Travel Writers Radio: Recent Episodes

Travel Writers Radio podcast produced by the Professional Associatioon of Lifestyle and TravelWriters (PALAT)

Interviews, reviews, features and news you can use from the Travel Writers Radio Show, produced by PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers - our international network of food, lifestyle and travel journalists and broadcasters. Now heard live every Wednesday from 5 pm t0 7 pm (AEST) and Saturdays 10am to noon, on Melbourne's J-AIR 87.8 FM; on the Net at www.j-air.com; and on SoundCloud. Email us: info@travelwritersradio.com

Heidi Halson launched The Entertainment Book in Australia more than 20 years ago, but the original coupon system that gave you access to dining and entertainment discounts has been rreinvented by the group as a smartphone app and now also includes a significant lineup of the big names in travel – think cruise lines, airlines, major hoptels, as well as shopping and entertainment discounts from more than 15,000 merchants. It costs $70 to join and part 20 per cent of that subscription goes to a charity you choose. Since it began more than $100 million has been donated to charity. Heidi gives an example of a Nile River Cruise on which a family saved $6000. The discounts azre better because the company is funded by its share of subscriptions and advertising revenue, not by taking a commission from the merchants., as Heidi explains.Photo: Heidi Halson -supplied

The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau was in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland over the [past week speaking with local agents and meeting planners to encourage both leisure and business event visitors to come to the islands. HVCB CEO, Dr Aaron Salā , told Graeme Kemlo in Melbourne that Hawaii was not so much a destination you should visit, but a way of life. And while it was part of United States and subject to the gei-political influences, it had endured both highs and lows in its 122 year history as gatekeepers between the east and the west as well as the corridor running north-south. He wants to see Hawaii stage a COP conference, tackling issues from health and wellness to sustainability, climate change and tourism resilience. It was a very thoughtful interview.Photo: Graeme Kemlo

Akira Mori is 18th generation family owner of the historic Japanese inn – Ryokan Sakaya – which is ideally located in the mountainous Nozawa Onsen (hot spring) resort area – a haven for guests both in winter and the warmer months. It’s a town where visitors are often seen wearing traditional yukata robes on their walk to and from the hot springs. To stay at his ryokan is an experience in the true sense, far from the typical western style of accommodation. Guests can even help with the harvesting of vegetables for the dinner table as team member and veteran reporter Mike Smith Mike discovered during the interview.Photo by Mike Smith - Akira Mori and daughter Yukimi

Well that’s our theme for #Worth 1000 Words and this week’s image is from Kristin Henning, who told us last week that Americans were not necessarily resigned to four years of the Trunp administration and its uncertainties over tariffs, immigration and cuts to the public service. Kris’s photo shows a huge gathering outside Minnesota’s State capital one of many such protests around the country that started in April. We think it is definitely #Wortrh1000Words from our reporter on the spot, Kristin Henning.

Here's what you will find on Travel Writers Radio tonight, June 11. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Australian Luke Bridgford, keen to take on the world applies as a young man for a working visa from four countries. First to respond was Japan so that’s where he went, working a nine to five job. Understanding the language and the culture a little better he believed the Japanese might like to try camping Australian style in the great outdoors. So Luke setrup Overland Japan after testing it out on friends and it took off – 4x4s with a rooftop camper and it has become very popular with different generations of Japanese, as well as visiting Australians. He spoke with Graeme KemloPhoto by Luke Bridgford

This is a cauitionary tale about searching for the official Indonesia Government visa service and being greeted by "Welcome To Indonesia - Indonesia Visa Online" Except it was a message from 16,577 kilometres away in the USA and they charged me four times the usual fee and have not responded to my reauests to cancel the transaction because I felt scammed.Don't make my costly mistake - go to https://www.smartraveller.gov.au then look on the site for Travel and it will take you to visa links for government sites around the world. Image is screen grab from my Google search - at the top is what I entered and the top result led me not to Bali, but faraway USA. When I checked later that day Indonesia;s official government visa site was listed at number 12 by Google. Don;t get sucked in as I was by the lie in bold text.

A few weeks back we spoke with our man in New York, Aussie Phil Brown, who said he felt New Yorkers were resigned to the fact that they probably had to put up with Donald Trump as president for the remainder of his term. He is firing public servants who disagree with him, he has the numbers in congress. He is challenging laws, some might say creating new rules as he goes, and also his appointees at the ultimate decision-making Supreme Court. But far from 'resigned', Kris sees things a little differently and believes the people are certainly not taking this laying down - – we drill down and hear her perspective from in the American heartland where protests are plenty.Image - Democrats have setup a TACO truck and taken to the streets

This week’s photo is of a quirky set-up on little Bruny Island, which is off the coast of Tasmania in Australia. As you drive along Bruny Island Main Road on the south island, you’ll see a few signs saying ‘bread’ to alert you to the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ ‘bread store’ up ahead – and I say ‘bread store’ in inverted commas. Because this store is nothing but two rusted, retro fridges by the side of a paddock. You pull off the main road onto a dirt road, and when you open the fridge you’ll find fresh sourdough and other baked goods in the fridges, which aren’t turned on of course, given they’re parked under a tree. You can purchase bread via an honesty system- drop your cash in the box or make a transfer to the bank account scratched on brown paper inside the door. The fridges are stocked daily – or sometimes multiple times a day given their popularity - by local baker John Bullock, who has created quite a buzz with his novel idea. These fridges have become a Bruny Island icon, and as you can imagine, are a big hit on Instagram. We Think it is definitely #Worth1000Words

As a newspaper reporter in the 1970s here in Melbourne, Alistair Smith was well aware of the scare that gripped Perth in Western Australia when it was announced by NASA that their Skylab space platform on returning to earth was likely to crash into the city. That did not happen, but it came relatively close and crashed further east into the West Australian bush. Like a good newshound, years later Alistair followed up to find out where it crashed and whether there was any debris - - he found it and more in Balladonia, a little town that even got an apologetic phone call from President Jimmy Carter.Photo by Alistair Smith

Melbourne-based Emily McAuliffe has been plenty of places in her travel writing career, but she reckons a little island off the island of Tasmania – which is of course an island off the coast of the Australia, itself an island continent – anyway Emily reckons Bruny Island is one of her most favourite destinations. At 362-square-kilometres (140 sq mi) it is larger than it looks and Emily says there is plenty to see and do there. She loves the low-key life and the fact there are no major hotels, no mega-brands, but enough to make her want to spent four nights there as she explains to Graeme KemloPhoto: Emily McAuliffehttps://www.australiantraveller.com/tas/south-tasmania/bruny-island/things-to-do-on-bruny-island/https://www.australiantraveller.com/tas/south-tasmania/bruny-island/bruny-island-restaurants-and-food/https://www.australiantraveller.com/tas/south-tasmania/bruny-island/bruny-island-tours/https://www.australiantraveller.com/tas/south-tasmania/bruny-island/bruny-island-accommodation/

Here's what's new on Travel Writers Radio as Graeme Kemlop is joined at the host desk by US Correspondent Kristin Henning who updates us on the five year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd and the birth of Black Lives Matter in her home town, Minneapolis Minnesota.Plus we outline all the other stories on this week's episode, number 437.Thanks for listening.We value your feedback and your comments by email: info@travelwritersradio.com

As travellers, we are always keen to experience something new in a hotel really appreciate the huge variety of brands now on offer from major hotels such as Accor or Marriott. So it was great for Graeme Kemlo to sit down for this one-on-one with Adrian Williams COO of Accor Pacific at Accor’s first Australian Lifestyle Hotel – Hyde Melbourne Place, which is making a real splash.Photo: Hyde Melbourne Place Mid Air event space

When she's not co-hosting Travel Writers Radio, Helen Hayes produces magazines such as Ski & Snowboard, which is out now. She chats to Graeme Kemlo about what's in this issue, which appeals to skiers and snowboarders of all ages. skisnowboard.com.au

Going skiing or snowboarding in ill-fitting gear is not ideal. Enter Maria Baker, a woman who fell in love with snowboarding, but not with the available women’s skiwear that just didn't fit right. Maria did some extensive research and discovered that she was not alone, and that many women, of all shapes and sizes, wanted better-fitting gear. So she did something about it and long story short, Nobody's Princess was born. Maria chatted to Helen Hayes about this new brand. Photo: Maria Baker

Ever since Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, the renowned Japanese ski region north-west of Tokyo has been popular with Australian enthusiasts, attracting record numbers each northern winter. Such is the appeal of the region’s powder snow, affordability and uniqueness, Australia ranks number one among the international visitors, a position skiers and snowboarders intend to maintain. However, despite the strong interest to holiday there from October to April, Nagano tourism officials believe Aussies would enjoy visiting during the warmer “green” season. During a recent visit to Sydney by representatives of the Nagano prefecture, Mike Smith sat down with Yoshimi Koyasu who represents Hakuba Valley, within the Nagano prefecture, where the outdoor activities have visitors busy from dawn to dusk.Photo: Yoshimi Koyasu by Mike Smith

Keeley Warren, our award-winning sustainability reporter, speaks with Sonia Teruel from The Regen Lab for Travel about reimagining tourism in light of issues including over-tourism in well-known destinations including Barcelona. Keeley and Sonia met up in Spain, in some ways the epicenter of moves to reform these tourism issues. The discussion explores how facilitated dialogues between locals and municipalities are creating shared visions for tourism that benefit residents, ecosystems and visitors alike.Photo: Sonia Teruel

Fiona Harper is undertaking a phenomena that is peculiarly a Queensland invention. I heard a whisper that she was moving house, which is not so unusual, but she’s moving it lock stock and barrel, about 100 kilometres away. We’ll get the full story when it takes place but the Queenslander is a highly protected species in Qld and you can’t just knock one down and build new bricks and mortar residences. Graeme Kenmlo spoke to Fiona.Image: A typical Queenslander (Creative Commons)

Melbourne travel writer Emily McAuliffe interviews Spencer Patrick, chef and founder of Tropical North Qyeensland's popular wine and food festival, Taste Port Douglas, about this year's event. Tickets have just gone on sale for the August 7-10 festival at tasteportdouglas.com.Image: Spencer and Reina Patrick

In our #Worth1000Words segment this image from Helen Hayes certainly grabs your attention...especially when the armed, unsmiling Solomon Islands warriors step out of the jungle to challenge resort guests before he checks with the village chief on whether to let you in. Helen explains.

The country came to the city to showcase their events wares on a wintery evening in Melbourne where the local 'uniform', the dark grey down-filled puffer jacket has replaced the summer suit coat. Despite the chill of single digits more than 200 people turned up to see what Victoria’s regions have to offer those who want to stage meetings and events outside Melbourne’s busy CBD. There were suppliers – hotels and accommodation venues, conference centres, registered tourism organisations and those with interesting visitor experiences there to sell the benefits of taking the team away for a two- or three-day planning session. Whether that’s in the clear, clean air from Mildura in the far north-west to the Great Ocean Road down south, up in the high country of the north-east or down to far east Gippsland. It was a great turnout as Business Events Victoria’s General Manager Chris Porter tells Graeme Kemlo.

What has just dropped at Travel Writers Radio this week? It is a jam-packed show where we take you to Japan, Spain, Port Douglas , and the Solomon Islands as well as local stories from our team in Melbourne.We thank you for listening and welcome your feedback to: info@travelwritersradio.com.

Our resident wine expert Tyson Stelzer has been reporting on the wine scene for us for about 10 years and we appreciate not only his broad knowledge of gthe industry and its products, but he’s a multi-winner of the Wine Communicator of the Year award. So we love how he can make it palatable to all of us. Tyson discusses with Graeme Kemlo the state of the industry globally and at home. Could England emerge as serious sparkling wine producer? He also shares his best tips for great world-class wines you can buy now from Tasmanian winemakers.Image: Tyson Stelzer on recent visit to Champagne

Uncovering My Son's LegacyLocated 55 kilometres in the misty mountains outside of Hoi An lies My Son. Pronounced “mee-sun”, these ruins in Central Vietnam date back to the 4th century. They were inhabited for hundreds of years by the Cham people, known for maritime skills and commanding local trade routes. The site stands as a reminder of the historically-rich Vietnamese landscape, bearing scars from modern warfare in the form of grassy craters created by bombs used to drive out the Viet Cong who hid among the ruins. This lush site is a worthwhile visit for its enlightening and somber history and natural wonders. And we reckon that;s definitely Worth1000Words.Image: Karin Avila

Carolyne Jasinski loves cruises not only as a guest, but an enrichment speaker But when she embarked yet again to sail the seven seas. In this case you flew to Singapore and took an Oceania cruise around Asia. There’s a lot to love about the sip, the level of service, food, and accommodation. Unfortunately the ship cannot control everything and yshe found one shore excursion quite perplexing. Maybe listeners want to file this under: “you’ve been warned”.Carolyne (cerntre) with husband Rick behind - dining at the Captain's Table

Melbourne, which is a city highly regarded for its culinary and coffee scene and its international sporting eventsd, has gone Full Fondue. The arrival ov 18 French Alpine chalets dispensing fondue on our chilly autumn evenings is the latest innovation. It has also seen the arrival of two tonnes of French cheese into which guests will fondoodle. Graeme Kemlo and Carolyne Jasinski remember the 1970s fondue parties, the orange lamp shades, the lime green curtains. Enough already. And BTW, it is $99 pp for a table of six or eight.Image: supplied

It was the title of the book that captured Graeme Kemlo’s interest – Mature Flaneur in New Zealand – a French word that equates to strolling somewhat aimlessly around the streets of Paris. Graeme had once done just that - deliberately got lost in Paris - and now he had a name for it. So he arranged to speak with the author, Tim Ward, whose latest of 12 books he’s written covers a three month slow tour of the land of the Kiwi. A delightful conversation ensued. Publisher: Changemakers-books.comImage: Tim Ward

Fiona Harper is a true lover of all things watery, and she has reported on diving into tropical lagoons, freezing arctic plunges, sailing where the breeze takes her and more. This week she tells us she has been gathering human interest stories and images in the Solomon Islands, home to some of the best diving on the planet. She met some marvelous people, enjoyed a variety of fresh local produce. Fiona had a translator who understood the local pidgin English to help bring the stories she gathered to life.Image: Fiona Harper in Solomon Islands

Veteran reporter Mike Smith who has done a lot of overseas travel throughout his career so he knows a thing or two about staying safe and well. Tonight he has a report on travel insurance and some of the incredible claims paid out - think serious six figure sums - that would have forced people to sell their homes to pay medical bills had they not taken out a policy before departure.

Here's the latest from the Travel Writers Radio and Podcast first heard on J-Air 88FM in Melbourne, online and also streamed. Listen to hear about our stories about food, wine, lifestyle and travel. We're independent of major media. we are transparent, we're not inflluencers just professional broadcasters and journalists telling interesting stories over the past 11 years and 435 episodes. And we sincerely thank YOU for listening,To get in touch just email: info@travelwritersradio.com

The Les Miserables Arena Spectacular opened recently in Sydney and is now playing in Melbourne, then Brisbane. It features some of the best songs created for musicaak theatre, based on a novel by Victor Hugo set in 19th century France. if you did not get to see the original stage musical, could you just go along to this arena show and appreciate the piece? Our co-host Helen Hayes says, "don''t walk, run to get tickets". The show sold out its 9000-seat venue at ICC Sydney and is likely to do the same in its other cities. It left Helen wanting more, and more and more. Photo supplied

Vietnam wasn’t on Karin Avila’s list of must-see destinations. But a 12-day journey exploring the water puppet theatres of Hanoi to the manicured gardens of Tra Que—a 400-year-old seaside “vegetable village”—left her captivated. Once scarred by war, Vietnam has risen to become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. The food is fresh and plentiful, the coffee bold and sumptuous, and the people warm and inviting. Full moon lantern festivals and holidays celebrating kindness and charity add to the festive atmosphere, casting a lasting impression of this scintillating country.

Phil Brown in New York looks at Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office and his impact not only on the rest of the world, but how did New York react to everything that went on. Phil reports on the local reaction to the Trump administration

Here's the .latest in food, wine, lifestyle and travel from Travel Writers Radio, produced and presented by PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. we;re proud to have been ranked in the Top 10 Travel Podcasts in the World this year. So thank you for listening.We welcome your feedback or suggestions vie email: info@travelwritersradio.comOur show is first broadcast on 88FM radio in Melbourne,simulcast on I-Air.com.au, then streamed as a podcast via SoundCloud or your favourite podcast platform.www.avelwritersradio.com

So why are we seeing lless cruise ships in Port Phillip Bay and at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, a great location for access to the city by public transport.The truth is that Donald Trump is not the opnly government leader who uses the tariff to generage revenue, In December 2023 the Victorian state Government levied with little notice a 15% tariff on cruise ships in a move they said was to help improve the facilities at Melbourne’s heritage cruise terminal, Station Pier.. Graeme Kemlo reports.ImageL Cunard's Queens

Last week Alistair Smith explained perfectly why he chose to go the long way around, rather than speed the main highway from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. And giving himself four weeks on the road instead of a couple of days proved fruitful as he was free to explore interesting stops along the way. He continues his story tonight – a story you really could use to do your own round about adventure where you’;re in the outback but you never leave the bitumen.This week he turns south heading for Queensland’s Gold Coast.Photo by Alistair Smith

Kristin Henning continues her deep dive into the culture and food of Valencia Spain. Kris identifies the best places to eat and explains why Valencia is also a design center and a European Green City. After our chat, you'll find a link to her detailed post about Valencia on Travel Past 50. https://travelpast50.com/find-top-things-see-and-do-valencia-spain/

Visiting another country with an international driver's licence is one thing…when you actually move to a foreign country you have to get a local licence to drive a motor vehicle. As regular listeners to this show will remember we documented about one year ago, the trials and tribulations of trying to obtain a drivers licence in Spain our reporter Karin Avila is working to obtain her licence, improving her Spanish language skills, understanding different road rules, road signs and 266 pages of requirements to pass. Now living in Valencia Spain, US-born Karin tells us how the next stage of the process is going for her.Photo: Karin Avila

Here's what you'll find on Travel Writers Radio this week. Thanks for listening. Feel free to contact us at info@travelwritersradio.com

A couple of weeks back we talked about travel disasters we had encountered whether as travel writers or just plain leisure travellers and we asked any listeners who wanted to share their personal disaster stories with us and we would choose the best. Listen to the email submission from Lydia Leibrock of Naples Florida. It is an absolute classic. So be careful who you tsit next to on the plane and who you talk to. Thanks, Lydia, we'll be in touch shortly.

