoothies as they wander the markets looking for the next delicious snack. Vendors fry up small batches of the popular pad Thai in multiple woks, offering different spice levels depending on your tolerance.

Kids will demolish aromatic pork and chicken satays served with sticky rice, and there are a range of stalls selling Thai desserts the whole family will devour. Khanom bueang – crispy Thai crepes folded over sweet coconut and meringue filling – are a fan favourite you’ll easily find being made by many traders.

There are thousands of these markets across Thailand, and in many cities and towns you’ll find stalls lining the streets selling all sorts of fare the whole family will enjoy.

5. Cultural activities for curious kids

There are plenty of opportunities to experience Thailand’s culture, from the thousands of ornate temples to fruit carving or Muay Thai. You’ll even find cooking classes that cater to families.

On our kayaking tour in Phang Nga Bay, the guide spent an hour with our two children creating Thai Krathong offerings – a handmade raft made from a banana leaf trunk and decorated with leaves, yellow marigolds, purple orchids and white plumeria flowers. The craft session wasn’t just fun for the littlies; it also gave them a chance to learn more about the Thai people’s beliefs.

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With steam rising from hearty lunches, unhurried conversations by cosy fireplaces, and pauses within sheltered remains of a time long past, the Clare Valley’s winter glow is why off-season travel is where the real magic happens.

Chionophile (that’s a lover of winter) or not, a cosy escape to the historic and picturesque Clare Valley is hard to resist. With beanie, scarf and jacket at the ready, take a leisurely drive about 100km north of Adelaide. Just beyond the Barossa, you’ll find yourself among the patchwork of heritage towns and rolling green hills that’ll draw you back time and time again.

Cosy

Hygge – the Danish word for simple, delightful cosiness – is in abundance in the Clare Valley. Nowhere is it more embodied than at Paulett Wines in the township of Polish Hill River. Settle beside the open fire and watch fog spill softly across the valley as you sample plate after plate of comforting dishes, paired with rich, oaky Cabernet Sauvignon and plummy Shiraz – a treat for the senses.

A dreamy afternoon for chocoholics awaits at nearby Taylors Wines in Auburn. Visitors can warm themselves inside and out indulging in the dark and decadent chocolate and wine pairing while relaxing next to one of the venue’s many fireplaces.

For another cosy stop, head just down the road to Pikes. Taste their renowned Rieslings and reds at the cellar door or try small-batch brews at Pikes Beer Co, before losing track of time over a long lunch made with seasonal local produce.

Nostalgic

The Clare Valley’s historic towns offer countless reminders of the past. In Burra, the Heritage Passport experience turns the town into a treasure hunt that takes you back in time. A key unlocks the doors and gates to 11 National Heritage-listed sites, revealing the region’s bustling mining history. Explore the Monster Mine, once Australia’s largest copper mine, step inside (and out again) of Redruth Prison, and visit the cave-like dwellings dug by miners seeking to live rent-free.

Just north of Burra, along the Barrier Highway, a lonely red brick farmhouse may tug at your memory. This is the Burra Homestead, better known as the iconic “Midnight Oil House” that appeared on the cover of the band’s 1987 album Diesel and Dust. Crumbling but still standing, the abandoned building sits on private land but can be seen from the road. Be safe if you pull off the highway to stop for a photo, and admire the iconic view from behind the fence.

Film lovers may also recognise the heritage-listed Martindale Hall, nestled among the misty vineyards and paddocks near Mintaro. The grand mansion famously appeared as Appleyard College in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock. In reality, the beautifully preserved rooms, intricate craftsmanship and peaceful grounds feel worlds away from the haunting atmosphere of the film, and offer an enchanting escape from the winter chill.

Snug as a bug

Discover a slice of luxury with complimentary wine, private balconies and open living at Neagles Retreat Villas.

B&B on the Riesling Trail? Enjoy wood fires, spas and scented rose garden at the Brice Hill Country Lodge.

Offering a pet and family-friendly stay, the Clare Country Club also features a golf course, buffet breakfast, and spa and sauna.

Discover more cosy stays

Fresh

What better place than the Clare Valley to practise uitwaaien – the Dutch tradition of clearing the mind by spending time in wild, windy weather on a brisk walk or bike ride. The 35km Riesling Trail is the region’s best-known track, and a little winter air only adds to the experience. Hire a bike or plot a walking route, warming up between sections with stops at favourite cafés, historic sites and cellar doors.

Fresh air, fresh produce and fresh finds are never far away either. With a market held somewhere in the Clare region most weekends, slipping on your winter coat and browsing the stalls is a must.

Regular favourites include the Clare Show Markets and Saddleworth Country Markets, held on the second Saturday and first Sunday of each month respectively. Stallholders sell everything from antiques and collectables to handmade arts, crafts, homewares and fresh fruit and vegetables. Additional markets pop up throughout the year in Auburn, Riverton, Burra, Mandoora and beyond.

If the Riesling Trail feels a little ambitious, let the brisk air bring a rosy flush to your cheeks on one of the region’s many shorter walks. The Cascades Walk, a 1.4km circuit in Spring Gully Conservation Park, is an easy but gently undulating track. It winds past the only stand of red stringybark trees in South Australia before reaching the waterfall, which is likely to be flowing during the cooler months. It’s one of six short walks in the Clare Valley, perfect for active travellers and families alike.

Little discoveries

Travelling with a budding archaeologist? There’s no need to brave the elements to search for fossils – simply head to the restored Burra Railway Station. Here, visitors can learn about the extinct megafauna that roamed the region tens of thousands of years ago, including the enormous wombat-like Diprotodon optatum and the giant flightless bird Genyornis, which resembles an emu.

All aboard! At Clare Valley Model Engineers, visitors can ride miniature steam and diesel trains along more than a kilometre of track through Melrose Park, travelling over bridges and through tunnels. Check online before visiting, as operating days vary.

For a cosy escape from the winter chill, swap the small screens for the big one at the charming Blyth Cinema. Groups of 10 or more can book a private screening and choose the film themselves. Another showing of Frozen, perhaps?

Unhurried

Apricity, the welcome warmth of the winter sun, can be felt in the generous hospitality of hosts, with guests having time to linger a little longer thanks to fewer visitors during the cooler months. Perhaps it means an intimate wine tasting, or maybe you’re looking for something more adventurous. Keep your feet dry and let Clare Valley Wine Tour’s four-wheel-drive take on the rainy vineyards and paddocks. Your local guide will help you discover the region’s hidden gems, and you might even meet a winemaker or end the day around a toasty campfire.

The region has an abundant arts scene, which is ideal for escaping the cold. Take your time at the Burra Regional Art Gallery, housed in the beautifully restored 1860 Post and Telegraph Office. The gallery has a rotating program of exhibitions alongside permanent collections and events. Visit the historic 1913 courthouse in Balaklava, now home to a gallery and gift shop. Many cellar doors double as gallery spaces too, like Pikes, which features dedicated exhibition walls.

You can even let your own creativity shine when the sun isn’t. Local studios offer hands-on workshops, including painting sessions at The Journey Studio where you can create and take home your own acrylic artwork. The region is also home to three towering murals on the Australian Silo Art Trail, which you can view up close or from the warmth of the car: the Storytime Silos of Eudunda, the railway-themed mural in Farrell Flat, and Wheat Bags to Sandbags painted across the Owen silos.

Winter may be the shoulder season, but by following the scent of wood smoke, exploring cosy cellar doors, hidden galleries and historic streets, you’ll unlock the best-kept secrets of the Clare Valley.

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