I abhor tipping while overseas. Here's a much better way to do it
Lee Tulloch's column on mistaken suitcases at the carousel (Traveller, June 7) reminded me of an incident many years ago. I was travelling for many months and decided to purchase a purple suitcase instead of the ubiquitous black and navy ones, which were then the usual colours. I never saw another purple case in my entire time. Arriving home about midnight I was greeted by a call from the airport. I had the wrong suitcase. Back we went to return one case and retrieve mine. In fact, there were another three purple cases waiting there, mine with its ribbons still intact. I had just assumed that they had come loose. Such embarrassment.
Marie Nash, Balwyn, Vic
Case not dismissed
I bought, what I thought, was the ugliest pair of suitcases I could find – bright pink flowers against a black background – so that not only could I spot them easily, but so no-one would want to steal such an awful creation. They did deliver in visibility, but I was stunned to receive at least two compliments on their 'artwork' during my 11-week trip. The best part, though, was that I've never seen anything like them anywhere else.
Randi Svensen, Wyong, NSW
Flex appeal
Thank you, Terry Durack, for such enlightening, sage travel advice contained in your story on travelling for food (Traveller, June 6). I'm starting on my lunges immediately.
Susie Holt, South Yarra, Vic
Meals on wheels
Regarding railway station food, as per Terry Durack's story, we were lucky to be waiting for a train in Catania, Sicily, at about 11am when we saw hot trays of food being brought from the kitchen. With a long trip ahead of us, we loaded up. It turned out to be some of the best food we ate in six weeks of wonderful eating in Italy.
Scott Lowe, St Kilda West, Vic
Not fine at all
We recently booked a car from Europcar at Heathrow, as our experience with the staff there two years ago had been good. This time it was the opposite. We had booked a small saloon car but with what was available, we were given an MG SUV, at seemingly no extra cost. My husband signed the handwritten contract with only a cursory look, and didn't notice that the seemingly helpful staff member had charged us for the 'upgrade' at twice the cost of the original requested vehicle. As soon as we realised the error, only a few hours later, we rang Europcar and we're told the problem could only be solved 'on return'. When we did return the vehicle, the Europcar staff member refused to believe us, with a senior official asserting that we had been offered and agreed to an upgrade, with the implication being we were lying. My belief is that this is a subterfuge in the hope that jet-lagged people won't read the fine print.
Erica Smith, Newington, Vic
Lecco not lacking
On our recent trip to Italy, my husband became ill and needed hospital care. Not only were the staff at the hospital in Lecco, Lombardy, caring and professional, so too were their counterparts at the inhouse cafe, which was a real bonus. I found Lecco itself to be a beautiful lakeside gem of a small city, surrounded by a magnificent mountain range which towers over the city. This interruption to our holiday refocused an appreciation of the wonderful world of travel. Put Lecco on your list as a must for real travellers.
Lyn Cobb, Coogee, NSW
States aside
Thank you for your recent pieces on US destinations. They save us having to go there. What about some articles on Canada? Some of us still want to visit North America without leaving the civilised world.
Michael Challinger, Nunawading, Vic
Editor's note: You'll find a major feature article about Canada here, which we published in March. But stayed tuned for another extensive look at the country coming soon.
Tip of the week: Let's do lunch
If you are visiting Niagara Falls by train from Toronto, Canada, conclude your excursion by lunching at the Hi-Lite Restaurant in Queen Street. It's in downtown Niagara Falls near the railway station and shuttle bus terminus. Clearly popular with locals, it offers up a more authentic North American dining experience than might be found elsewhere on the tourist strip. Booths, counter stools, cheery, efficient, no fuss waitstaff and mid-20th century ambience complement the 'Old timer's special' comprising bacon, fried potatoes, eggs (over easy medium, thanks) pancakes and maple syrup with coffee. And, apart from us, not a tourist in sight. Bliss.
Mark Carter, Roseville, NSW
Playing AirTag
After a recent KLM flight from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, I experienced a sinking feeling when my bag failed to appear at the luggage carousel in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the next few stressful days, KLM unhelpfully claimed my bag had, in fact, arrived in the Danish capital. However, I could see that this wasn't the case, as the Apple AirTag in my bag clearly showed that it was still at Amsterdam airport. KLM weren't convinced until I managed to share the AirTag tracking link with them, after which they found my bag and promised to send it on. I was eventually reunited with my bag a week later, although I had to go to Melbourne Airport to collect it. While I'm not an Apple advocate, this demonstrated the value of Apple AirTags to enable you track your luggage yourself.