Kristin Henning reports on her deep dive visit to Valencia, Spain. This Mediterranean coastal city is the third largest in Spain...and is known as a culinary capital and the birthplace of paella. Kris identifies the best places to eat and explains why Valencia is also a design centre and a European Green City. After our chat, you'll find a link to her detailed post about Valencia on Travel Past 50. https://travelpast50.com/find-top-things-see-and-do-valencia-spain/

Travel Writer Alistair Smith doesn’t mind going the long way around as he tells me in this interview about a recent outback drive from Melbourne to Gold Coast Queensland, which he admits could have been covered in about two days. Instead it lasted four weeks and he covered 8000 km. However, Alistair clearly had a great experiences in the outback bush stopping to explore some fascinating towns and unique experiences.Photo by Alistair Smith - Longhorn cattle can have horns 10ft wide.

Our award-winning sustainability reporter Keeley Warren speaks with Debbie Clarke on why intentional and considered storytelling matters in the tourism and travel sector. Debbie is the Director of Regenerative Development at The Centre for Good Travel, course facilitator at The Tourism CoLab, and host of The Good Awaits podcast. She explains her framework for telling regenerative stories and offers an example of what this looks like in action in New Zealand. More information about Debbie's upcoming storytelling courses can be found here: Intro to Regenerative Storytelling, Stories of Active Hope.

Kari Hunter, Senior Director Commercial and Revenue Management with Choice Hotels, says guests will now be spoiled for choice when looking for business or leisure accommodation. She reveals to reporter Helen Hayes a new upmarket range of properties that will certainly change people’s perceptions of this group and their offerings at more than 1700 properties across Australia and New Zealand. Including the Comfort and Ascend brands.Photo supplied.

While the authorities in western Europe are still coming to grips with the real cause of this week’s power blackout that affected whole countries, shutting down public transport and closing airports across Spain, Portubal and parts of France. One of out reporters on the spot Karin Avila speaks with Graeme Kemlo about the blackout, which she said caused an eerie silence in her province of Valencia and she was forced to take a digital break for about 12 hours….and to Karin that was a positive.Photo Karin Avila - Eerily quiet as unusually the supermarket is closed during the day due to power outage across Spain

Overview of this week's two-hour radio show on food, wine, lifestyle and travel. Produced and preasented by the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers (PALAT)

In this special edition of Travel Writers Radiop we focus on our national memorial day, known as Anzac Day. ANZAC was the name given to the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fought side by side in Gallipoli 110 years ago. They forged a bond that still exists as the men and women of both our armed services continue to defend democracy in other fields opf battle over the decades. Former PM, Paul Keating's 1993 speech on the Unknown Soldier sums up the ANZAC spirit of mateship, loyalty and courage in the face of adversity. Lest We Forget.

Simon Tancred’s love of hiking is such that he has walked more than 15,000 kilometres across Italy. His love affair with the country’s trails began in 1993 when he launched Hidden Italy guided and self-guided walking tours. The company today thrives on taking up to 1000 walkers a year. One of those treks is featured in Simon’s new book – Trails to Freedom – the true story of medieval trails used by ANZAC prisoners of war to escape German-occupied Italy in 1943-44.In time for ANZAC Day, Sydney reporter MIKE SMITH sat down with Simon to talk about the book and the trails in the popular Hidden Italy program.

Brent McKean doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk as the editor of a bi-monthly magazine, Great Walks and now as editor of his group’s first hardback coffee table book about Australia’s greatest coastal walks. Graeme Kemlo, who in his youth was known to hike in Victoria’s high country, but has since hung up his boots, enjoyed the chat with Brent, even learning that Australia has its own Camino trail.Photo by Grent McKean with new book - Great Coastal Walks AustraliaMore information or to subscribe to the magazine, go to: greatwalks.com.au

Well that’s our theme for #Worth1000Words and this week’s image is from Graeme Kemlo who recently visited a magnificent building in Pattaya Thailand. Our Tuk-Tuks arrived atop a hill north of Pattaya City to find a large crowd, but in the distance with the backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand – it looked a bit like a battleship made of wood. It is the SSanctuary of Truth. On closer inspection and wearing a hard hat since it was under construction we descended some stairs to the clifftop. It looks like a very different temple, but is not a religious site but a museum that includes a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and other philosophies and mythologies. Commenced in 1961 it is still a work in progress, made entirely of local timbers using no nails at all,. Yet it soars 105 metres into the air with cathedral ceilings inside.We think it is definitely #Worth1000Words

Our Melbourne-based reporter Alistair Smith is certainly someone who has been known to take the road less travelled and we benefit from some of the unusual destinations he chooses to visit. This week he speaks with Graeme Kemlo about his cruise north of Australia to Papua New Guinea, in particular the sites of Australia’s military engagement in Milne Bay and Rabaul where there’s still evidence of the World War II campaign to defend against the advancing Japanese forces. Alistair spoke with Graeme Kemlo. Places mentioned in the interview: Kokopo War Museum; Bita Paka War Cemetery; Milne Bay port is Alotau/https://papuanewguinea.travel/milne-bay-province/www.enbtourism.comAlistair's Website is: www.WeAreRealWriters.comPhoto: Alistair Smith - Tank at Milne Bay.

Maybe we're over-sharing but Helen Hayes was asked at a recent writers' festival whether she had suffered any travel disasters in her career as a traveller. She asked Graeme Kemlo the same question and now you will all discover our most embarrassing moments on the road. We did offer for anyone who cares to share that you could email your story to info@travelwritersradio.com and we'll share the best one on air (we have a book to give to the best one)

Another day, another drop in the stock market in a year in which the travel industry was feeling so bullish having rebuilt that sector following the COVID pandemic and with a quick stroke of his felt pen Donald Trump has flushed it all down the toilet. Billions of dollars have already been lost from Superannuation accounts here in Australia. But there have been some interesting developments over the past week as the real impact of the tariff announcement starts to bite and we will cover some of them both good and bad later in the show. Listen to Senator Adam Schiff address a joint sitting of both houses of Congress.Photo: Wikipedia- Washington HandsOff Protest

The very latest from Travel Writers Radio covers food, wine, lifestyle and travel from our team of professional reporters and broadcasters. Now in its 11trh year on air, Trasvel Writers Radio team members produce and present their independent and authentic stories from around the corner and around the world with No AI and No BS - that's a promise.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Our Perth-based correspondent Carmen Jenner has checked out a new budget airline, China’s TransNusa airlines on their inaugural flight from Perth to Denpasar, Bali. While in Bali, she visited Ubud to experience Nyepi, the Day of Silence. Carmen spoke to Graeme Kemlo earlier.Photo by Carmen Jenner in Ubud.Here are some useful links: Transnusa https://transnusa.co.id/en; Laguna Nusa Dua https://www.marriott.com/id/hotels/dpslc-the-laguna-a-luxury-collection-resort-and-spa-nusa-dua-bali/overview/; InterContinental Jimbaran (https://bali.intercontinental.com/) & Holiday Inn Canggu https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnresorts/hotels/us/en/bali/dpsba/hoteldetail

On his recent trip through eastern Europe reported on the show earlier, journalist Alistair Smith fulfilled a wish to visit Georgia, the former Soviet republic with its rich history. He did not go looking for stories of the darker past when Stalin was in charge; however, a museum to his honour and the house he was born in were on his group itinerary. Apart from some time in Stalin's home town, Alistair also went up into the Caucasus mountains. Photo credit: Angela Yee Joy.

Graeme Kemlo chats with entrepreneur Leanne Neeland about her move from Western Australia to Victoria in 2012 to visit the wine regions of Victoria and find a tourism-related business to establish. With husband Ian she found a niche in chocolate and ice cream, establishing the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery soon after. Now Leanne has three locations and a fourth one on the way. She buys her couverture Belgian chocolate by the container load, using 3500 tonnes a year, serving thousands of family and group visitors to her premises every day and employing more than 200 staff plus 19 specialist chocolatiers, a number of them trained in Europe. Leanne spoke with Graeme earlier this week.Photo suppliedLocations: Yarra Valley www.yvci.com.auGreat Ocean Road www.gorci.com.auMornington Peninsula www.mpchoc.com.auBendigo is the next location

Helen Hayes made a quick trip last month across the Pacific to Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops in British Columbia. She''s been there so many times she knows the place like she's a local. Helen and a few other Aussies just love the place. She tells you all you need to know plus some handy tips on where and when to ski, eat and drink.Photo: Helen Hayes - we can assure she's not on a lean, the camera was!

All Roads Lead to SpainOn a windy spring day in the city of Valencia, correspondents Kris Henning and Karin Avila met for the first time. Sipping horchata — a locally originated creamy non-alcoholic drink made from tiger nuts — they settled comfortably at a café in Mercado de Colón, a 20th-century Valencian Art Nouveau structure dating back over 100 years. This colourful, tiled and textured open market with sleek cafes and shops is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely encounter. After warm greetings, they burst into lively discussions about travel, politics, family, and life in Spain.We think it is definitely #Worth1000WordsPhoto shows fellow reporters and US citizens Kris (L) and Karin (R) in Valencia.

Graeme Kemlo was recently in Adelaide, where he received the latest report from Adelaide Economic Development Agency. It reveals that more than $9 billion dollars worth of major infrastructure is currently approved, planned or under construction. It includes 14- better make that 15- new hotels that will seriously enable this former city of churches to compete against the East Coast.Photo: Architect render of Starwood Hotels' Treehouse at Adelaide Central Market - under construction

From her office in London to the far-flung regions of China, Wendy Wu continues to expand her horizons by establishing “new destinations” for travellers to explore. As founder and owner of leading travel wholesale company Wendy Wu Tours, Wendy has seen many changes since organising her first guided tour from Australia in 1998. Today, an effervescent Wendy speaks with correspondent Mike Smith to showcase her busy 2025 schedule and the steps she and her team will take to further develop the Wendy Wu product globally.Photo: supplied

We have more food, wine, lifestyle and travel stories from our team tonight. Our correspondents cover a range of interesting destinations too, from Victoria to Bali, from China to Spain, plus Georgia and British Columbia in Canada.If you want to get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.comWe'd love to hear from you with your comments, your suggestions, or perhaps you are a journalist who would like to be part of our team.Thanks for listening.

The story of Sir Charles Todd is not as widely known as it should be because this man who did some remarkabl;e things in his lifetime has a dry river bed named after him, and his wife has a town named after her – they are both recognised in Alice Springs. But the legacy of Todd, first postmaster general of South Australia, includes his decision to erect link Australia with the rest of the world about 150 years ago when he led construction the Overland Telegraph linking our continent for the first time to London and, in turn, to the rest of the world. Graeme Kemlo discovers the story of Todd, who was also a land surveyor, n electrical engineer and renowned spaceologist. It is now the story of the new Adelaide Marriott, built sensitively inside the 152 year-old sandstone GPO, much loved by the people of Adelaide. Graeme speaks with hotel General Manager Paul Gallop.Photo by Graeme Kemlo - dots and dashes of first teleghram from London

Adelaide, once known as the city of churches, has certainly kicked up her heels and hitched her skirt to take on the east coast destinations in oreder to win lucrative business events for the city, now knkwn as Festival City. Graeme Kemlo was there last week as the Fringe Festival ran, with about 150 others participating in Destination South Australia This is the 21st staging of this event where it sees the local industry meet buyers from around Australia – and this year international buyers – who want to hold business events in Adelaide. Adelaide is now a hot destination, having won a 10 year deal to stage five mining conferences formerly held in Sydney, it has more than doubled its target revenue for this fiscal year and there’s another quarter still to go. Graeme speaks with Damien Kitto of Business events Adelaide.Photo Graeme Kemlo

A Street Library is described as a beautiful, home for your books in your front yard. And so when Catrolyna Jasinski was given a Street Library kit for Christmas she couldn't wait to get it up and share nine of her books with neighbours and friends she hadn't met yet. But pretty soon she had more than nine books as the community shared her reading. Among those left behind were two new books by a local author, whom Carolyne emailed and they caught up for coffee. She reckons it was a great feeling having the Street Library in place and she has not added to her original library since the local community has embraced the idea warmly.More information: streetlibrary.org.auPhoto Carolyne Jasinski - local author Kate Louise's book is up front.

Here's the latest from the Travel Writers on food, wine, lifestyle and travel experiences from around the world or around the corner. Our team of professional journalists and broadcasters produce and present this authentic independent program with No AI and No BS. We hope you enjoy the show.To get in touch email us - info@travelwritersradio.com.

This week’s #Worth1000Words image is from Fiona Harper, who writes:"I've travelled all over the world, yet prior to relocating to Darwin to work on a project with Tourism NT, I'd never seen two of Australia's famous icons: Kakadu and Uluru. I quickly fixed that. Cruising through Yellow Waters Billabong in Kakadu, we spotted so much wildlife it was hard to know where to focus my camera. But this obliging saltie knew how to capture my attention. Silently gliding through the billabong, he 'posed' within a colourful patch of blooming lilies, creating a magical moment that reminds me of everything I love about Kakadu. Its raw wildness, serenity and the beauty of an ancient land remains little changed in 60,000-odd years. It's absolutely mesmerizing.Photo: Fiona Harper Kakadu

Here's what is new this week on Travel Writers Radio, your authentic, independent source for the latest kn food, wine, lifestyle and travel information and inspiration. Our team of professionals at PALAT bring you fresh stories with No AI and No BS every week. We'd love to hear from you via email - info@travelwritersradio.com if you have a story suggestion or a comment.

No wonder Kangaroo Island's Southern Ocean Lodge is a favourite with international guests. Wilderness, wildlife, luxury ... and wine! A 1200-bottle cellar is just waiting to be explored. It will take you on a wine tour all around South Australia.Photo: Southern Ocean Lodge by Carolyne Jasinski

Reporter Ian Jarrett gives us a rundown on the opportunities available for people who would like to spend an extended time at sea on a luxury cruise liner – anything from 180 days to four years. Photo: Oceania Cruises Vistahttps://www.oceaniacruises.com/https://www.virginvoyages.com/destinations/south-pacific-cruiseshttps://villavieresidences.com/odyssey/https://villavieresidences.com/odyssey/

Alistair Smith has discovered the wonders of Azerbaijan. This former Soviet state proved to be a surprise package. It's now a modern oil-rich nation with a rich cultural heritage that blends with modern architecture.Photo: Alistair Smith in front of fiery volcanic roadside in AzerbaijanRead Alistair's story published in New Zealand Herald: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/azerbaijan-the-destination-you-never-thought-to-visit/2AOJI4CBY5E4FDUQN6NR6TNEZU/

Karin Avila our Spain-based correspondent was born and lived in the United States until two and a half years ago when she moved to Valencia province, Last month she went back to New York to tidy up some business, meet ex-colleagues and friends, including our New York correspondent Phil Brown. Compared to Europe she did not enjoy the New YorK City dining experience or the 20% tip and the wine at $20 a glass. She told Graeme Kemlo how she felt about about her old hometown.Photo by Phil Brown

Our latest episode of the show has some good stories about Peru, Bali, New York plus a glimpse of life from Valencia, Spain. And we feature a multinational corporation (NYSE listed) that is looking for 160 young people to work and build a career in the hospitality industry in Australia, Asia Pacific and Middle East.We love bring you these stories every week and we appreciate that you listen however and wherever you choose to do that.We welcome your comments or suggestions by email to: info@travelwritersradio.comBTW - we're 11 years old this week.

Bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the south-east by Bolivia and in the south by Chile with the waters of the Pacific at its feet, Peru is a country that never disappoints its Australian visitors.Of intrigue are the peaks of the forested Andes, in particular the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu which can be reached from Cuzco by train or for the fittest on foot.For all the latest news on the South American country, travel writer MIKE SMITH spoke with Peru Trade Commissioner in Australia Sol Campos de Parry at the Travmedia Internatinal Media Marketplace and found there was more to liking her home than trekking the Inca trail.Here's some food for thought

Thje favourite holiday destination of Australians is Bali. But it has a problem Development of the tiourism sector has not been matched by the infrastructure needed to support it. However the Balinese recvognised this and last September they broke ground on a 29 billion dollar underground metro system, starting with a train from the airport to downtown. Graeme Kemlo spoke with our Bali Correspondent Suzanne Hart about the issue and whether the island might lose some of its charm even if it does help put less cars on the roads.

In this week’s Worth1000Words image, Karin Avila explains the photo she took in her village of Teulada , Karin writes: “In front of City Hall in Teulada, Spain, local students—both boys and girls—gathered to celebrate International Women's Day. It was one of several events planned throughout the week designed to celebrate the accomplishments of Spanish women and empower a new generation to continue to fight for equality. One of many celebrations throughout Spain, a group of young women stood to the side proudly holding a white sign decorated with colorful butterflies that read, "Juntes Imparables," meaning "Unstoppable Together" in Valenciano. We reckon it is @worth1000Words.

