Horsing Around the World: It's the year for it

The Year of the Horse kicks off with experiences spanning wildlife conservation, indigenous culture, luxury ranch getaways and major cultural celebrations.

Rare ponies roam Okinawan beaches, Hong Kong hosts a glittering Chinese New Year parade with international performers, and working ranches invite guests to saddle up for cattle drives in Colorado. There's also the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota and a Paniolo-inspired cocktail bar in Portland.

Let's go on a virtual equine road-the-world tour!

WC Fields: "Philadelphia, wonderful town, spent a week there one night."

W. C. Fields, real name William Claude Dukenfield, the famous American actor, comedian, juggler and writer active in the early 20th century, was well-known for his dry humour and cynical wit. Born near Philadelphia in 1880, he often referred to his birthplace in funny but disparaging remarks. One might wonder how, if prompted, he might have written a travel story that gives some clue to his true impressions. So, we asked him.

Valentine’s Venues in Hong Kong & SouthEast Asia

Fine Dining Accompanied by Live Pianist

The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne will each host remarkable dining experiences to mark Valentine’s Day this year. The Anam Cam Ranh’s fine-dining restaurant The Colonial will serve a seven-course set tasting menu, accompanied by a live pianist, from 7-10pm, Highlights include ‘Satsuma Wagyu A4 tenderloin with multicolour beetroots, butternut squash, XO condiment and caviar’ and ‘Apple terrine with hibiscus ice cream, macaron crumble and caramelised sauce’. The Anam Mui Ne, meanwhile, will host a romantic buffet experience for couples at their own outdoor table by The Indochine Restaurant’s waterfall. The feast includes a surf and turf buffet for two, one lobster each, one bottle of rosé wine, and a specially plated dessert set for two.

Visiting the haunted Z Ward at the former Glenside Mental Hospital

 Stepping into Z Ward is like entering a different era. The exterior's polychromatic brickwork and ventilation flues hint at the building's original purpose – a maximum-security facility for South Australia's "criminally insane" from 1885 to 1973.

The Penfold Story

In 1844, toward the end of the Australian winter, the barque Taglioni anchored at Largs Bay in South Australia. The vessel, of about 350 tons, had been built four years earlier at Ramsey on the Isle of Man. It was classed A1 at Lloyd’s and was owned and commanded by Captain V. Black. Despite being well equipped for its time, a voyage of more than 13,000 miles by small sailing ship in the mid-nineteenth century was demanding. 

Europe’s 20 top trending hotspots for 2026

Europe remains firmly on Australians’ travel bucket lists in 2026, with 1 in 4 Australians planning a trip to the continent in the next year, according to Omio’s annual NowNext report. Notably, as travellers plan ahead, 34% say they’re actively seeking out less-crowded, under-the-radar destinations - particularly across Europe.

Capital cities continue to feature prominently in travel plans, though European travel patterns are showing signs of diversification. In addition to established city destinations, some travellers are increasingly considering smaller and less well-known locations. Booking data from multi-modal travel platform Omio indicates this shift, aligning with findings from its annual NowNext Report produced with YouGov.

Emily and Charlotte Bronte in Moscow: Frostbite and Fancy in Red Square

 We came to Moscow as one might enter a dream that has hardened into stone. Winter had sealed the city in iron silence. Snow lay not gently but with authority, pressed into the streets like an edict, whitening even the darkest intentions. My sister walked beside me, her breath a pale banner unfurled against the cold, and together we crossed a world that seemed determined to remember us long after our names had fallen quiet.