Paul Heneberry, Mooroolbark, Vic
Czech account
I'm writing from Prague in the Czech Republic where I'm spending a wonderful few days at the start of their tourist season. The days when this city, and most of Eastern Europe, were considered cheap holiday destinations have long gone. If you want to experience various restaurants, including those on the famous old square, payment is still preferred in cash, in the local Czech koruna currency with fortunately plenty of ATMs available from which to access it. Mastercard and Visa are accepted but, for various reasons, American Express is not accepted in most stores, cafes and restaurants.
Peter Menton, Bankstown, NSW
Bear witness
Brian Johnston's story on the underrated parts of France (Traveller, June 8) prompted memories of discovering a cave system in Dordogne where tours are only conducted 'en français' (audios available in other languages) which gets a thumbs up from us. Grotte de Rouffignac channels its visitors into the delicate underground world by electric train, often in complete darkness, limiting light exposure and visitor impact, to witness hundreds of artworks, 16,000 years old. Engraved or painted mammoths decorate the 8 kilometres of cave walls, but the sight of dozens of rounded hollows where prehistoric bears had nestled into the limestone floor to hibernate, was something we didn't expect to see.
Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic
Wait. There's more
Over the past 15 years I've enjoyed visiting a number of those places mentioned in Brian Johnston's France story and there are many other places, particularly closer to the Spanish border, that I could add, such as Minerve, throughout the Minervois area and Aude Valley, the Canal du Midi, the Montagne Noir and the Pyrenees, with largely unknown medieval towns, ruined Cathar castles and deserted museums. But I will be happy if others can't find them so they stay less touristed. However, I do have to point out that the Camargue, as shown on the accompanying map to the story, is on the Mediterranean Sea, south of Avignon and Nimes. Also, while correctly placed on the map in the article, Chambery is not in the south-west, as stated in the sidebar article, but in the south-east of France.
Gavin Kempin, Northcote, Vic
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to our reader for pointing out these errors, which Traveller regrets. Corrections have been made to the online version.
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The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
I abhor tipping while overseas. Here's a much better way to do it
Lee Tulloch's column on mistaken suitcases at the carousel (Traveller, June 7) reminded me of an incident many years ago. I was travelling for many months and decided to purchase a purple suitcase instead of the ubiquitous black and navy ones, which were then the usual colours. I never saw another purple case in my entire time. Arriving home about midnight I was greeted by a call from the airport. I had the wrong suitcase. Back we went to return one case and retrieve mine. In fact, there were another three purple cases waiting there, mine with its ribbons still intact. I had just assumed that they had come loose. Such embarrassment. Marie Nash, Balwyn, Vic Case not dismissed I bought, what I thought, was the ugliest pair of suitcases I could find – bright pink flowers against a black background – so that not only could I spot them easily, but so no-one would want to steal such an awful creation. They did deliver in visibility, but I was stunned to receive at least two compliments on their 'artwork' during my 11-week trip. The best part, though, was that I've never seen anything like them anywhere else. Randi Svensen, Wyong, NSW Flex appeal Thank you, Terry Durack, for such enlightening, sage travel advice contained in your story on travelling for food (Traveller, June 6). I'm starting on my lunges immediately. Susie Holt, South Yarra, Vic Meals on wheels Regarding railway station food, as per Terry Durack's story, we were lucky to be waiting for a train in Catania, Sicily, at about 11am when we saw hot trays of food being brought from the kitchen. With a long trip ahead of us, we loaded up. It turned out to be some of the best food we ate in six weeks of wonderful eating in Italy. Scott Lowe, St Kilda West, Vic Not fine at all We recently booked a car from Europcar at Heathrow, as our experience with the staff there two years ago had been good. This time it was the opposite. We had booked a small saloon car but with what was available, we were given an MG SUV, at seemingly no extra cost. My husband signed the handwritten contract with only a cursory look, and didn't notice that the seemingly helpful staff member had charged us for the 'upgrade' at twice the cost of the original requested vehicle. As soon as we realised the error, only a few hours later, we rang Europcar and we're told the problem could only be solved 'on return'. When we did return the vehicle, the Europcar staff member refused