We received a n email this week from Travel and Leisure Co saying they had 160 vacancies for young people to join the hospitality and tourism secror, and these were jobs that could lead to a career in what from personal experience is a great industry And it got us thinking, maybe there are kids who have completed Year 12 in 2024 but are still looking for their career path. So I spoke to the Senior Vice President Human Resources & Brand Communications for this multinational business, Bruce Harkness, who told me they are looking for young people, not necessarily with a degree, but with the right attitude.More: go to the Careers section of their website:https://www.travelandleisureco.com

Swimming with whale sharks in Cenderwasih Bay, Indonesia was one of many highlights for Fiona Harper during an 18 night voyage with Coral Expeditions to Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands.More information www.coralexpeditions.comPhoto courtesy Coral Expeditions

Imagine walking across Canada. Dianne Whelan did just that and made a documentary about it. It took a little longer than she expected, but she loved every second of it... well, almost. Helen Hayes spoke to Dianne about the ups and downs of her journey.View a trailer: https://youtu.be/UkmNdJRfUHQ?si=0myrIxKGJqRMwM5aPhoto: Dianne Whelan18:56:30B/A GK – Helen Hayes was speaking with Dianne Whelan. We have a link to the trailer for her film on our website

Stella The Stargazer was created for Visit Victoria to lure the younger generation into short breaks in the regions. Stella, is a very well designed Aussie tin shed, and has been a success as she moved around Victoria. Graeme tracked down one of its creators, Greg Adshead of Ampleco who are still building architect-designed tin sheds in iconic Aussie style.More information: ampleco.com.auPhoto: Stella, courtesy of Visit Victoria

If you find yourself mind-boggled by the tsunami of decisions pouring out of the Oval Office, spare a thought for those who live with it and feel impacted by every move. New York correspondent, Phil Brown talks about what’s being done, and how it is being done by the disruptive regime. Phil Brown says even some Republicans are finding things hard to fathom. Already dozens of court challenges are happening as he explains to Graeme KemloPhoto: Phil Brown

Our US-based correspondent Kristin Henning visited the fascinating city of Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic on the banks of the River Danube, only a 40 minute drive or a short cruise downstream from Vienna. Originally an administrative hub of the Austro-Hungarian empire, this 1000-year-old city has some stories of its own to tell and is worth more than a day visit says Kris.Photo: St Michael's tower by Kristin HenningMore information: travelpast50.com

A 2.5 hr drive north of Sydney Port Stephens, is a bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour, and as travel writer MIKE SMITH found on a tour with Moonshadow Cruises, it is a playground for around 100 wild dolphins. Little wonder online travel specialist WOTIF recently named the NSW coastal council area Aussie Town of the Year. Mike spoke about this flippered fun tour with cruise skipper, Ben Armstrong.

Sit back and relax while our team informs and entertains with more of our authentic, independent stories about the people and the places that provide interesting experiences in food, wine, lifestyle and travel.Check out our website - travelwritersradio.com for stories we have put together over the past year.And if you would like to contact us just email: info@travelwritersradio.comAnd, thanks for listening.

Swimming with Australian sea lions, e-biking, hiking, kayaking, surfing, beach combing, staying in luxury villas and dining on fresh seafood ... Reporter Carolyne Jasinski found this amazing adventure at Baird Bay on the far west coast of South Australia.Carolyne speaks with the resident managers of the Baird Bay Experience and its Villa-stay, Kat and Brendon Bevan.Photo Carolyne Jasinski (using a borrowed GoPro)

Baird Bay Experience Head Chef Calvin Von Niebel is so humble, he didn't mention that he was Executive Chef and Group Development Chef for the Ottolenghi group across its seven London restaurants ... some of Britain’s most-acclaimed dining destinations. Calvin credits his grandmothers and mentors Yotam Ottolenghi, Sami Tamimi and Ramael Scully, for his unique cooking style. For more information go to: bairdbay.comPhoto by Carolyne Jasinski

Where did Australians travel to last year? Helen Hayes speaks with the CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, Dean Long to find out. Figures showed that 11.6 million international trips were taken by Australian residents last year…many of them to Japan. Helen digs into the data with Dean Long to see what we can learn.Image: Dean Long

Melbourne journalist and author Alistair Smith is a former newspaperman who still has stories to tell. Graeme Kemlo invited Alistair to tell his story in a new medium and he delights in talking to us about his recent Sri Lanka trip. Alistair avoided the major cities, preferring to see smaller, less crowded places with a story to tell, such as a fifth-century BC fortress. His favourite experience was an elephant safari.He chose to fly Sri Lankas Airways and enjoyed the ground arrangements and tour options organised by tripadeal.com.au, He reckons it is well worth a visit. Photo by Alistair Smith - Sri Lanka's tuk-tuks proved a great way to get around in the heat.

Here's what you'll find in Travel Writers Radio this week whether you listen via FM, Live on the Net, or streamed through your favourite podcast platform. Independent authentic stories about the people in the places you travel to, plus some you are yet to discover.We're proud to have been ranked in the Top 10 World's Best Travel Podcasts (we've been as high as #4/100) and top in Australasia) and we promise to continue the program in our usual way - no AI and no BS,Sincere thanks for listening.

Team member Fiona Harper was invited on board Coral Geographer, an expedition ship that carries only about 120 passengers for its journeys from Darwin into some of the most remote locations in the east Indonesian archipelago. Fiona visited the Spice Islands and West Papua and apart from the pristine waters, coral and fish in the region, Fiona particularly enjoyed visiting villages along the way and engaging with the indigenous communities for whom a visiting ship is a rarity. But they were as interested in taking selfies of the visitors as the visitors were taking photos of them. The passengers did their bit for these villagers taking school books and equipment as well as a rugby ball which was a big hit with the children. Fiona spoke to Graeme Kemlo earlier.More information coralexpeditions.comPhoto by Fiona Harper, who explains: "We went ashore at Kwatisore village in Cenderwasih Bay, in Central Papua, Indonesia. The locals put on a wonderful cultural performance of music and dance, where this colourful gentleman played in the band."

About a week before Christmas 2024, a devastating earthquake shook the South Pacific country of Vanuatu, capital Port Vila hit the hardest with significant damage to several buildings, the seaport and airport. More than a dozen people died while hundreds more were injured in the natural disaster.While visiting the annual TRAVMEDIA International Media Marketplace (IMM) in Sydney, our correspondent MIKE SMITH caught up with Vanuatu Tourism’s Australian representative SARAH ANDERSON to find out the latest news from the tiny nation.Photo supplied.

Mardi Gras is fast approaching – March 4 is the date – and places like New Orleans in Louisiana are gearing up for the crowds that will flock to Bourbon Street in the French Quarter for its tradition of jazz, blues and a grand parade, but as Mike Smith discovers speaking with Doug Bourgeois of Explore Louisiana, there’s a lot more to experience in this southern state.Photo: French Quarter by Mike Smith

Reporter Carmen Jenner is fortunate to live where she does, because Western Australia has some of Australia’s most amazing natural attractions each with their own story, some historic, others simply unique adventure experiences. One of the most popular regions of WA is The Kimberley, particularly the town of Broome with its colourful history of pearling, landscapes of many hues and a vibrant mix of ethnicities to match. Carmen spoke to Graeme Kemlo about her recent visit to the region.Photo: By Carmen Jenner on a camel on Cable Beach Broome

Two of our team members have come up with a brilliant business idea based on their specific skills and experience. Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski have participated in scores of media familiarization trips both here and overseas. They have also both worked for tourism bodies as hosts guiding other media and travel agents on visits to a range of destinations – so they know both sides of the coin. Now they have launched TravHost, designed to help destinations and tourism organisations to successfully showcase their destinations, experiences and services to both media and travel trade members. Graeme spoke with them earlier. More information: www.travhost.world

Blake Riddington, Regional Director of TravMedia Australia and New Zealand, chats with Helen Hayes to give the lowdown on last week's successful IMM - the International Media Marketplace - in Sydney. This homegrown event is going gangbusters. Photo: Blake Riddington (supplied)

We reckon we should kick off with the most mouth-watering story first. An Ice Cream Festival with 144 flavours across three locations – Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula running right through the week, including this coming weekend. And did they really come up with white chocolate, curry and coconut in a cone? Yes they did come up with that flavour plus a few other wild ones. Graeme Kemlo spoke to head chocolatier, Allan Grandjean and he reckons he put on weight just listening to Allan's ice cream story.Check it out online at www.gorci.com.au

Thanks for joining us for Traver Writers Radio this week. We have some interesting stories from our team and we hope you enjoy them wherever and however you choose to listen.We welcome your feedback and suggestions. To get in contact please email: info@travelwritersradio.comWe're proud to have been officially ranked among the Top 10 Travel Podcasts in the World.

Helen Hayes chats with Lisa Pagotto of Crooked Compass, whose latest offering is a traditional lodge experience in a village in Papua New Guinea.

In association with its annual industry event staged in Melbourne at this time each year, Melbourne Convention Bureau published a report this year on the impact of business events on the city over the past decade. Graeme Kemlo, who has been covering the business events sector of the tourism industry for the past 20 years or so, attends AIME each year. Hear he spells out the key elements of the report, which say Melbourne has received an economic contribution of more than $2.34 billion over the past 10 years as a result of MCB delivering 1620 business events, the majority of which have been staged at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Cente beside the Yarra River. MCEC is also a venue for many consumer events, from trade fairs to concerts and cultural activities, including its exclusive Lume digital art installation. The full report is available from the Bureau website:melbournecb.com.au

On a famil to Japan, Carmen Jenner dived into the tradition of bathing in an onsen and wondered how many other professions promote getting naked with your colleagues. Her interview also revealed how listeners can win free and direct flights with ANA to Japan by following this link: https://www.linkdtourism.com/jnto-ana-flight-competition/. Carmen also shared her experience of visiting the Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures, including Ozu, a historic town in the Ehime Prefecture often known as Little Kyoto, which was saved from destruction until Nipponia/VMG Hotels saved the day with the restoration of numerous buildings including Ozu Castle, one of the few castles in Japan where guests can spend the night. To read more about Carmen’s adventures, head to The Ripple Effect in Japan (Have A Go News), Hiroshima: Uncovering Peace in this Must Visit Japanese City (Onya Magazine) and ANA Flight Review: All Nippon Airways Sparks Joy in the Sky, especially if you win free tickets (www.fluffytowel.com). And if you’re in Perth on 15th March, please check out the Perth Japan Festival.Photo:: Dogo Onsen - Japan Tourism

Carolyne Jasinski, who is a frequent cruiser and often a guest lecturer on cruise ships, gives Part 2 of her tips and traps for cruise newbies. Speaking with Graeme Kemlo, she covers onboard sales, getting the right insurance cover and where to find discount cruises due to relocation of vessels. She provided these links: Each cruise line will list their own deals or you can check sites like cruisecritic.com, bestpricecruises.com, cruiseweb.com or repositioningcruise.comCunard boldy lists them as the Best repositioning cruises at https://www.celebritycruises.com/popular-cruises/repositioning-cruisesNorwegian cruise line: https://www.ncl.com/au/en/cruises-to/repositioning-cruisesOr websites like https://www.bestpricecruises.com/cruise/deals/to/Repositioning will compare different cruise lines.https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles/best-repositioning-cruises?stay=1&posfrom=1https://www.repositioningcruise.comhttps://cruiseweb.com/destinations/cruise-repositioning

Here's a story of a privately owned island off the coast of South Australia which is being converted from a sheep farm to a safe haven for vulnerable native fauna species. Carolyne Jasinski talks to Jonas Woolford about the history of Flinders island, the family's abalone business and the massive conservation project they are undertaking.Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

We have all heard the saying that food is medicine. Well we have an example here in Adelaide where Food writer and chef Dianne Mattsson prepares special meals for those whose health situations require very special dietary approaches. And it is timely with AFL figure Neale Daniher being named Australian of the Year for raising $100 million to research motor neuron disease (MND) , not for himself but for thousands of other sufferers. Dianne is working with the families and health care advisors to produce special meals for a client with MND and other chronic illnesses.Photo credit: Paige Mattsson

Helen Hayes pays a visit to Boise, Idaho, the capital of Idaho and one of the fastest growing cities in the US. It is known as the 'City of Trees' and has an interesting Basque history.

Thanks for listening to Travel Writers Radio - here's your latest delivery of independent authentic travel journalism from the professional team of writers and broadcasters. Our mantra: No AI and No BS.We'd love to have your comments - email us: info@travelwritersradio.com

After many, many cruises, Carolyne Jasinski has accumulated a host of tips and tricks to make exploring the seven seas easier ... and cheaper. Tune in for the details. Photo: Don't get taken for a ride on your cruise

Graeme Kemlo and Karin Avila were separately in Vietnam recently but both found common ground ... the local coffee scene. We discover Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world producing a staggering 1.8 million tonnes of coffee annually.And Vietnamese coffee isn’t just about a strong brew. Have you heard of ‘egg,’ ‘weasel’, or ‘salt’ coffee? Photo Egg Coffee by Karin Avila

In the lead-up to Australasia’s largest gathering of people in the business events industry – AIME - we discover how helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests of Tropical North Queensland can win business from local and international clients. Graeme Kemlo, who will be at AIME, speaks to Tara Bennett from the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region convention bureau. Tara’s been out planting 1000 trees with her colleagues to restore some of the native habitat of the tree kangaroo. Photo: Tara Bennett tree planting (suppied)

Graeme Kemlo and Carolyne Jasinski reminisce about Adelaide's famous Pie Floater - an Aussie meat pie served in mushy pea soup with tomato sauce (ketchup) that used to be popular after night clubbing. But where is the famous dispensary - the pie cart - and what has happened to the local "delicacy" now? Carolyne promises to track it down and share this unique culinary experience.

Kristin Henning's recent trip to Sweden took an unexpected and emotional turn. She found some public records about her late grandfather and, in following these clues, she ended up at the house he grew up in. It has opened her eyes, and heart, to new reasons to travel ... following in the footsteps of your ancestors.Photo: Henning ancestral home.Kristin and Tom are returning to Scandinavia in September this year, leading a small group tour covering cities and countryside of Sweden and Norway. Nine spots remain on the tour! Visit TravelPast50.com. or follow the link: https://travelpast50.com/Scandinaviatour

There’s no business like snow business for Helen Hayes who is in Idaho learning about a small community-owned, not-for-profit ski resort called Bogus Basin. Helen speaks with Susan Saad from the resort which is just 45 minutes from the capital, Boise. Photo: Helen Hayes

Chinese New Year is being celebrated all around the world. Mike Smith tells us that 2025 - the Year of the Snake - will be an exciting fruitful year, especially for those born under that sign. They are determined, wise and particularly fiery. Photo: Mike Smith: New Year Celebrations in Macau

Here's what you will find on our travel podcast - rated #4 of the world's best travel podcasts - and we're pretty pleased about that. Our professional team of writers and broadcasters produces and presents Travel Writers Radio every week on FM Radio, Live on the Net and also on your favourite podcast platforms.We are an independent team of storytellers focused on giving you independent, authentic and informative stories with no AI and no BS.Thank you so much for listening

Graeme Kemlo Graeme, recently took a 10-day cruise (paid, not a media famil) from Singapore to Thailand, Vietnam and back aboard Anthem of the Seas It is not his first cruise, but it has been many years between sailingsand his previous cruise had up to 2500 passengers and Anthem had 4100 passengers and 1300 crew. The vessel like a city tower stands 16 storeys tall 72 metres from the waterline and 348 metres in length. Such mega vessels are not for everyone but you don't know till you expedrience it and Graeme gives his pros and cons of this cruise..Photo Graeme Kemlo - one of five pools onboard.

Helen Hayes has been away during our simmer break here on Travel Writers Radio. She visited Switzerland home to some of the world’s most iconic mountain-scapes. While there she interviewed Alan Ramsey who used to work in Paris but went towork Switzerland for one ski season…that was 34 years ago, he;s still there, and the rest, as they say is history. Helen gets a preview of an exciting three-part technology upgrade to the ski transportation facilities that include an 85 passenger gondola and a few years away is a 100 passenger gondola. All sited with the magnificent backdrop of three iconic mountains that have featured in moves such as James Bond's On Her Magesty's Secret Service.,Photo Helen Hayes and Alan Ramsey in the Swiss Alpas.More information jungfrau.ch and schilthorn.ch

Veteran travel editor, Mijke Smith is not trying to save money when he opts for a road trip instead of a flight from Sydney to Gold Coast. And he doesn’t drive through the night to get there either. Mike prefers the leisurely pace of stopping for one or two nights about halfway there and again about hallway home. A cabin in a caravan park has all the creature comforts he needs and often a view to die for. So if you listen to Mike’s chat with Graeme Kemlo, there’s some great tips from a road warrior that just might suit your vacation needs too.Photo by Mike Smith - Unofficial art gallery on the rocks at Nambucca Heads

Carolyne Jasinski was angling for the ultimate girls' getaway and she found it - learning the fine art of fly fishing in Tasmania with expert guide Matt Stone. She's hooked ... even though she didn't catch a fish.Photo: Carolyne Jasinski and Matt Stone in Tasmania's Central Highlands

Here's what 's new on Travel Writers Radio for this week - January 29, 2025.Thanks for listening to our show which was recently ranked #8 in the 100 World's Best Travel Podcasts.Let us know if you have an authentic travel story to tell.We welcome your feedback by email - info@travelwritersradio.com

We put out a call late last year for journalists, broadcasters, in fact storytellers who had travel-related stories to tell asking them to get in touch if they would like to be featured on Travel Writers Radio. Who would have thought that we would get a note from someone who had their own television show on WIN, largest one of Australia’s regional TV networks. But Scotty McRae wrote asking if he could share his stories. So we got him ion the line and first of all Graeme Kemlo wanmted to know “What is the Scotty McRae story?Photo by Scotty McRae in African village

We were recently ranked #8 in the World's 100 Best Travel Podcasts as nominated by feedspot.They ranked our show based on its relevancy, authority, social media followers and freshness.Every week our team of reportwers and producers put about six stories to air covering the people and the places where you can enjoy a broad range of travel-related interests from food and wine to lifestyle and travel experiences.Thank you, we're chuffed to have been recognised for more than a decade of broadcasting and podcasting and for our archive of over 3000 stories on soundcloud and travelwritersradio.comCheck out feedspot's blog at https://blog.feedspot.com/travel_podcasts/

Helen Hayes took a summer trip to Perisher, a ski resort in New South Wales to learn about the mountain's latest attraction for winter 2025 - a new six-chair ski lift that will improve the capacity of the mountain and the skier's experience.

Helen Hayes has been a regular visitor to Canada particularly during their winter, but recently she travelled across the country from west to east, ending up in Quebec, the predominantly French speaking province. It is an accident of history we gather, but we’re wondering just how French is this enclave on the North American continent. Does it extend beyond the language to the architecture, the food, the wine and the attitude.

Our reporter/photographer Fiona Harper documents her recent slow travel experience pedalling along the Spice Roads of Sri Lanka. Fiona rode up to 60 km a day, but she's particularly fit (marathon fit) so she enjoyed it immensely. Read more from Fiona and check out her photography at: fionaharper.com.au

Karin Avila knows the speed of a New York minute – she lived and worked in the Big Apple before moving to Spain two years ago where it is commonly said – “A Spaniard never looks at his watch”. The Spanish approach to time, to punctuality, to the siesta and to meal time, being about two hours later than we expect - has ramifications for the unwary traveller. So Graeme Kemlo asked Karin if it was true that she had to adjust from one extreme approach to time to the opposite in her newly adopted home in rural Valencia Spain.

Recently on the show we featured the musical theatre shows Melbourne has lined up for the rest of 2025. It was very well received by our audience and while it did include some of the shows being staged in Sydney, that was not the full list – tonight we present the unabridged Sydney music theatre scene, the names of the theatres and the dates they will play. Photo: Guys & Dolls on the Sydney Harbour

West Australian reporter Carmen Jenner has also been away, this time to Laos and Thailand – interestingly both countries have had issues with illegal alcohol production in some rural locations that have killed or seriously injured travellers. We’ll see what Carmen felt safe to drink over there.

We kick off 2025 with some more fabulous stories about the people and the places behind our food, wine, lifestyle and travel experiences - around the world, or around the corner. Our team is raring to go and are reporting in from the places they have been in our quest to bring you authentic independent travel journalism. Thanks so much for listening.To get in contact email us: info@travelwritersradio.com.

Karin Avila is US-born but has been living in the province of Valencia on Spain’s east coast for the past couple of years. While she was unaffected by the floods that raced through parts of her province, killing more than 200 people, she is aware friom friends and neighbours that almost everyone knows someone who has lost their home, their car, their business or their life as the flood waters carried away everything in their path. But what has happened since. Graeme Kemlo spoke with Karin overnight to get the latest. At the weekend Karin said about 100,000 protesters marched to the centre of Valencia to demand the resignation of Carlos Mazon over the government's inadequate response.In a subsequent update Karin wrote: With emotions from dismay to optimism, Valencia continues to recover from devastating floods. While many areas, like Catarroja, still face challenges, the city centre is operational, including the fast train to Madrid. Cultural spots, restaurants and shops welcome visitors, and Albufera’s famous paella rice fields are partially open. Recent protests, drawing tens of thousands, highlight the community’s determination to hold the government accountable and rebuild. At the same time, Valencia’s marathon brought together 35,000 participants, showcasing the city’s resilience and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. Travellers are welcome to enjoy the city and should remain aware of ongoing recovery efforts. Photo crecit Jose Anngel,X

Who knew that you could board a ship in Outer Harbour Adelaide and then cruise South Australian waters for 10 days and find plenty to see and do. Well it surprised local Carolyne Jasinski who was amazed at the geographic features on islands near SA and also on the mainland. She loved every minute of it as you can tell from her chat with Graeme Kemlo.And NO, that ship is not on the rocks - but it can get close in to many locations so you can get ashore as they did every day, sometimes twice a day. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski, More: coralexpeditions.com

So here’s a different type of “cruise” - a train cruise along a score of bucket-list journeys like the spice route and the silk road. Helen Hayes talks to Megan Bardsley from Golden Eagle Luxury Private train cruises. Photo supplied: The Madras Mail between Hyderabad and Mumbai

Here's what you'll find on our show this week. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.We welcome your comments or questions to: info@travelwritersradio.com.Thanks for listening.

Helen Hayes, clearly a fan of the live stage musical and I know there’s a bit of a turf war between Sydney and Melbourne as to who can get the big musicals first. Helen adds her city's musicals to Graeme's rundown for 2025, We tell listeners who do appreciate this theatre form what they can expect to see and when in Melbourne’s fabulous traditional live theatre venues that this city loves to fill.Photo: A big number from Beauty and the Beast

Last week we presented our definitive guide to travel-related Christmas shopping and gift giving. This week in part 2, our tag team of Helen Hayes and Carolyne Jasinski wrestle with the best of books to slide under your tree. And of course other family activities such as board games count too.Photo - The Intrepid List

US-based ristin Henning has stayed away from home over the past month or more to report in from Europe. Kris has been travelling around via Eurail, visiting places including Zagreb, Graz, Bratislava, Salzburg and, Nuremberg. Her trip is much a history lesson as it is a guide to using the Eurail Pass effectively during a longer stay in Europe. She spoke this week with Graeme KemloPhoto: Kris HenningMore: https://pages.travelpast50.com/posts/how-we-re-really-feeling-notes-from-eastern-europe-by-eurail

Simone Hill has a different type of travel job, delivering yachts around the world. Helen Hayes was fascinated to hear Simone’s story.Photo: Simone Hill

Graeme Kemlo speaks with the authors of Train Japan, so if you are thinking of visiting Japan this winter, here is the essential rail guide written and illustrated by Steve Wide abd Nichelle Mackintosh – a couple who admit thay’ve been obsessed with everything Japanese, Explaining the intricacies of Japan’s super efficient rail network together with specific irail itineries, such as how to go by ril to a certain restaurant for its style of food – this is the level of detral they have been putting together since they began the task in the late 1990s. Since then this married cocuple have authored 11 other books on Japan…and they still have more titles in mind. Graeme Kemlo enjoyed this chat with Steve and Michelle The book is published by Hardie Grant.Phioto courtesy the authors.

While we’re on the book theme, Graeme Kemlo had a chat today to another author, Spotty McSpotterson, and if that sounds like a open name, it is, but we won’t blow his cover. Those of you who know the game Spotto are on the right track. Spotty has written the book on how to play this Aussie road trip game that often involves finding a yellow car, or a ute with a dog tied in the back…a lot of fun and maybe the game from the 50s and 60s is making a comeback.

This is the latest episode of Travel Writers Radio, produced and presented every Wednesday by the team at PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in touch email: info@travelwritersradio.comAnd, thanks for listening

Graeme Kemlo, who knows the Mornington Peninsula well, undertook a familiarisation tour of what they call Melbourne’s Playground to discover a few places he’d never been and some experiences he had not done. This week he spoke to CEO of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board, Angela Cleland about the destination that has changed from a holiday spot into a tourism and hospitality hotspot worth more than $1.8 billion a year to the local visitor economy.Photo: Graeme Kemlo - InterContinental Hotel Sorrento

With many of our team away last week we took a week off, but we're back and we thank you for listening. Many of you streamed some of our 3000 stories archived on SoundCloud.We have more of the usual travel-related fare this week - food, wine, lifestyle and travel for business or pleasure.If you want to get in touch we'd love to hear from you. Please email; us:info@travelwritersradio,com

For a Sydneysider who with her husband moved to the winegrowing Hunter Valley for the quiet life, Jen Nicita hasn’t been busier. In fact, she is regularly cooking up a storm on her Pokolbin wine-growing property and city-slicker visitors couldn’t be happier. By converting a double garage into a commercial kitchen, she has opened Our Italian Table – a cooking school within the Nicita Estate where up to 10 guests learn to prepare and cook fresh pasta and gnocchi before dining on the results. Our Sydney-based travel writer Mike Smith reports.

Next week they celebrate Thaksgiving in the USA and while this is typically a family tradition, in the various districts of New York, there are many cultures and traditions, such that a neighborhood often has a family feel. Bridgett Leslie, our team member living on Wall Street, found a local bar/restaurant celebrating its 10th Thanksgiving so she chatted to the owner, Telly Liberatos and executive Chef John Vaughn.Photo: Cedar Local NYC

Our super-efficient team members Helen Hayes and Carolyne Jasinski have assembled the Travel Writers Radio ultimate gift suggestions so that you can get well ahead of the curve…why you might even be in time to get some Black Friday discounts whether choosing something for a family member, a friend, or even for yourself. Here’s their report.Photo: Packing cubes from Zoomlight

Niagara Falls is one of the great sights of North America. Reporter Helen Hayes checked it out from top to bottom. Photo: Helen Hayes

The McGuigan name is synonymous with the Hunter Valley. Reporter Mike Smith visited Neil to chat all things wine in the Hunter, his views on the region, and his thoughts on its future. Photo: by Mike Smith

In Praise of Regional Victoria, Bus Driver, Master of Light Leon Dark -Graeme Kemlo by Travel Writers Radio produced by the Professional Associatioon of Lifestyle and TravelWriters (PALAT)

Have you been inspired to travel somewhere after reading a book? There’s a book out now called Literary Journeys and it covers all sorts of destinations and experiences from the great quests (think Homer’s Odyssey or Don Quixote) or perhaps you’d like to follow James Joyce, William Faulkner or Joseph Conrad, then this book may be your inspiration or a fine gift. Published by Hardie Grant

Our reporters who live in Valencia, Karin Avila and Keeley Warren, speak with Graeme Kemlo about the issues left behind after the devastating floods, and also about the volunteers who are helping to clean and clear the narrow streets of rubbish. Photo: Keeley Warren (l) and Karin Avila (r)

We are on the ground in Valencia, Spain, with two reporters front and centre to give us the low down on the shocking floods that have killed 217 people so far. Graeme Kemlo speaks to Keeley Warren and Karin Avila, in Spain. Photo by Shawn Forbno (creative commons license AP wire)

Here's what you'll find in this week's show - an update from our two resident reporters in Valencia Spain in the wake of the devastating floods.. Plus our usual assortment of food, wine, ifestyle and travel stories.We appreciate your interest in our little show and thank you sincerely for listening.

Adelaide-based reporter Carolyne Jasinski has built herself quite a reputation for her speaking engagements aboard different criuse ships. Most recently she spoke on an 8-day Cunard cruise from Sydney to Darwin, giving passengers an insight into the life of a travel writer. She also covers the essentials of storytelling through travel photography.Photo: Carolyne Jasinski by Rick Jasinski

We spoke with a n number of our US-born and US-resident team members over the past week in regard to the November election and all claimed it would be a very close race. Some admitted the polls had not always got it right, but pressed for a choice they all said Kamala by one percent, or three percent, or in one case, a landslide. Unlike some media folks, we do not presume to tell you how to vote, but maybe it is about time to elect (1) a woman and (2) a woman of colour. We wish you well and hope for a peaceful outcome,Photo: Kamala Harris (wikipedia.org)

Here's the latest from the PALAT team at Travel Writers Radio covering food, wine, lifestyle and travel experiences around the corner and around the world.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.comAnd, thanks for listening

Helen Hayes sets out on a five-day journey by long-distance train—The Canadian—between Vancouver on the west coast and Toronto and then on to Quebec by the new Connector trains. There was a hiccup in her journey, but she enjoyed a comfortable cabin with a wide single bed, excellent meals, and attentive service. She especially loved being lulled to sleep as the train gently swayed to and fro.Photo by Helen Hayes - ever-changing view from your cabin

Bridgett Leslie chats with Oral Historian Maureen Dickson on the significant contribution of Caribbean Servicemen to World War II, as British Royal Air Force pilots. They received little recognition for their efforts during and after the war. Her book 'Caribbean Service Men' is a record of hardship but also a celebration of achievement.

Kristin Henning found Menorca, in Spain's Balearic Islands, to be a great place to relax, enjoy nature on the Cami de Cavalls hiking trail, and to explore both ancient monuments and modern art. Kris spoke to Graeme KemloPhoto by Kristin Henning -2Naveta d’es TudonsMore information: travelpast50.comhttps://travelpast50.com/best-places-menorca-spain-nature-reserve-island/

Fremantle is the port city for Perth and one of the busiest in Australia, a far cry from the sleepy town that fired up in the mid ]80s when Alan Bond had won the |America’s Cup and Freo was chosen as the place from which to defend against a brace of international challengers. Graeme Kemlo was fortunate to have been there working with Data General and the Bond team and he especially noticed the difference in Fremantle today with more than $2 billion spent on infrastructure developments. He spoke earlier to the city’s major Hannah Fitzhardinge about the emergence of Fremantle with its rich maritime history , entrepreneurial spirit and culinary scene.

One of the newer members of our team is Carmen Jenner from Perth. She’s been a travel writer for 18 years, but originally was a qualified librarian working in the exploration industry, but as she explains to Graeme Kemlo, when the travel writing bug bit she decided this was the passion she wanted tio pursue.Photo: Carmen Jenner

Journalist and editor Justine Costigan left Melbourne about five months ago toexperience life and some work in Europe with her partner. Here she shares her favourite experiences telling Graeme Kemlo of her joy at eating a simple fish meal in a quiet village by the sea. There's a lot to be said for her decision to take a half-year gap year and much that our listeners can learn from Justine. We hope you enjoy our chat.Photo: Venice by Justine Costigan

One of Graeme Kemlo's most interesting experiences in Western Australia recently was a masterclass with multi-award winning distiller James Young of Old Young’s distillery in the Swan Valley out of Perth Graeme first met James before COVID in a small tasting room, which has now developed into a much larger facility weith a restaurant and he has a larger team working with him. There were only about 30 distileries in Australia back then but now he says there are hundreds but he hreveals he as the secret ingredient.

Among the things Justine Costigan will appreciate on her return to Melbourne after nearly half a year in Europe will be not having to live out of a suitcase...and her friends and family of course,Photo by Justine Costigan - A Scene from Morocco

The holiday island of Bali Indonesia is much loves by West Australians as it is close enough to them by plane to serve as a long weekend getaway. Hence its popularity...bBut is it getting too popular? Bali correspondent, Suzanne Hart has lived there for seven years and says locals are beginning to publicly question some of the new developments and their impact on the green spaces that drew people to Bali in the first place. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Suzanne earlier Suzanne recommends the cheap and cheerful hotel, Pondok Ayu in Sanur and her faviourite coffee hangout is Kopi Kiosk also in Sanur…nut please, don’t all go at once!Photo: Suzanne Hart (R) and friends at Kopi Kiosk

Worth1000Words is a segment where we recgnise good and interesting photos, mostly taken by our team.a But tonight we have a photo taken by a family member of our reporter Bridgett Leslie from New York. Her neice, Keziah Moonsamy took her phone out and pointed it at the night sky in Utah and managed to get a photo of Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS or simply Comet A3), which Wikipedia describes as is a comet from the Oort cloud discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China in January 2023, then independently found by ATLAS South Africa the next month. Although it is 58 million km from earth it passed by the sun earlier this month and became visible to the naked eye on October 9. We think Keziah Moonsamy's image is definitely @Worth1000Words. Chek it out on our website - www.travelwritersradio.com

Here's what you'll find on our show this week. We basically Go West (as the song suggests) speaking to interesting folks in Perth, Fremantle and the Swan Valley Western Australia; plus our Bali Correspondent, herself a West Australian about issues on the holiday island.Please enjoy however and wherever you are tuned in.We;d love to hear from you by email: info@travelwritersradio.com. We will answer every relevant comment or suggestion.Thanks

Graeme Kemlo attended last week’s WTTC Glopbal Summit in Perth for micenet and travel writers radio as a special guest of Business Evenmts Perth. Here he speaks with Gareth Martin, CEO of Business Events Perth about the event and the opportunities it presented

In this next part of John Kerry’s speech, he boild down his message to six words – "we’re not doing enough fast enough"/ Still Kerry, the man credited with achieving the Paris accord for the Obama administration, he remains optimistic that a combination of human inverntiveness and new and emerging technologies will find a solution to solve the climate challenge, just as we have found cures for medical conditions considered incurable 100 years ago. Graeme Kemlo attended the event courtesy of Business Events Perth.Photo Graeme Kemlo

The keynote speaker at last week’s World Tourism and Trade Council event in Perth was the former US Secretary of State and now climate envoy, John Kerry. He sat down for a fireside chat with WTTC CEO Julia Simpson and a wide-ranging speech received a standing ovation. Kerry a much-decorated Navy veteran who won the silver star, bronze star and three purple hearsts during the Vietnam war, also stood for President in 2004. Graeme Kemlo was one of a number of specially invited media and he recorded some opf Kerry’s comments, which he said were not about politics, but we learned Kerry was an inveterate traveller since childhood. You will note the sound of us fast forwarding to bring you the most critical parts of his speech.

There’s many ways to get to know a city, to dig into the culture , to hear the stories that every city has to tell. But it is often difficult to find out these things on your own. For many years we have been vksiting Western Australia and over a number of visits we've taken a walking tour of Perth and Fremantle by tourism entrepreneur, Ryan Mossny, founder of Two Feet and a Heartbeat. Last week they visited the laneways and quirky corners of Perth and Fremantle . Graeme Kemlo decided that the multi award winning tour guide Mossny was a story in himself and they sat down for this chat.Photo Graeme Kemlo

Co-host tonight, Justine Costigan is nearing the end of a four month change of scenery from Melbourne to Europe, which we reckon is a wonderful opportunity if the time is right for you to leave home with your partner and simply enjoy the pleasures of Europe without the time constraint of a two week vacation. We know Justine was pretty busy though as she has spoken to us a couple of times on her break and also we've seen her byline on a number of stories published locally. We’ll find out now how you can plan a break like this, how it went it and whether we all should aim to do something similar...and also hear about a side trip to North Africa to the colourful culture of Morocco.Photo: Justine Costigan

Here's the latest content from Travel Writers Radio for the week lf October 16 hosted by Graeme Kemlo and Justine Costigan.Please enjoy and thanks for listening.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Here at Travel Writers Radio we are occasionally asked to look at new products and we’re happy to do that. One such product is DrinkMate, a beverage carbonation system said to have improved the way you create your own fizzy water (plus other types of liquid) at home. Graeme Kemlo gives it a test drive.