to believe us, with a senior official asserting that we had been offered and agreed to an upgrade, with the implication being we were lying. My belief is that this is a subterfuge in the hope that jet-lagged people won't read the fine print. Erica Smith, Newington, Vic Lecco not lacking On our recent trip to Italy, my husband became ill and needed hospital care. Not only were the staff at the hospital in Lecco, Lombardy, caring and professional, so too were their counterparts at the inhouse cafe, which was a real bonus. I found Lecco itself to be a beautiful lakeside gem of a small city, surrounded by a magnificent mountain range which towers over the city. This interruption to our holiday refocused an appreciation of the wonderful world of travel. Put Lecco on your list as a must for real travellers. Lyn Cobb, Coogee, NSW States aside Thank you for your recent pieces on US destinations. They save us having to go there. What about some articles on Canada? Some of us still want to visit North America without leaving the civilised world. Michael Challinger, Nunawading, Vic Editor's note: You'll find a major feature article about Canada here, which we published in March. But stayed tuned for another extensive look at the country coming soon. Tip of the week: Let's do lunch If you are visiting Niagara Falls by train from Toronto, Canada, conclude your excursion by lunching at the Hi-Lite Restaurant in Queen Street. It's in downtown Niagara Falls near the railway station and shuttle bus terminus. Clearly popular with locals, it offers up a more authentic North American dining experience than might be found elsewhere on the tourist strip. Booths, counter stools, cheery, efficient, no fuss waitstaff and mid-20th century ambience complement the 'Old timer's special' comprising bacon, fried potatoes, eggs (over easy medium, thanks) pancakes and maple syrup with coffee. And, apart from us, not a tourist in sight. Bliss. Mark Carter, Roseville, NSW Playing AirTag After a recent KLM flight from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, I experienced a sinking feeling when my bag failed to appear at the luggage carousel in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the next few stressful days, KLM unhelpfully claimed my bag had, in fact, arrived in the Danish capital. However, I could see that this wasn't the case, as the Apple AirTag in my bag clearly showed that it was still at Amsterdam airport. KLM weren't convinced until I managed to share the AirTag tracking link with them, after which they found my bag and promised to send it on. I was eventually reunited with my bag a week later, although I had to go to Melbourne Airport to collect it. While I'm not an Apple advocate, this demonstrated the value of Apple AirTags to enable you track your luggage yourself. Paul Heneberry, Mooroolbark, Vic Czech account I'm writing from Prague in the Czech Republic where I'm spending a wonderful few days at the start of their tourist season. The days when this city, and most of Eastern Europe, were considered cheap holiday destinations have long gone. If you want to experience various restaurants, including those on the famous old square, payment is still preferred in cash, in the local Czech koruna currency with fortunately plenty of ATMs available from which to access it. Mastercard and Visa are accepted but, for various reasons, American Express is not accepted in most stores, cafes and restaurants. Peter Menton, Bankstown, NSW Bear witness Brian Johnston's story on the underrated parts of France (Traveller, June 8) prompted memories of discovering a cave system in Dordogne where tours are only conducted 'en français' (audios available in other languages) which gets a thumbs up from us. Grotte de Rouffignac channels its visitors into the delicate underground world by electric train, often in complete darkness, limiting light exposure and visitor impact, to witness hundreds of artworks, 16,000 years old. Engraved or painted mammoths decorate the 8 kilometres of cave walls, but the sight of dozens of rounded hollows where prehistoric bears had nestled into the limestone floor to hibernate, was something we didn't expect to see. Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic Wait. There's more Over the past 15 years I've enjoyed visiting a number of those places mentioned in Brian Johnston's France story and there are many other places, particularly closer to the Spanish border, that I could add, such as Minerve, throughout the Minervois area and Aude Valley, the Canal du Midi, the Montagne Noir and the Pyrenees, with largely unknown medieval towns, ruined Cathar castles and deserted museums. But I will be happy if others can't find them so they stay less touristed. However, I do have to point out that the Camargue, as shown on the accompanying map to the story, is on the Mediterranean Sea, south of Avignon and Nimes. Also, while correctly placed on the map in the article, Chambery is not in the south-west, as stated in the sidebar article, but in the south-east of France. Gavin Kempin, Northcote, Vic EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to our reader for pointing out these errors, which Traveller regrets. Corrections have been made to the online version.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I abhor tipping while overseas. Here's a much better way to do it