In August last year a devastating wildfire fanned by hurricane-force winds razed the township of Lahaina, Maui – the ancient capital of the Hawaiian Islands. It killed 99 people and destroyed 2700 homes and businesses in the hugely popular waterfront tourist destination. While many are still grieving their loss, Hawaii wants us to return to Maui. Helen Hayes spoke with Theresa van Greunen of local accommodation provider. Aqua Aston HospitalityPhoto Theresa van Greunen supplied

Fasten your seat belt and get ready to learn about the best road trips in the world. Helen Hayes speaks to Lee Atkinson about her new book - Ultimate Road Trips - published by Hardie Grant and now available online or in all good book stores.Photo: Lee Atkinson

Here's what you can listen to on Travel Writers Radio this week.To get in contact simply email: info@travelwritersradio.comWe'd love to hear from you.

Graeme Kemlo speaks to Christian Young co-founder of Lord Howe Island Distilling Company about their winning gin at the recent Sydney Royal Spirits Championships. Lord Howe, 600 km off the coast of Sydney has unique botanicals found nowhere else, giving the gin its unique characteristics.Photo: Anthony Riddle Christian Young - Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits and Beer Cider Awards(1)

Does travel increase your longevity? Research at Edith Cowan University seems to suggest it does. Fangli Hu, lead reseacher in the Centre for Precision Health. She spoke to our reporter Carmen Jenner in Perrth

Carolyne Jasinski knows a thing or two about camper vans, but she had to solve a problem on her last trip. Just how does a height-challenged hirer reach a bed that drops down from the ceiling? Photo: Our reporter's office and accommodation in a Queensland canefield

Michelle Nicholas has hiked multiple times in Nepal, has climbed Kiliminjaro and Kinabalu, and she's found a new favourite ... Mongolia. Michelle talked to Helen Hayes about her trip and what she loved about it.Photo supplied.

Are you planning a trip to China? Veteran travel writer and frequent China visitor Mike Smith nominates his Top 5 China destinations.Photo: China's Silk Road

The best way to cruise Fiordland is with Fiordland Jewel, built, owned and operated by the Swale family, who have a long history in this stunning part of New Zealand. Helen Hayes chats with Jack Swale, about the family's Fiordland connection. Photo by Helen Hayes - Jack Swale leads a shore excursion.

Here's the latest from Travel Writers Radio for the week of September 25, 2024.

If you have stood in line at a coffe shop you have no doubt heard the fashionable types ordering their” double decaf soy latte to go”. Well someone who knows a thing or two about milk is chef, gourmet farmer, food critic and author Matthew Evans and he is calling out those faux milks in a new highly researched book titled: "Milk – The truth, the lies and the unbelievable story of the original superfood". Graeme Kemlo spoke to Matthew this week in this extended interview. And do listen to the ebnd for an amazing revelation from Matthew about illegal sales of raw milk in Melbourne.More information - fatpig.farm. Photo supplied.Matthew's book is published by Murdoch Books

This week our #SuiteLife segment looks at the Presidential Suite at Crown Towers – it is 820 square metres of luxury embracing the whole 360 degree sweep of the city.

Helen Hayes spent six nights cruising the incredible waters of Fiordland National Park on board Fiordland Jewel, and spoke to the skipper of the vessel on the helipad. Photo Helen Hayes - Jimmy Mackay

What are the top 10 destinations in China? We ask Mike Smith, who has been to China at least 15 times and has travelled far and wide. Tonight he presents numbers 10 to 6, explaining what each has to offer the visitor. Mike speaks with Graeme KemloImage - China's Hawaii - Hainan Island

This week our correspondent Karin Avila found a scene from a bygone age on Cathedral Island in the middle of the Oder River in Wrocław, Poland, as Karin explains.

Poland’s third largest city, Wroclaw, is full of surprises. This humble city has been through multiple regimes over the centuries and established its identity as a European Capital of Culture in 2016. Known as the “Venice of the North,” this vibrant, walkable city on the Oder River is a colourful mesh of old and new. Brimming with students who attend one of the more than 20 universities, Wroclaw has a young and energetic vibe. Karin Avila spent three days exploring the city, diving into its history, and sampling local cuisine. Photo: Karin Avila - Wroclaw Town Hall

Here;s what you will find on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by the professional writers and broadcasters of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Traverl Writers.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Hear how Graeme Kemlo lucked into a top suite at Park Hyatt Canberra while visiting the national capiol to bid for some government business with two journalist colleagues a few years ago. Hear how they celebrated in the flash 240 sq metre suite with its own private dining room. We checked and today it can be yours for %1891 a night, which includes breakfast.Image: Park Hyatt Canberra.

Chef Roy Yamagishi is one of Hawaii’s most successful chefs and restaurateurs. A founding member of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement. Graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York and trained in the traditional French kitchen he worked in Los Angeles initially developing his own unique fusion style dishes influenced by his Japanese grandfather. On returning home to Hawaii he believed the Hawaiian cuisine could be developed into its own style with fresh local ingredients. Now, as he tells Graeme Kemlo he is celebrating the 14th year of the upcoming Hawaii Food and Wine Festival staged across the Hawaiian islands from October 18 to November. 10. More information: hawaiifoodandwinefestival,.om or @HFWF

– Our #Worth1000Words segment this episode is the sort of photo that potential visitors to Australia expect to see – if not kangaroos bounding down the main street, then a shot of them at the beach is next st thing. But Carolyne Jasinski found these roos at sunrise on the beach near Mackay in |Queensland.…We think Carolyne’s image is definitely @Worth1000Words – check it out at travelwritersradio.com

Intro In one of our early episodes of Travel Writers Radio we interviewed the chef team from the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, which was clearly a city they loved despite the fact that it was crowded in season and s waterways could be both a blessing and a curse. But the unique nature of a city built on 126 islands draws interesting visitors and residents like Elton John or George Clooney who lived nearby and would regularly would drop in for the risotto. Our reporter Justine Costigan has spent the past two weeks in Venice and despite its reputation for over-tourism she found places to get away from the crowds, as well as places that are never too busy. Justine also offers some alternatives to VenicePhoto Justine Costigan - a quiet "street" in Venice.

Here is what you can listen to on Travel Writers Radio this week of September 11, 2024, hosted by Graeme Kemlo anmd Justine Costigan. The lriginal travel writers podcast about food, wine, lifestyle and travel experiences, now in its 10th year on air an, on the Internet and streaming via CSoundCloud Spotify and your favourite platform.Thanks for listening.To get on contact with us, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Carolyne Jasinski interviews author Anita Isalska, who has taken a taboo subject and turned it into an insightful book. The Guide to Death, Grieving and Rebirth reveals how global grieving customs can help us die (and live) well. The book is published by Lonely Planet.

France has hosted the Olympic Games this year and next year they will host what is effectively the Culinary Olympics, known as the Bocuse D'Or. Named after the famous chef Paul Bocuse, the event is staged in Lyon, which is regarded as the French food capital and our culinary editor Riota Erlich speaks with Australian representatives, father and son team, Tom and Chris Milligan

Seeing the Aurora Australia in southern skies in Victoria is a one in 20-year event. Ewen Bell, our photography expert, as on the spot in central Victoria and was able to take some incredible shots. Ewen specialises in teaching budding photographers how to capture the light – daylight and nightlight in places as disparate as regional Victoria, outback, central Australia and West Australia’s Kimberly, but also including unique destinations in Nepal and the Arctic circle of the northern hemisphere. Ewen spoke to Graeme Kemlo earlier this week.

So what’s coming up on the show tonight?•Rita Erlich , our culinary editor speaks to father and son team, Tom Milligan and his son Chris, who will be competing in the grand culinary competition, the Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France next January.•Graeme Kemlo speaks with our photography expert, Ewen Bell, about the Northern Lights and the recent and very rare appearance of the Aurora Australis in Victorian skies. Ewen explains the fascination with astro photography and flags a big event in mid-2028 that will affect Australia from Sydney to the Kimberley. •And Carolyne Jasinski speaks with Anita Isalska about her book, which is a guide to how the world deals with deathThanks for listening

Culturally rich China remains on many an Aussie travel wish list, whether it’s climbing the Great Wall, cruising the mighty Yangtze or close-up encounters with a giant panda. Good news is that Australians planning to stay there for 15 days or less, no longer require a visa. Sydney travel writer Mike Smith caught up with a pioneer of organised China tours, Helen Wong. Photo: Helen Wong with giant panda

There's a bear out there! Helen Hayes has just been to Anchorage, and then from Seward to Vancouver on a Viking cruise. A long-time traveller, and travel editor, Helen describes this last frontier as "the most beautiful place I've ever been".More information: vikingcruises.com.auPhoto: Helen Hayes shows a black bear eating freshly caught salmon

There are many cities around the world affected by over-tourism. And it is not a problem only during traditional holiday periods. Increasingly local residents are being forced out of their own accommodation because landlords can make more cash on short-term rentals through organisations like Airbnb. Barcelona was one of the first Spanish cities to see public protests and graffiti urging tourists to go home and stay away. Now it has spread to other cities. Karin Avila reports on the story.

Helen Hayes has been in Canada and is now in Alaska where hjer Viking ruiseliner she cruise liner visited the island of Sitka, a popular stop on the southern end of Alaska and almost always a stop on the typical typical seven day Alaska cruise from Vancoubver or Seattle. With its rich Russian history – a Russian n Orthodox Cathedral in the centre of town - it is also famous for its wildlife as Helen Hayes discovered when she took a tour of the waters by RIB (rigid inflatable boat). Helen spoke with Tea Sailor, a wildlife biologist and guide as she took in the marvelous wildlife of the area.Photo: Helen Hayes

In our new feature #SuiteLife this week we present the Penthouse at InterContinental Hotel Sorrento on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula, Tere are two penthouses available and you don’t just get a very comfortable room with a window overlooking the Bay, you open a frosted glass door and ascend a set of stairs to a magnificent outdoor rooftop terrace with 360 degree views over the Bay and the Sorrento township. For you and 20 or more of your closest friends to party on the roof.Photo: Hotel InterContinental SorrentoPhoto

– Our resident wine expert, Tyson Stelzer is working with Langtons to conduct what is being billed as the largest auction of fine and rare champagne in Australian history. He tells Graeme Kemlo that a recent champagne auction in Europe run by a different auction house achieved more than 1.5 million euros And he says Australia is now the fourth largest market in the world for champagne. You can even submit your bottles of French bubbly to be auctioned online in November and December.More information search: Champagne: Auctioning the World's FinestPhoto: Tyson Stelzer

– Our next segment, What’s On In Oz has information and inspiration to get out this weekend, to see, do and enjoy in some of our cities and rural regions around Australia.To submit an event for consideration in your area, email us: info@travelwritersradio.comPhoto: Puffing Billy Railway

Three-Michelin star French chef, Michel Guerard, passed away on the weekend at the age of 91, having continued to work in his later years. And you believe he has been a significant figure in the culinary world, so we should sshare his legacy with our listeners. Our Culinary Editor Rita Erlich reports.

Saar Zafrir is a man on a mission to transform the way hotels are designed. The Amsterdam based multi-award winning interior designer invited Bridgett Leslie to stay at the Hotel Fleur de Ville in Belgium to experience his design work - here guests are greeted with hand written notes and detailed elegance to match Zafrir's philosophy that hotel rooms are to be enjoyed not endured. Bridgett and Saar talked about his transition from banking to interior design, his work plus he offers advice to aspiring designers.Photo supplied

Sydney correspondent Mike Smith, discovered a new five-star wellness retreat, Namia River Retreat which features 60 luxury villas, all with pools. It is is set to open this December in Hoi An, a part of Vietnam increasingly popular with Australian visitors. Mike speaks with Donna CampbellPhoto supplied

Here's what's new on Travel Writers Radio, broadcast first on J0AIR 88FM in Melbourne. The show is produced and presented by the writers and broadcasters of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.We welcome your interest or inquury by email: info@travelwritersradio.comThanks for listening

Justine Cpstigan tells us what a great idea it was to take a mid-career break for six months during whicvh she would live in EDurope.This "Gap-Half-Year" as we dubbed it enabled her to contnue to write as a journalist and she says because she was in pqrts of Eyrope not often visited she won some story commissions from publishers in Australia.It may not be for everyone but Justine's children are adults now giving her the freedom to travel for an extended period. We applaud her move and look forward to hearing some of the stories she has uncovered during her travels.Photo by Justine Costigan - Ferrara Italy

Our Culinary Editor Rits Erlich has an interesting interview with Gerard Doherty, who 30 years ago began a group for chefs with the aim to introduce chefs to various cuts of meat and cooking styles - initialy it was sponsored by Australia’s meat and livestock corporation One chef would host the group in a restaurant or pub. It had to change over the years as the sponsors moved on, but it has remained an important network association and lunches attract 80 to 100 people, depending on the size of the v enue. Gerard has some interesting observation to make on the industry over the past 30 years.Photo: Rita Erlich

– Karin Avila, who usually reports to us from Valencia Spain,. Travelled to attend a school reunion in Salzburg Austria, but decided after that to take s short break, but to avoid the densely populated areas, findint two small towns, Obertraun and Bad Ischl in Salzkammergut northern Austria to hike and climba round the local mountains. Karin recommends taking these paths less travelled as she speaks with Graeme Kemlo Photo: Karin Avila.More: thirdculturekarin.com

This week we cover some experiences available in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.To list your community event email: info@travelwritersradio.comImage: Constellations on the Yarra River

Reporter Carmen Jenner flew to Bali for the third annual Suaru EDM music festival, but she also discovered a new "go to" destination, Nuaru City. On 44 hectares it has a grlwing list of amenities incouding schools, hotels, restaurants and condominiums . It is an ecological development that encourages harmonious living and will likely appeal to the expat community being about one hour from the sirport.Photo Carmen Jenner shows Julia and Angus You performing at the festival

Since we last spoke to Kristin Henning in middle America, much has changed – Biden stepped back, Kamala Harris is contesting the Presidency, she picked a running mate and they have raised millions of dollars in just a few weeks. Meabnwhile the polls are showing Harris ahead in swing states and Donald Trump suddenly has serious opposition. What does Kris make of all thisPhoto: The White House

Emily Le Haye, a Dutch music teacher, is the driving force behind the new 'Amsterdam Jeugd Muziektheater,' previously known as the Boekman Choir. Her passion for fostering creativity and community among children has transformed this ensemble into something special. Bridgett Leslie recently met Emily and the kids in Amsterdam, including two Australian members. In their first-ever media interview, they shared their reason for joining the group. Emily also talks about her personal journey into music.Photo supplied

Here's information on the latest episode of Travel Writers Radio. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Listen as Helen Hayes explains why these local "warriors" turned up at a wedding party for a couple of passengers from her ship when it docked in the Marquesas.

Does cruising on the Adriatic off Croatia sound good to you? Reporter Justine Costigan has just completed an immersive cruise along the Croatia coast on board Azamara Pursuit, and told Graeme Kemlo that her nine days onboard strengthened her resolve to get a car and visit Croatia by road fpr even more immersion in the food and culture.Justine participated in a media trip with Azamara.Photo: Justine Costigan

Dark Sky tourism is a big mover in tourism, even here in Australia. We spoke this week with Judith Bailey, president of Dark Sky Victoria and she told Graeme Kemlo that in Melbourne many could no longer see one of the stars of the Southern Cross. Australia is world- renowned for its dark skies and our light pollution problem is affecting tourism and also affecting the animals we share the place with – insects, birds, mammals, who rely on the dark sky to navigate effectively.Photo: darkskyvic.org

What’s On In Oz has information and inspiration to get out this weekend, to see, do and enjoy in some of our cities and rural regions around Australia.

Our correspondent, Bridgett Leslie reports from Belfast, Northern Ireland, where protests turned violent last Saturday night following the Southport killing and rising of anti-immigration sentiments. Bridgett spoke with Rev Dr. Livingstone Thompson, a Belfast resident and expert in racial equality and cultural competence. Photo: Rev Dr Livingstone Thompson

Graeme Kemlo paid a visit courtesy of Business Events Victoria to tourism business operators on the Mornington Peninsula about 90 minutes south of Melbourne and among the highlights was lunch at Pt Leo Estate, a wonderful restaurant with three types of restaurant space and a magnificent sculpture park with millions of dollars in artwork set on a 16 hectare slice of a large property overlooking Western Port. Graeme interviewed Roger Lancia General Manager of Pt Leo Estate.Photo by Graeme Kemlo - Roger Lancia with Share sculpture in the backgroundMore: www.ptleoestate.com.au

Wayne Hamilton has the best office in the world. He is an Expedition Leader in the Kimberley with Coral Adventurer...so much so that our Carolyne Jasinski tells him she wants his job. Wayne explains what is involved in ensuring the 100 passengers on the cruise are both informed and entertained during a 10-day cruise down the coast from Darwin to Broome.Photo by Carolyne Jasinski

What's it like to captain an expedition ship through some of the most remote territory in Australian waters? Carolyne Jasinski talks to Bill Fenalon, the captain of the Coral Adventurer.More information: coralexpeditions.comPhoto: Carolyne Jasinski

The team from Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef, together with 18 tourism operators flew down to Melbourne to talk to the industry about having an event in Tropical North Queensland. Graeme asked Tara how the region was going post-COVID.Photo: Graeme Kemlo shows Tara Bannett (l) and Natalie Johnson (r)

Our segment on What’s On In Oz was well received, although we interrupted it with our 400th episode celebration and a focus on the Olympics last week. But we’re back with some news on things to see, do and enjoy in some of our cities and rural regions around Australia. To submit your information email: info@travelwritersradio.com

There’s something happening in Orange in central western NSW. Of six national winemaker award finalists, three of them come from Orange – and they are all women, which did not go un-noticed by Jane Thomson the founder of the Fabulous Ladies Wine Society, who tells us all about it. ChaLou Wines https://www.chalouwines.com.au/ See Saw Wine https://seesawwine.com/ Printhie Wines https://printhiewines.com.au/Photo: Jane Thomson

What is it like cruising from Darwin to Broome? Carolyne Jasinski spent 10 days aboard the Coral Adventurer, taking in the delights of the Kimberley and the north west. Amazing landscapes, magnificent rivers and canyons with waterfalls…and did we mention the wildlife from whales to dolphins, sharks, turtles and of course, the odd crocodile. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

Our #Worth1000Words segment this week comes from our Spain-based correspondent Karin Avila who is currently visiting Austria. She calls her image – No Bones About It and we reckon its worth 1000 words, as she explains:Hallstatt, Austria is known for its salt mines and postcard-perfect views. It’s also known for its Charnel House, or Bone House. Within this cave-like chapel from the 12th century lies 1200 skulls, 610 of which are adorned with paintings representing glory, victory, life, and love. This unusual space was created when the dead started outnumbering the available burial plots. After 10-20 years of grave rest, skeletons were removed and bleached by the sun for several weeks before being added to the chapel. Around 300 years ago, undertakers and artists began painting flowers on the skulls as a sign of love. It’s a somewhat morbid, but beautiful tradition here in the heart of Europe. Photo: Karin Avila

It is not every day you meet someone who does jousting for sport. Helen Hayes did. She chats with medieval sportsman, Andrew McKinnon who took up the ancient sport aged 40 and competes with his mighty steed and lance at events around Australia.Photo: Andrew McKinnon

Our musical theme today is harmony, and it is a pity Donald Trump seems to have already abandoned his pledge to be kinder. Graeme Kemlo spoke this week to our expat New York correspondent Phil Brown about how the Big Apple was responding to the latest political turbulence in the USAPhoto Phil Brown

Bringing history to life is what Derek Pugh - teacher, author, historian and guest lecturer on board Coral Expeditions' ships, does. He turns historical facts into fascinating stories that keep guests enthralled. Carolyne Jasinski chats to Derek as they cruise through the Kimberley in the top end of Western Australia.Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

Our resident wine expert Tyson Stelzer has been with us for most of our time on air and we appreciate his expert advice that listeners love. He is not long back from France where he regularly visits the champagne houses and he talks about Australia’s sparkling wine market, whether museum releases of aged wines are a good investment and talks about his upcoming events around Australia.Tyson suggests for winter drinking, South Australia's Barossa Valley Grenache

Rita Erlich, our culinary editor recently took a cruise to Iceland, the Nordic island that lies between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans and is the region’s most sparsely populated country. Iceland has seen strong growth in its tourism numbers. While it was not a bucket list item for Rita she remained curious about its people and its culinary traditions.Photo - Reykjavík (Visit Iceland)

Kentroy Yearwood is an Amsterdam-based fashion designer who has been turning heads with his groundbreaking designs and unique aesthetic. Bridgett Leslie caught up with him at his studio where they talked about his creativity, resilience, and innovation. Photo: supplied

We are literally on the eve of the 2024 Summer Olympics from Paris with the opening ceremony taking place along the River Seine, which promises to not only be historic but also a fabulous spectacular which will be seen here on the Nine network. The Opening Ceremony will be seen here in Australia on Nine, and is scheduled to start at 3.30am AEST on Saturday morning. It will also be seen on 9NOW and 9GEM. Helen Hayes reports on some fun facts from the Ancient Games.Photo credit: Mt Olympus Greece by P MATSOUKA/GNTA

Here's what you'll hear on Travel Writers Radio this week, July 24, 2024. More independent authentic stories from the professional writers and broadcasters of TWR.We'd love to have your feedback, suggestions for stories about food, wine, lifestyle and travel - just email us: info@travelwritersradio.comAnd thank you so much for listening.

Morocco is an enchanting destination, and stole the heart of Carol Prior in 1970. She caught up with Helen Hayes to talk about her love affair with this exotic kingdom in northern Africa that is bordered by the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans.

Carmen Jenner has just returned from Sarawak Malaysia, which is on the island of Borneo and which stages the Rainforest World Music Festival. She speaks to Graeme Kemlo about the impact of a stage full of musicians. 140 to be precise from 14 countries around the world playing different instruments but delivering a harmonious outcome.

Our Culinary Editor Rita Erlich recently returned from a visit to London. She says straight off the bat that this is an expensive place to eat, but you don’t go to a renowned culinary destination to try the MacDonalds, so take a breath and forget it is in pounds…think of the cost as Aussie dollars and worry about it later. Rita suggests which of the four restaurants she visits you might also want to try and which to avoid.

Our middle America correspondent Kristin Henning is one of our longest serving foreign correspondents and she talks about our 400th show milestone and her favourite story over the years, Kris also discusses with Graeme Kemlo the impact of the attempted assassination last weekend on the US election in November.

Team member Bridgett Leslie in New York reflects on her time working on the show where she usually reports on alternate culture's, food, lifestyle and fashion. She also laughs at the executive producer's request that she do an on-air audition to get the reporting role - she passed with flying colours.Photo: Bridgett Leslie in Central Park NYC.

In this #Worth1000Woords segment Graeme Kemlo's image comes from a media visit to Cape Town's shanty town area where a creche has been established to keep these children safe from sexual assault at home during the day when both parents work. But these kids were the most joyous we met as they sang the South African National Anthem with full gusto,. Among the journos there was not a dry eye in the place. We think the photo is #Worth1000Words.Photo (C) Graeme Kemlo

Ex-New Yorker Karin Avila moved to Spain about two years ago and has been reporting on her travels around Spain, parts of Europe, and the UK for the past year. A former medical science research manager, Karin has proved a great asset to TWR as she gets to know her new adopted homeland.

Rita Erlich, our culinary editor, is an experienced Melbourne-based journalist who is best known for her work as co-editor of The Age Good Food Guide for many years. Rita has authored and edited a number of books and was among the initial team of journalists who worked on our show. She has not only produced her own stories but co-hosted the show during and after the COVID pandemic when the city’s extended lockdown meant we had to operate from separate studios using technology developed for the BBC to bring the voices seamlessly together in high-definition audio from different sides of the city.

We're proud this week to have reached a great milestone of 400 Episodes of our weekly radio show, broadcast first on Melbourne's J-Air 88 FM. For more than 10 years now a team of professional writers and broadcasters has been presenting independent authentic stories of the people and the places you can experience food, wine, lifestyle and travel. We've put more than 3000 stories to air, representing over 30,000 minutes of content uploaded here on SoundCloud.We appreciate our loyal audience in Melbourne, around Australia and internationally where we have a broad reach.If you would like to get in contact, make a comment or find out more about our show and the podcast simply email: info@travelwritersradio.com.Thanks for listening.

EA WORLD MARINE PARK – FROM BEHIND THE SCENESWith the mid-year school holidays quickly approaching, interest will once again focus on Queensland’s Gold Coast and the countless family attractions on Australia’s most popular holidaying playgrounds.In the forefront is the long-established Sea World Marine Park, just north of Surfers Paradise, and the comical antics put on by the resident seals, dolphins and penguins in entertaining the young guests.There’s even a polar bear enclosure along with one for sting rays and another for sea jellies. Guests can even have a chance to get up close and friendly with the dolphins in a shallow lagoon – before or after taking a thrill seeking few minutes on one of the rides or watching a Thunder Lake Waterskiing Stunt Show. While all the interest centres on entertainment, there’s a serious side to the theme park from a team dedicated to understanding, protecting and conserving the marine environment through research, conservation and rescue activities.To find out more, veteran travel writer Mike Smith went behind the scenes to interview head veterinarian at the Sea World Marine Park, Claire Madden.Photo: Dr Claire Madden

Does the idea of buying a chateau in the French countryside appeal to you? Helen Hayes speaks to Gabrielle Howard who, along with her partner, Steven Morris did just that. The upside is that it now takes guests.More: chateaulanguedoc.comPhoto: Gabrielle Howard and Steven Morris

In our #Worth1000Words segment Karin Avila, our correspondent in Spain visits the Galicia region where she finds Horreos, granaries found throughout north-eastern Spain and Portugal. Adorned with crosses to deter evil spirits, they’re elevated design helps keep rodents and water out, They date from the 13th Century.

This week they brought the country to the city in Melbourne, a move designed to showcase Victoria's regional destinations, the experiences and the capabilities of the business events sector across the State. Graeme Kemlo speaks with the Executive Officer of Business Events Victoria Adeline Keh to find out what’s hot in the regions, what’s new and how you can take take in some fresh country air on a team building program. BECV has also just published a Planners Guide to holding an event in regional Victoria.Photo: BEV - Bendigo Town Hall

Carolyne Jasinski continues her two-week adventure in a 4WD with a tent on the roof from Cairns in a loop around the outback roads. Among her adventures she tries kayaking and stand up paddleboarding in the amazing Cobbold Gorge .Photo Cobbold Gorge by Carolyne Jasinski

Hear all about Carolyne Jasinski's 2900 km Outback Queensland road trip over two weeks in a 4WD with a tent on the roof. She reckons anyone could do it, even in a regular two wheel drive vehicle either pitching a tent at night, or booking a cabin at the parks she stayed in. This is Part 1.Photo Carolyne Jasinski - sunset at the Quamby Pub

Graeme Kemlo spoke with First Nations man, Bruce Pascoe about his latest book which details a year in his life working with other members of the Yuin nation to re-establish traditional farming techniques that are good for people and for the land. His book Black Duck is a journal of the six seasons in a Yuin annual calendar, and how he is now growing and milling traditional perennial grasses which you can buy online. More: blackduckfoods.com Image: Black Duck published by Thames & Hudson

If doing the Camino is on your list, listen to Karin Avila's report on her experience of doing the Portuguese Way, what she expected and what she achieved.Photo: Karin Avila

A new segment for TWR, we present some events and experiences that are on now or coming up shortly in cities and regions around Australia.Image: House Down Under, MelbourneTo submit a suggested activity email your information and contact details to- info@travelwritersradio.com

– In a nutshell tonight we take you to:•the Portuguese Way of the Camino in Northern Spai with correspondent Karin Avila; • a magnificent restoration of a chateau in France by a couple of Aussie expats; •the outback road trip that Caroline Jasinski just completes with her full rundown of where to go and how to enjoy some unique experiences • the far east corner of Victoria where a First Nations man has created a social enterprise and sustainable farm with other indigenous locals; •and to a roundup of Victoria’s regional tourism and business events sector where we discover some interesting destinations and experiences where you can take your team.

TRENDING Gen Z Are Fast- Growing Cruise Custiomers by Travel Writers Radio produced by the Professional Associatioon of Lifestyle and TravelWriters (PALAT)

Tonight’s #Worth1000Words image comes from Carolyne Jasinski – here’s her explanation of how the formerly derelict Quamby Pub underwent a radical transformation.

Caceres is a medieval walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site due west of Madrid bordering Portugal. It was a Roman city founded in 25BC and is known as the city of festivals. Detailing her visit in this chat with Graeme Kemlo, Kristin explains that the food of the Extremadura region is another reason to visit this prehistoric city famous for its architecture and she says it is “about the least touristed part of Spain”.Photo: Kristin HenningMore: https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T1K2U796Z-F077YQE7TEH/foie_carpaccio_la_mduelo_cacers_tb.jpg

No, it is not the Long Lunch, but the Shortest. Graeme Kemlo spoke with Angela Bush from the Yarra Valley Small Wineries Association, who are staging the shortest Lunch on both days this coming weekend. Angela explains what it is about. Photo: Boat o" Craigo Winery

Our sustainable tourism reporter, Keeley Warren, speaks with Charles Street from Inkwazi Adventures about their commitment to responsible tourism and the outdoor adventure tours they design to create transformational travel experiences that enrich local communities. Photo: Charles Street

Imagine finding a new dinosaur species. Carolyne Jasinski met a man who just recently found out that a Pterosaur fossil he found in 2021 has been identified as a new species. Carolyne went digging for fossils with the man himself, Kevin Petersen, the curator from Kronosaurus Korner on the Queensland Dinosaur Trail.Photo by Carolyne Jasinski

Pick up some vital tips to avoid DVTs and also tips on how to get fit for a travel adventure on foot, bike or skis. Helen Hayes speaks to Donna White of Total Physio in Manly Vale Sydney. Donna has been to several Olympics as physio for the Australian Sailing Team, and really knows her stuff.Photo: Donna White with Gold Medallists Matthew Belcher and Will Ryan, in Rio.

Here's what you'll find on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by professional journalists, members of PALAT -the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get on contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

We love to hear what our Aussie expats are doing in many and various places around the planet. Helen Hayes spoke to Toni Atkinson who went to the island of Paros about seven years ago for a child’s baptism and was struck by the spirit of island life, vowing to move there. She has lived in Barcelona, Mykonos, and now Paros, where she has been for the past four years. She explains the appeal of this place to Helen Hayes.

Worth1000Words image from Carolyne Jasinski, who writes: “Is this what happens when you try to ride a bike through Death Valley?" This sculpture can be found at the Goldwell Open Air Museum in the ghost town of Rhyolite in Nevada. It's just 8km west of Death Valley and Carolyne reckons this character was lucky to get this far. #Worth1000Words

Co-host, Helen Hayes interviewed our reporter Carolyne Jasinski about her trip through Death Valley, reputed to be one of the hottest places in the world in summer. It is still very hot in spring, as Carolyne discovered.Phopto Carolyne Jasinski shows Dante's View Death Valley

The name probably says it all – the Fabulous Ladies Wine Society is an Australian group that now numbers 20,000 women who enjoy wine, getting together, and even travelling interstate and overseas to visit wineries. Behind the society is Jane Thomson, who admits the idea was born over a few glasses of wine one night. Behind the social element there’s also a determination to support female winemakers and ultimately to see more women in an industry that Jane says loses its female graduates in oenology and viticulture. Equal numbers enter the industry but only 10 per cent remain. Graeme asked Jane if she had a background in the wine industry to take on what must now be a full-time job for its passionate founder.Photo: Jane Thomson (supplied)

Graeme Kemlo reflects on the sad loss of broadcaster/educator Dr Michael Mosley who died on a Greek island recently and was not found for four days. Graeme and Michael both shared the onset of diabetes type 2 late in life and the medico-turned-TV presenter and author did much to educate the public about this and other chronic diseases. We will miss his plain speak, his willingness to undertake various trials in the name of medicine and his revelations about the benefits of various types of fasting on blood glucose levels in the body.Image: One of Michael Mosley's recent books was also the title of his podcast.

Our Spain-based correspondent attended "The Great Festival" which has been celebrated in Valencia since 1355. Among the spectacles is a street parade featuring giants, with a man carrying a model whale and a female saint´s head on a platter, We reckon Karin's photo is certainly #Worth1000Words

Fiona Harper has moved to Darwin where she has been working with NT Tourism to help promote the unique experiences of Northern Territory. Tonight she tells Graeme Kemlo about a recent visit to Uluru and Alice Springs area with a group of four photographers.Photo: Fiona Harper. More: fionaharper.com.au

Alan Virgo is the renowned designer behind the eclectic Alan Virgo Atelier. Alan discusses the infancy and potential of AI in fashion, the importance of sustainability, and the economic impact of fashion tourism, while sharing his personal journey from Jamaica to a lengthy career in the U.S. and offering advice to aspiring designers on resilience and mentorship. Alan explains to our New York correspondent Bridgett Leslie how he navigates the evolving fashion landscape and gives his insights into the industry's future.Photo: Alan Virgo

Tonight we take you to from the Northern Territory’s red centre to outback Queenslland, to the fashion capital of New York, to Death Valley in eastern California and to a Greek Island .TWR is produced and presented by the professional jouirnalists of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To contact us: email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Graeme Kemlo spoke last week about the hotel boom that is currently happening in Melbourne and the potential for there to be 30,000 hotel rooms in that city by 2029. Well since then Graeme spoke with Adrian Williams, the chief operating officer of Accor Pacific, one of the largest hotel operators in the world. He's a born and bred Melburnian and he tells us he hopes the boom doesn’t end, as there are more of his group’s 46 hotel brands still to come to this city. As well as showcasing a new style of luxury - corporate accommodation on level 45 of Shadow Play by Peppers at Southbank – which is not one penthouse, but five penthouse suites each with three bedrooms and panoramic views covering all points of the compass Adrian , he reckons Melbourne could get to 50,000 hotel rooms.Image: Adrian Williams (supplied)

For our reporter in Perth Western Australia,. Carmen Jenner, it is only a three hour flight to Bali. She’s been there often and stayed at different locations, but recently to celebrate a birthday she and her husband decided that five days in Ubud would be perfect. This was not a press trip, they paid for everything, maybe getting a little more than they bargained for. Carmen tells Graeme Kemlo it was a great trip made interesting by an earthquake and her encounter with some gatecrashing guests. She had a great trip, and shares her advice on where to stay and eat and things to do… but she shares her experiences as a warning to the unwary visitor.Carmen has provided an itinerary for Bali: https://fluffytowel.com/ultimate-4-day-ubud-itinerary-a-journey-of-rejuvenation-and-relaxation/

Last weekend, Helen Hayes discovered a craze that dominated the boy’s toys hobby during the 1960s – slot car racing. Graeme Kemlo admits to being one of those teenagers who built their own slot car and went into the city to race it on a couple of large tracks. Well our Helen apparently took to the experience like a duck to water, at least that’s what our interviewee Kim Axton says. It seems the hobby never really died and now nearing retirement the 1960s teenagers are back at tracks like the one Kim has installed in the Seagulls Club Tweed Heads, where Helen burned some rubber. Photo: Kim Axton at the track with some enthusiastic slot car drivers More information on Facebook at 'seagulls slot car group'

Co-host Helen Hayes caught a fabulous concert in Sydney last week featuring Aussie family band, For King & Country. Helen says it was an uplifting experience to hear the multi-award winning group that now has their own movie, Unsung Hero. But there was no instant success in America for the family who found themselves broke and hungry in Nashville after a job offer fell through

Carolyne Jasinski says she’s not really an Elvis fan but she liked his music and would watch the occasional movie of his on television. So why would a visit to the birthplace of the King of Rock 'n Roll bring our reporter to tears as she wandered the Elvis trail in Tupelo, Mississippi? Let's find out ...