Lee Tulloch's column on mistaken suitcases at the carousel (Traveller, June 7) reminded me of an incident many years ago. I was travelling for many months and decided to purchase a purple suitcase instead of the ubiquitous black and navy ones, which were then the usual colours. I never saw another purple case in my entire time. Arriving home about midnight I was greeted by a call from the airport. I had the wrong suitcase. Back we went to return one case and retrieve mine. In fact, there were another three purple cases waiting there, mine with its ribbons still intact. I had just assumed that they had come loose. Such embarrassment. Marie Nash, Balwyn, Vic Case not dismissed I bought, what I thought, was the ugliest pair of suitcases I could find – bright pink flowers against a black background – so that not only could I spot them easily, but so no-one would want to steal such an awful creation. They did deliver in visibility, but I was stunned to receive at least two compliments on their 'artwork' during my 11-week trip. The best part, though, was that I've never seen anything like them anywhere else. Randi Svensen, Wyong, NSW Flex appeal Thank you, Terry Durack, for such enlightening, sage travel advice contained in your story on travelling for food (Traveller, June 6). I'm starting on my lunges immediately. Susie Holt, South Yarra, Vic Meals on wheels Regarding railway station food, as per Terry Durack's story, we were lucky to be waiting for a train in Catania, Sicily, at about 11am when we saw hot trays of food being brought from the kitchen. With a long trip ahead of us, we loaded up. It turned out to be some of the best food we ate in six weeks of wonderful eating in Italy. Scott Lowe, St Kilda West, Vic Not fine at all We recently booked a car from Europcar at Heathrow, as our experience with the staff there two years ago had been good. This time it was the opposite. We had booked a small saloon car but with what was available, we were given an MG SUV, at seemingly no extra cost. My husband signed the handwritten contract with only a cursory look, and didn't notice that the seemingly helpful staff member had charged us for the 'upgrade' at twice the cost of the original requested vehicle. As soon as we realised the error, only a few hours later, we rang Europcar and we're told the problem could only be solved 'on return'. When we did return the vehicle, the Europcar staff member refused to believe us, with a senior official asserting that we had been offered and agreed to an upgrade, with the implication being we were lying. My belief is that this is a subterfuge in the hope that jet-lagged people won't read the fine print. Erica Smith, Newington, Vic Lecco not lacking On our recent trip to Italy, my husband became ill and needed hospital care. Not only were the staff at the hospital in Lecco, Lombardy, caring and professional, so too were their counterparts at the inhouse cafe, which was a real bonus. I found Lecco itself to be a beautiful lakeside gem of a small city, surrounded by a magnificent mountain range which towers over the city. This interruption to our holiday refocused an appreciation of the wonderful world of travel. Put Lecco on your list as a must for real travellers. Lyn Cobb, Coogee, NSW States aside Thank you for your recent pieces on US destinations. They save us having to go there. What about some articles on Canada? Some of us still want to visit North America without leaving the civilised world. Michael Challinger, Nunawading, Vic Editor's note: You'll find a major feature article about Canada here, which we published in March. But stayed tuned for another extensive look at the country coming soon. Tip of the week: Let's do lunch If you are visiting Niagara Falls by train from Toronto, Canada, conclude your excursion by lunching at the Hi-Lite Restaurant in Queen Street. It's in downtown Niagara Falls near the railway station and shuttle bus terminus. Clearly popular with locals, it offers up a more authentic North American dining experience than might be found elsewhere on the tourist strip. Booths, counter stools, cheery, efficient, no fuss waitstaff and mid-20th century ambience complement the 'Old timer's special' comprising bacon, fried potatoes, eggs (over easy medium, thanks) pancakes and maple syrup with coffee. And, apart from us, not a tourist in sight. Bliss. Mark Carter, Roseville, NSW Playing AirTag After a recent KLM flight from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, I experienced a sinking feeling when my bag failed to appear at the luggage carousel in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over the next few stressful days, KLM unhelpfully claimed my bag had, in fact, arrived in