Ski and Snowboard Magazine editor, Helen Hayes, reports that the latest developments at Thredbo will bring international athletes during the northern hemisphere summer to Australia's snowfields. Thredbo has announced that Olympic medalist Scotty James is their new ambassador and as part of that arrangement a full-size half pipe is being built for skiers and snowboarders who want to continue training through the year.

Graeme tonight we take you from the island of Bali to the southern United States, to Spain and back to northern New South Wales, to the slopes of Thredbo which opens this weekend and and finally to Melbourne wjhere we experience Accor’s new corporate penthouse suites concept.Now in its 11th year Travel Writers Radio has more than 2800 stories posted on SoundCloud by our team of professionals.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

A cautionary tale from our Bali correspondent, Suzanne Hart, who has been afflicted by the painful Dengue Fever. A resident of Bali for seven years, this was her first time with the virus and she hopes it will be her last as she suffered many of the symptoms and could have been hospitalised, as many locals were. Australian travellers can check the status of Bali and other Asian destinations at smarttraveller.gov.au.

It was a "first" for experienced reporter Carolyne Jasinski - she'd never interviewed a Duckmaster before. Kenon Walker is effectively the ringmaster of a five-duck circus at the historic Peabody Hotel, shepherding them from the roof via a lift to the lobby level fountain and back each day. You can tell he loves his job and the crowds that gather along the ducks' red carpet.

Co-host Helen Hayes is the editor of Ski & Snowboard with Kids, so she is the perfect expert to ask about the upcoming Australian snow season for a family vacation. The ski season officially starts in a week or so and Helen has the good oil on where to go and what to do to keep the kids amused.More information: holidayswithkids.com.au

Our reporter in New York City, Bridgett Leslie, moved to the Big Apple from Sydney over one year ago, so she is well aware of the trips and traps involved in moving to a new city in a new country. But she has found an Aussie expat, Josh Pugh, who has developed the definitive guide for expats, covering Immigration, shipping, cell phones, renting, credit cards, tax, transport, friends, social security…, and even sandwiches.

While all the usual suspects can be seen at Movie World from Bugs Bunny to Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, we suspect the sound of burning rubber might appeal more to today’s youth. It also appealed to veteran travel writer Mike Smith whose eyes were fixed on the Hollywood Stunt Driver Show, where the skills and precision driving of stunt drivers Scotty Gregory, Richard Lunn and Jimmy O’Halloran are put to the test (with the help of comical stunt man Peter Murphy). After strapping himself in to experience one of the rubber-burning drives with Scotty behind the wheel, Mike went behind the scenes to chat with the four men who entertain the usually packed crowd twice, sometimes three times a day. Photo by Mike Smith

We received a copy of a monthly report by Accommodation Australia on capital city hotels that showed Melbourne's hotel boom continues. Having opened more than 20 hotels since the pandemic, another 21 are set to open between now and 2029 meaning the total rooms in the city will jump from 26,500 to more than 30,000 on the basis of properties currently under construction or in final planning.. Graeme Kemlo reports.Artist's impression - 1Hotel Melbourne

Here's what you'll find on Travel Writers Radio this week.The show is produced and presented by the professional journalist members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.comWeb: travelwritersradio.com

A random stranger named Richard Doggitt in Clarksdale Mississippi. called out to our reporter Carolyne Jasinski from a truck, wanting to know what she was doing. He thought she had been in the Delta Blues Museum for way too long, even though this was the actual birthplace of the Blues. Carolyne, on her own in a strange town thought it was creepy for a moment but he turned out to be ok. As this southern gentleman gave her his version of the local history, celebrities included. Photo: Richard Doggitt by Carolyne Jasinski

Bridgett Leslie in New York found the daughter of actor Gary Lockwood from 2001 A Space Odyssey, but Samantha has not followed her father's footsteps. She is an entrepreneur who has developed an innovative jewellery line made with flowers. She calls it Fleurings and she explains to Bridgett how it works and why it is proving popular with Australians. More information: fleurings.com/en-au

We had a very musical show this week so we thought why not look into music tourism. Helen Hayes and Graeme Kemlo discuss your options, particularly in the USA, where you learn more about the Blues, or Soul, or Jazz. You'll find museums, places of interest such as Elvis Presley's favourite cafe and plenty more.Photo: Arcade Restaurant in Memphis.

The title of the book – The Antipodean Express – captured our attention. New Zealander Greg Hill, a newly retired French Horn player in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra was intrigued to find the antipodes of his home city Wellington, and so he planned a journey by train to find the exact same relative GPS coordinates in the Northern Hemisphere as in the south. He wanted to travel slowly, but not too slowly as he had a three-month timeframe because his wife, also a professional musician, had taken just that much leave from her job as a violinist in the same orchestra. But Graeme Kemlo wonders if he did go all the way by train. The book is published by Exisle Publishing

This week’s #Worth1000Words is from Carolyne Jasinski in Clarksdale Mississippi who wondered if this building really was the blues club owned by actor Morgan Freeman. Morgan wasn’t there but Carolyne had a good look around and we think her photo is definitely #Worth1000Words.

There’s a little-known Sicilian island out in the Aeolian Sea. Like other parts of Italy it is volcanic with two volcanos and between them on the north coast in a green saddle lies the town of Malfa, home to Principe di Salina, a white-washed boutique resort best summed up as “barefoot luxury”. Its owner, Anita Motta is not a hotelier – she worked in marketing and advertising so she understands how to cater for guests’ needs. And although she was born in Milan – but has spent her childhood in a summer house on Salina and grabbed the opportunity when it arose to buy the hotel and renovate it to her taste. Australians are among her mostly foreign guests, as she explains to Graeme Kemlo

Tonight on Travel Writers Radio we take you from New Zealand to Spain; from Mississippi and the blues trail to fashionable New York City and we discover one of Italy’s best kept secret island getaways.The show is produced and presented by the professional journalists of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Eighteen years ago a British chef, Spencer Patrrick arrived in Melbourne, and worked at some fine restaurants including Phoenix, but ultimately he headed off up north to warm up and settled in Port Douglas with his wife-to-be Raina. Eight years ago he felt it was time to put the local region on the culinary map for its unique reef and rainforest and the ingredients they produce. Thus began Taste Port Douglas, a food and wine event like those in other states, but featuring the unique local fare and highlighting what local and visiting chefs can do. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Spencer as tickets go on sale for this year’s Taste Port Douglas in August. Tickets are available at tasteportdouglas.com.au Photo supplied -Spencer and Raina Patrick founders of Taste Port Douglas

Earlier this month Helen Hayes flew to the USA to attend IPW, which is an event run by the US Travel Association. It is designed to connect U.S. travel exhibitors with travel buyers and media to promote their products and negotiate future business. Each year a number of Australian travel journalists are invited to IPW, somewhere in America and from his visit they are able to generate stories, organise future visits to experience destinations and the activities on offer. Helen caught up with TWR team members Carolyne Jasinski and Fiona Harper as well as a few others among the 5600 invitees. Photo: Helen Hayes at IPW

Hard to get these ladies in the same country - they are all very busy members of our reporting team but they happened to meet up in Los Angeles at the recent IPW travel industry expo. We reckon its #Worth1000Words. And apologies that our square image format deprived you of a portion of the image.

Caryn Young is not only General Manager ANZ for Adventure World, but she is their sustainability lead, ensuring that all of the organisations suppliers of travel experiences adhere to the company’s charter of “travel with a purpose”. Caryn tells Helen Hayes that the charter is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development GoalsPhoto: Helen's group brought all of these items to the Oyster Box in South Africa as part of the Pack for a Purpose initiative, through Adventure World . More: adventureworld.com

The world is abuzz about the auroras with their dazzling light show visible in latitudes where it is rarely seen. We speak to our resident photography expert, Ewen Bell who was in the Victorian countryside last weekend leading a masterclass on how to photograph food, until outside the house they were in, the lights appeared glowing and dancing above …suddenly it was a masterclass of a totally different type as he explains to Graeme Kemlowww,ewenbell.com for more information about his photography toursLinks to Ewen's blog - https://ewenbell.com/blog/What_Did_We_Learn_From_An_Aurora_StormPhoto by Ewen Bell taken at Daylesford Victoria May 11

Here's what you'll hear this week on Travel Writers Radio brought to you by the professional journalists of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in touch email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Clearly our most-travelled reporter, Carolyne Jasinski recently kept to her own backyard, but she opted not to take her own RV out onto the gibber roads of outback South Australia. She was invited to hop aboard an Outback Spirit Mercedes Benz 4WD Touring Coach. So that’s a good start going bush in a Benz, but this tour is all inclusive and over 10 days our intrepid reporter covered some iconic destinations in her home state.. Here’s her report and a great chat with guides Darren and Janine Whale. More Information: journeybeyond.comPhoto Carolyne Jasinski - Darren and Janine Whale,

On the other side of the planet of course it is Spring and Kristin Henning our middle-America correspondent tells Graeme Kemlo that the fields are full of wildflowers and new green shoots adorn the trees. A time of renewal. However there’s potentially dark clouds on the horizon as former President Donald Trump continues to fight dozens of criminal charges and civil court cases around both his personal and professional behaviour. Since Graeme spoke to Kris earlier this week, Trump has been fined another time and specifically warned he risks a jail sentence for his continued contempt of court. All this goes on while Time magazine has him [pictured on the cover with the heading: What If He Wins?Image: Seal of the President of USA

Castlemaine in Victoria's goldfields region is about 140 km north west of Melbourne. Justine Costigan discovered that it has setup an Op Shop trail where canny visitors can grab a bargain. WEhether it is cutlery and crockery or a vintage outfit you can save money and do something positive for the planet by giving these items another life, rather than end up in landfill. It is also another reason to visit these regional towns. Photo: MAAW Op Shop Emporium Cadtlemaine

Generally there are three seasons available to travellers – peak, shoulder and low season and while you may be tempted to just travel at the cheapest fare there are other implications such as the weather you may want to consider before you jet off into the winter months when you’re really a beach person. So perhaps the shoulder season is the goldilocks choice – not too cold, not too hot, just right. But Justine Costigan says there other considerations you should be aware of.

Reporter Ian Jarrett has a n update for us on the latest news from the cruise industry as it affects Australasian routes. It seems the pandemic is now well behind the cruise lines and their passengers with a successful season assured commencing in October Ian also reports on one highly publicized vessel that won’t be returning to Australian waters during 2024 and some interesting demographics that suggest the average`passenger is getting younger. Photo: Norwegian Sun

People get together for all sorts of reasons in celebration of an historic event or the annual harvest festivals mark the abundance of foods produced, while some towns just do it as a reason to boost local visitation by tourists. Well Graeme Kemlo came across a festival in Vilnius, capital of the former Russian republic in the Baltic that once was a kingdom in its own right then a joint confederation with Poland, then it was occupied by Russia, Germany and Russia again until . Their celebration on June 1st is to mark their recognition as home to the best cold soup in the world, its bright pink soup! Graeme speaks with Gintarė avaliūnaitė of Go Vilnius about the soup that is probably closest to the Polish beetr00t-based borscht, Photo supplied -- you can even jump into faux pink soup

What you can stream or download from Travel Writers Radio this week - May 9, 2024. TWR is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact: info@travelwritersradio.com

In March Graeme Kemlo was fortunate to be invited as the only journalist to attend the Reawaken event by Business Events Perth. From my perspective this was a pretty bold move by ths convention bureau to fly in and fully host 40 international decision makers and conference organisers not only from Australia, but also from USA, Canada, Europe, UK and Asia. Usually this would be something funded by Tourism Australia for the whole industry, but Perth has gone along on this and as CEO Gareth Martin tells me they have already been successful in winning $15 million worth of business with another $70 million in a pipeline off the back of this three-day event.Graeme also speaks with the event organiser, Tracey Cinavas-Prosser who is Director of Guest Experiences for BEPerth. More: beperth.comPhoto: Elizabeth Quay Perth

As travel writers, Graeme Kemlo and Justine Costigan look for new trends in tourism and travel and TFE Hotels Europe division has setup MM:NT (read it as moment) a laboratory of rooms to get guest feedback on their design to obtain direct feedback. We played the audio track from a video they sent (we link the video below) featuring their CEO and design leads commenting on this innovative move. Then we give our feedback. Feel free to comment in an email - info@travelwritersradio.comPhoto suppliedVideo: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/wCfd2axSdW

Karin Avila, our correspondent in the Valencia Province of Spain is a triathlete and thought a local foot race sounded cool - El Camí dels Bandolers (Bandits Road in Valenciano). It was a "thigh burner" not what she expected, but she did discover some amazing local history along the track. Her notes on the event follow: Event: El Camí dels Bandolers (Bandits Road in Valenciano) trail race Location: Race start is in village of Senija in the Marina Alta region (Senija is 10 km from where I live) Route: Merchant trails from 16th-19th centuries, populated by thieves and bandits Distance: 23 km (there is also a half distance of ~13 km) Terrain: Scrub, forest, rocky and steep with 1275 meters elevation (4,183 feet) History: Josep Tomás Garcia ‘Josep de la Tona’ is a notorious bandit from the area who based himself in a cave – ‘Cova de la Garganta’ – on the trail where he could launch his kidnappings and robberies, known for committing a massive kidnapping and robbery in 1874 at a church in local village of Benimossot where ‘hardly any’ violence was carried out by him and his 34 bandits (book about event: El Robatori de Benimassot, Manel Arcos i Martínez)Photo by Karin Avila

This week’s #Worth1000Words is an image from Anna Richards who se photo of the French parliament shows the trouble the French have gone to in order to show their true colours of pride about the upcoming Olympic Games. Check it out on soundcloud.com, but we think it really is “worth1000words.Photo by Anna Richards

Journalist , travel writer and editor Justine Costigan is one of our team and she's leaving Melbourne to live in europe for at least six months, initially moving to France later this month. While we're sad to see her go, we know what a great reporter she is and that we can expect some great stories from her time spent in Europe and nearby countries. But she will be back next week to co-host another show and we appreciate her talent and commitment to her craft. She explains why she's leaving in a conversation with Graeme Kemlo. Flag image: Creative Ciommons Wikipedia

The Times of London ran a story recently headed: Macron wants French chefs to learn from the best … so he’s sending them abroad. The story goes on to say that as French influence on global gastronomy wanes, plans are in place to send the next generation to Scandinavia and the UK. You might imagine that some members of the French culinary scene could be upset by this suggestion so we thought we’d find out the reaction and Graeme Kemlo spoke with correspondent Anna Richards in the French culinary capital, Lyon.

Here is what you will find on this week's episode of Travel Writers Radio produced and opresented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Our correspondent Anna Richards in Lyon France talks about the effect of the 2024 Paris Olympics on not only tourists but everyday residents as prices leap to what Anna describes as “eye watering” levels in anticipation of the event which not only happens in Paris but other major cities in France.

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski tells us about her recent cruise experience as a an enrichment speaker on Oceania Sirena, sailing to the British Virgin Islands, Caribbean and the Spanish islands of Grand Canaria and Teneriffe. She enjoyed visiting new ports, but her favourite experience was eating the Oceania's lobster tails.

What is it like to be married to a man who is a chef with three Michelin stars? Bridgett Leslie interviewed Lara Gilmore, wife of the renowned three-Michelin-star-chef Massimo Bottura. Massimo helms Osteria Francescana, in Modena, Italy, a restaurant that has twice been ranked No.1 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants and currently he is part of the Best of the Best list. Lara shares her philosophy on the art of hospitality with Bridgett.

ANZAC Day is part of our DNA. Graeme and Helen talk about what it means to them

Graeme Kemlo introduces a special story in recognition of Anzac Day, one of the most important national days of remembrance in Australian military history. We focus on one extraordinary soldier, Brian Walpole who was not an ANZAC, however bravely waged his war behind Japanese lines with a small band of Iban headhunters during the occupation of Sarawak in 1943 to 1945. He wrote a gripping account of this in "My War - Life is for Living" with journalist David Levell detailing his life as a member of Australia's elite Z Special unit. Photo by Graeme Kemlo shows Brian Walpole with Iban warrior: in Sarawak.

Here's what you will find on Travel Writers Radio for this week - April 24, 2024. The show is presented by professional journalists, members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. IOt is produced in Melbourne Australia. To get in touch email: info@travelwritersradio.com

From the hinterland to the headlands there is plenty to see on the Central Coast, a favourite playground for those seeking surf, sun, and sand all year round. And one of its regular visitors over many years is our Sydney-based correspondent, travel editor and journalist, Mike Smith. He says at just over one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast, which stretches about 70 km north from Mooney Mooney in the Hawkesbury River system, is an easy place for local and international visitors to get to, whether they want sun, sand, surf or somewhere to simply chill. Mike suggests visitors try the •Central Coast Makers Trail expansion to a dozen local businesses showcasing their local produce (food and drink). Family-owned Little Creek Cheese Factory (Woy Woy), Chocolate Factory (Gosford), Broken Bay Pearl Farm (Mooney Mooney), and the Firescreek Botanical Winery (Holgate) among the pioneering companies on the self-drive trail. It now includes Adri’s Gingerbread creations, distilleries Amber Lane and Botanica, the Six String Brewing Company and Block N Tackle Brewery, Herbie’s Spices, Legend Coffee and Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. Mike speaks with Graeme Kemlo.Image: Bouddi National Park Photo by Keira TrainorMore information: lovecentralcoast.com

Bridgett Leslie recently visited Amsterdam in the Netherlands where she met three chefs - two Dutch and one French-born - running a restaurant in the suburbs. Rather than focus on the traditional Dutch favourite dishes, such as Stamppot at their Café Cress they choose to select the freshest seasonal ingredients paired with mostly French wines to offer a paddock to plate menu…some might say it was a dangerous move, but they explain their philosophy to Bridgett.