the Danish capital. However, I could see that this wasn't the case, as the Apple AirTag in my bag clearly showed that it was still at Amsterdam airport. KLM weren't convinced until I managed to share the AirTag tracking link with them, after which they found my bag and promised to send it on. I was eventually reunited with my bag a week later, although I had to go to Melbourne Airport to collect it. While I'm not an Apple advocate, this demonstrated the value of Apple AirTags to enable you track your luggage yourself. Paul Heneberry, Mooroolbark, Vic Czech account I'm writing from Prague in the Czech Republic where I'm spending a wonderful few days at the start of their tourist season. The days when this city, and most of Eastern Europe, were considered cheap holiday destinations have long gone. If you want to experience various restaurants, including those on the famous old square, payment is still preferred in cash, in the local Czech koruna currency with fortunately plenty of ATMs available from which to access it. Mastercard and Visa are accepted but, for various reasons, American Express is not accepted in most stores, cafes and restaurants. Peter Menton, Bankstown, NSW Bear witness Brian Johnston's story on the underrated parts of France (Traveller, June 8) prompted memories of discovering a cave system in Dordogne where tours are only conducted 'en français' (audios available in other languages) which gets a thumbs up from us. Grotte de Rouffignac channels its visitors into the delicate underground world by electric train, often in complete darkness, limiting light exposure and visitor impact, to witness hundreds of artworks, 16,000 years old. Engraved or painted mammoths decorate the 8 kilometres of cave walls, but the sight of dozens of rounded hollows where prehistoric bears had nestled into the limestone floor to hibernate, was something we didn't expect to see. Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic Wait. There's more Over the past 15 years I've enjoyed visiting a number of those places mentioned in Brian Johnston's France story and there are many other places, particularly closer to the Spanish border, that I could add, such as Minerve, throughout the Minervois area and Aude Valley, the Canal du Midi, the Montagne Noir and the Pyrenees, with largely unknown medieval towns, ruined Cathar castles and deserted museums. But I will be happy if others can't find them so they stay less touristed. However, I do have to point out that the Camargue, as shown on the accompanying map to the story, is on the Mediterranean Sea, south of Avignon and Nimes. Also, while correctly placed on the map in the article, Chambery is not in the south-west, as stated in the sidebar article, but in the south-east of France. Gavin Kempin, Northcote, Vic EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to our reader for pointing out these errors, which Traveller regrets. Corrections have been made to the online version.
The Age
30-05-2025
- The Age
If Qantas is going to use these seats on ultra-long hauls, count me out
Discomfort of strangers I recently flew on a Qantas Dreamliner from Santiago to Sydney. The economy seat was comfortable, with a useful shelf for a tablet or a phone, plenty of storage and good space between the seats. From such a promising start, the flight was one of the most uncomfortable I have ever experienced. For the most part, the person in front of me had their seat fully reclined. This rendered the shelf unusable, the tray table only just usable and the storage inaccessible. While I could have reclined my seat, I didn't want to inflict the same discomfort on the person behind me. I don't wish to enter into the ' recline or not recline ' debate, but If Qantas is going to use the same seats on their planned 22-hour non-stop flights from Sydney to London, I will be flying with someone else. Michael Thomas, Cheltenham, NSW Screen time I'm with Lee Tulloch in facing a long-haul flight in economy (Traveller, May 13). I recently flew Qantas to and from Japan. I always an aisle seat as I get up every two hours to combat the possibility of deep-vein thrombosis. Also, if I get 30 minutes of sleep I consider myself lucky. I got through several seasons of TV shows I had missed. Marie Nash, Balwyn, Vic Letter of the week: Group love The virtue of booking an escorted journey came home to me when on a land/cruise tour from Johannesburg with Cruise Express into Kruger National Park (Traveller, May 10). My wife and I arrived a few days earlier than the main group to explore Johannesburg. It coincided with massive floods in the Kruger region that resulted in many lodges being washed away, including the one where we were meant to stay. When tour director Hardy Schneider and the rest of the group arrived, his team in Sydney were already working on alternative arrangements which included a stay at one of Richard Branson's luxury lodges. I could not imagine what would have happened if we were travelling independently. Roger Summerill, Shell Cove, NSW Got your back