Our Spain-based correspondent Karin Avila has decades of driving experience in the USA, but now she lives in the Valencia province of Spain and getting a licence there is a different kettle of fish, due to cultural and language differences. It is a two-part process with a 266-page book of driving rules plus a practical test. Karin details the good, the bad and the counter-intuitive. Luckily she has a bicycle.

There is a lot to see in the USA, as Giselle Whiteaker discovered when she went to visit one state, and ended up visiting 48. Giselle, who lives in Australia explains why she has done an (almost) full lap of the Union.

Michelle Androsenko grew up in a dancing family and always dreamed of travelling the world as a dancer.That dream came true when she signed on with the entertainment team on board Oceania Sirena.She talks to Carolyne Jasinski about how she got her dream job and what it's like to be a performer on cruise ships.Photo by Carolyne Jasinski

There really are kangaroos on the beaches in Australia.When international tourists come to Australia and expect to find kangaroos roaming the streets or turning up on beaches, we Aussies tend to roll our eyes and say, “Really?”Well, Carolyne Jasinski has found a coastal hotspot where it does happen. Cape Hillsborough is a beach located on the coast of Queensland between Mackay and Airlie Beach. If you go to the water’s edge at sunrise, you’ll find kangaroos and wallabies feasting on mangrove seed pods.Here she talks to ranger Murray Gibbs about this magical spot that even the Australian tourists rave about.

Here's what you can listen to from the professional team at Travel Writers Radio. More food, wine, lifestyle and travel experiences from around the world and around the corner.We sincerely appreciate your support so thanks for listening.If you have a story to tell or to comment on our show, feel free to get in contact via email: info@travelwritersradio.com

As the Melbourne nights and mornings get chillier, there are thousands of southerners just waiting to escape to the Sunshine Coast in general, or Noosa in particular. Which is where Melbourne reporter Justine Costigan escaped to a week ago to research what’s new in this popular Queensland getaway. The good news: Justine enjoyed the place almost devoid of crowds; the bad news: it rained every day so she had to content herself with indoor activities like eating and drinking. Here she shares with Graeme Kemlo just what she discovered and lets us in on a couple of local secrets.. Photo supplied by Lanai Noosa

This might just be the absolute job of a lifetime – running a marine science research station on Lizard Island in the far north of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. These two jobs arose because the current co-directors have decided to retire after 34 years on the job. But who can apply? We got on to the chief scientist of the Australian Museum Sydney which runs the globally-renowned research station. So listen carefully, as this position may not open up for another 30+ years. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Professor Kris Helgen and also asked him to comment on the current state of the reef.Photo Kris Helgen - supplied.

Reporter Carmen Jenner, based in Perth was invited by Malaysian Airlines to fly to KL for some exciting industry announcements. Carmen enjoyed the experiences on offer over a long weekend in Kuala Lumpur, especially the Vespalisious culinary tour at night when the Malaysian capital really comes to life.

Reporter Adelaine Ng is a long-serving member of our team and she recently took a short holiday with her husband, but their plans changed last minute, which was serendipitous as they discovered an emerging destination that was new, exotic and great value at present. But Adelaine warns it may not last as this country could soon join the EU and suddenly everything would cost more. As she explains to Graeme Kemlo. Photo by Adelaine Ng

Helen Hayes flew across the ditch to Queenstown and chatted with the new Executive Chef of True South Dining Room at The Rees Hotel. Trent Watson has spent 25 years as a chef, and has cooked for some huge names. Have a listen to find out who, and what kind of food Trent is cooking at The Rees, to hero Central Otago produce.

Well tonight’s show seems to be all about destinations and unique experiences both near and far, so why dn;t we start off with Graeme’s visit one hour away to one of the suburbs of Ballarat where he met a chef, a dog named Dot, acres of French and English oak trees in alternating rows, and the discovery of a $500 truffle under one of the trees by Dot, who seemed to pick up the art of truffle hunting from a couple of other dogs. The other thing you need to know is that the truffle farmer Liam Downes was a successful Ballarat chef with five restaurants, one of which had a hat, but he has forsaken the restaurants for a literal “tree change” running Black Cat Truffle Company where he now cooks at a more leisurely pace.Photo: Graeme Kemlo - Liam with 160 g white truffle

Here's what is new on Travel Writers Radio this week. From Ballarat to Noosa to Lizard Island , opur reporters copver the country this week; then we have reports from team members in Queenstown NZ, Malaysia and also southern Europe where one travel writers finds herself almost by accident in one of the best value countries in europe, but she warns things might change if and when they join the EU.We'd love to hear from you with your story suggestions, just email us at info@travelwritersradio.com.And thanks for listening...

Our award-winning sustainability reporter Keeley Warren speaks with seasoned travel writer, environmentalist and author of four inspiring books, including "The Mindful Traveller" and "Go Lightly." Nina Karnikowski's work advocates for responsible travel and mindful exploration. Her partnership with World Expeditions for their upcoming Himalayan journeys affirms her commitment to ethical tourism. These trips through Nepal will offer travellers an immersive and authentic experience, hosted by Nina. Keeley gains Nina’s insights on responsible travel and her simple tips for more mindful wandering. Photo by Peter Windrim

Here's an extra image this week...Graeme tricked us by having another photo he had taken up his sleeve for our #Worth1000Words, except that this image taken two weeks ago at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is actually worth about 320,000 Aussie dollars. If you;ve never seen them pour molten gold at Sovereign Hill, one of only four Open Air Museums in the world, then get along and check this out – they do this numerous times a day in a fascinating display on the art of smelting gold to be in its purest form 24 carat. Graeme says it was deceptively very heavy for its size and you needed two hands to hold it. We reckon it is not only worth its weight in gold but is definitely (hasnhtag) Worth 1000 words.

In an industry that used to have a reputation for being male dominated, Janet Bava is a mover and shaker. Recently our reporter Helen Hayes travelled around the islands of French Polynesia with Windstar Cruises where she met Janet, the Chief Commercial Officer of the company. Janet has risen through the ranks of the cruise industry in a career spanning almost 30 years.

Our New York-based reporter Bridgett Leslie speaks to Chef Rajeev Goyall , who is the head of India Food Tourism Org on the importance of Food Tourism for the nation and Modi Magic as nearly 1 Billion Indian citizens line up to vote this wek.

|Listen to the message Helen Hayes got from husband Matt on his Red Sea yacht crossing where Houthi rebels are currently attacking merchant ships with missiles.Photo: Matt Hayes

In our Worth 1000 Words segment this week we feature a photo none of us took and some music none of us can play, but we reckon the latest event to be staged at The Lume in Melbourne, which is all about the Italian Renaissance. Thje images that have been taken in both stills and moving pictures are some of the highest resolution inmages ever taken of the world’s great artists and this event features the work of Leonardo Da Vinci, backed by the music of Vivaldi, supported by the culinary expertise of Melbourne convention and Exhibition Centre the largest kitchens in Melbiourne. If you go along you can see the finest detail of Da Vinci, enjoy the music and savour a feast like the Last Supper. More: thelumemelbourne.com Leonardo Da Vinci at Lume is definitely #Worth1000Words

Australian woman Megan Hess, left our shores as many young Australians did to head over to the old dart in the 70s and 80s to try their hand in the big league. Megan succeeded, and is now globally recognised as a fashion illustrator who has worked for the largest fashion houses, published a range of children’s books and also illustrated books on her favourite cities, Paris and New York, and has now added a London book to her collection that is as much a travel book as reportage of the current trends in fine fashion. She tells our reporter Justine Costigan that she was very poor when she first went to London and enjoyed spending time taking in the free galleries and architecture, rather than dining at the Ritz. She says she has a shortlist of about 10 cities for her next book…we hope one day that it might be her home city: Melbourne.More: meganhess.com

Last week, Travel Writer Carolyne Jasinski was digging for gold - and finding it - at Clermont in Queensland, about 4 hours inland from Mackay. This week she is flying high over the same region to put the landscape into perspective.Is there anything better than flying in a helicopter, with the doors removed, over mountains and mesa? Not according to Carolyne if you listen to this interview with her pilot James (Bill) Wiseman. We think she struck gold again with the views over the lush landscape, the Peak Ranges and Theresa Creek. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski - Theresa Creek

Latest food, wine, lifestyle and travel inspiration from the Professional Association of |Lifestyle And Travel Writers (PALAT)

We have some messages from one of our more recent team members Keeley Warren our sustainability and responsible tourism reporter now living in Valencia Spain, and one of our long-time members, Adelaine Ng as she boards yet another aircraft

Kristin Henning our Middle America correspondent went to Antarctica last month for an immersive polar expedition cruise with Polar Latitudes. In this engaging conversation with John McKeon CEO of Polar Latitudes, Kris asks about their commitment to responsible tourism and to citizen science during the voyages of their small expedition vessel of only 200 passengers. A special milestone for Kris as this marked her seventh continent from her years of travelling the world and reporting on it. Photo Kristin Henning - MS Seaventure polar expedition vessel. More: travelpast50.com

Anna Richards in Lyon France sends us a message

Graeme Kemlo caught up with our British-born correspondent from Lyon France late last week and she was understandably excited having just given birth (so to speak) to her first book. Anna Richards was happy to talk about the guide book she has been working on for almost two years. It is an interesting subject – Paddling France, and it details the top 40 places to take your paddle board, canoe or kayak in the lakes, rivers, and beaches around France.

Graeme Kemlo was on assignment in Ballarat , Victoria;s third-largest city this week and he could not help but notice the changes. One of the State’s fastest growing regions, just one hour from Melbourne, Ballarat is coming of age with major new infrastructure, new hotels, sophisticated food and wine offerings and an enthusiastic hospitality scene. Graeme was part of a visit sponsored by Business Events Victoria that included meeting [planners and conference organisers. He spoke to the executive officer of Business Events Victoria, Adilene Keh. Photo Graeme Kemlo - visiting conference organisers inspect Ballarat's impressive new 240-seat theatre in The Goods Shed

It is not every day you turn 10, so we’ll play a couple more messages from our team: Foundation and 100 Club Member Carolyne Jasinski and veteran travel journalist Ian Jarrett.

You don’t get to stay on air for 10 years without the support of your broadcaster are we are no exception. We sincerely do appreciate the opportunity and the ongoing support of J-AIR. 88 FM in Melbourne. Travel Writers Radio host and executive producer, Graeme Kemlo speaks with our radio station manager and Founder of J-AIR, Robert Bontschek

Our reporter Carolyne Jasinski strikes gold - literally! On her latest trip to Mackay and the Isaac Region in Queensland, she found nuggets of gold and held a record-breaking 5oz gold nugget. Carolyne interviews Dan Healaar, the owner of the gold mine lease, before, during and after her taste of gold digging.Photo -Carolyne Jasinski saw this nugget unearthed in Clermont

Here's what you'll hear on our 10th Biirthday edition of Travel Writers Radio, the original program produced and presented by the professional journalists of PALAT -the Professional Association of Lifestyle And Travel Writers.Each week we bring you authentic independent stories about food, wine, lifestyle and travel, whether around the corner or around the world.At this time we appreciate all the effort by scores of our team members past and present on the road travelling thousands of kilometres to interview thousands of people. We thank them all, but most of all we sincerely appreciate you, our listening audience for being there each week. Our aim is to inform and inspire, but also to entertain . Cheers

Helen Hayes chats with Graeme Kemlo about her "spectacular" African adventure which ranged from an iconic hotel in Durban, to a luxury beach lodge at Thonga Beach on the remote east coast of South Africa with ocean and lake adventures. Helen also visited Sungulwane Private Game Lodge, with just eight private chalets, which has been described as "the ultimate intimate African bush experience." Helen travelled in a group organised by Adventure World: adventureworld.com.au or phone 1300 363 055.Photo: Helen Hayes - kayaking on Lake Sabiya near Thonga Beach Lodge

Carolyne Jasinski has been in Queensland over the past week and reports on her farm stay on a sugar cane plantation with a couple of genuine characters who call themselves “old Tassie potato farmers” who bought the most dilapidated farm near Mackay Queensland and turned it into an award-winning tourism facility with sheer hard work and imagination. It is called Oh Deere after their favourite piece of farm gear, the big green John Deere tractor. Carolyne chats with Karinda Anderson. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski in John Deere Coffin

There’s an event coming up on Saturday that we need to talk about because it is 96 years since the Red Hill Agricultural Society staged the first of their annual shows on the Mornington Peninsula, which is Melbourne’s bayside playground. But it used to be a food bowl with fruit trees, cattle, sheep grazing and working farms. Now the peninsula, about one hour from Melbourne and two hours to go all the way to the heads at Portsea, has become a place where many permanent residents commute to the city, where hobby farms have carved up the broadacres and where the crowds flock on weekends and public holidays. But Red Hill is defying the odds with its continued success and Graeme Kemlo speaks to Bec Davis executive officer of the Red Hill Show about what to expect this weekend….and there’s plenty, Photo supplied.

Staying at a boutique private safari lodge is a different experience, as Helen Hayes found out at Sungulwane in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa. Helen interviews Keenan Houareau, General Manager and Head Ranger of Sungulwane. More information adventureworld.com.au or phone 1300 363 055

Bridgett Leslie often covers matters of diversity for Travel Writers Radio and since her move from Sydney to New York City she has greater opportunity to come across these stories. Such is the case this week where she was invited to attend a Black History Month event, being celebrated for the first time in New York by a corporate group. Bridgett interviews a few of the staff and guests to better understand why it is important to New Yorkers.

Rita Erlich has a short but cautionary tale about reading the fine print if you choose to go with an operatror – a cruise company for example – that offers to book all elements of your trip – air, hotel accommodation and your ship’s cabin etc. Rita whats with Graeme Kemlo about the problem she faced recently.

Here's what to expect on Travel Writers Radio this week. More inspiration and information about food, wine, lifestyle and travel.Thanks for listening. Next week we celebrate our 10th anniversary on J-AIR 88 FM in Melbourne.Check out our website or send us an email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski not only took the helm of an impressive yacht last week around busy Sydney Harbour, she also had a sleepover on the harbour courtesy of Sydney By Sail. It was all part of a commission she has to cover interesting places to spend the night. She interviewed the company’s COO Josh Hayes about the range of vessels and services they offer from their base on Sydney Harbour And if that name looks familiar Josh is the son of our reporter Helen Hayes and her Olympic sailor husband Matt .For more information go to sydneybysail.com.

Following Kristin Henning’s recent visit to Portugal, she spoke with Graeme Kemlo about the growing interest in travel to Portugal, and specifically Douro River Cruising. The Douro Valley is home to port wine and picturesque quintas, prehistoric sites, medieval towns, remote and mountainous terrain, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Photo Douro river dawn by Kristin Henning. More information: travelpast50.com

We do not often refer to surveys as a source of news because they are often self-serving, but here’s one that purports to show the best cities in Europe for foodies and it uses Trip Advisor data. Now I do not intend to comment on the culinary expertise of Trip Advisor users, but it does throw up some interesting information. In broad terms London is ranked first, based on the number of five star reviews for restaurants cafes and bars; Paris is second and Barcelona is third. From there it goes Rome, Athens Madrid, Lisbon, Berlin, Prague and Milan. The data was analysed by Dutch lifestyle magazine Dailybase.

Helen Hayes jetted off last weekend to visit what is described as South Africa's most pristine wilderness beach lodge that sits on the azure shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Situated deep in this wilderness of white sand, thick forest and stunning marine life, Thonga Beach, near the Mozambique border in KwaZulu Natal is a natural wonderland. Despite its remoteness, Helen managed to send us an interview with Matthew Steyn.For more information visit adventureworld.com.au or phone 1300 363 055.

Journalist Mike Smith attends the International Media Marketplace in Sydney which is basically a form of speed dating between travel writers and public relations people from some of the best travel destinations, hotels and tourism experiences in Australia and beyond. Photo: TravMedia

After years of working for top restaurants such as Nobu (London), Yaffo Tel Aviv, and Mr. Porter (Amsterdam), Chef Ori Geller joined fellow chef Hari Shetty to conceptualise Nela restaurant in Amsterdam which has a reputation for choosing high quality and carefully selected ingredients which they then cook over “live fire”. Bridgett spoke to Ori Geller on a recent visit to the Dutch capital. More: nelarestaurant.com

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. We take you from a night on Sydney Harbour to a speed dating event between travel writers and public relations people at International Media Marketplace. Well also tell you about a cruise on one of the wilder rivers, the Duoro in Portugal.mAlso listen to a renowned chef who has opened a live fire restaurant in Amsterdam. Rita Erl;ich and Graeme Kemlo also talk about a survey on the best foodie cities in Europe. And finally we have a report just in from Helen Hayes on the east coast of South Africa where she stays at a remote wilderness beach retreat with its pure white sands and rich ocean reef system.

Hawaii has al;ways been a popular destination for Australians, and not only for the sun and surf...we share the Pacific ocean around our coastlines, the Hawaiian culture is a gentle caring experience should you delve into it, the food is fresh and fun and the natural wonders are plenty. Graeme Kemlo spoke with the country director Oceania for Meet Hawaii, Kris Phadungkiatipong about the current state of the business events industry and also the situation in Lahaina township on Maui devastated by the loss of life and livelihoods due to wildfires seven months ago.hoto by Graeme Kemlo at #AIME2024

The business of meetings and incentives such as those events you will find most weeks at our major convention centres, is a serious business generating hundreds of millions of dollars a year in Melbourne alone. But there can be a fun side to it too as Graeme Kemlo found out when he discovered Craig Watson lounging on a chair styled to be a 1950s Chevvy, then there was the 1950s American diner, the life-size figures of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. This is the stock-in-trade for Craig and Sydney Props company. Graeme sat down to chat in the diner with Craig over a latte, or was it an Americano? Photo by Graeme Kemlo - Craig Watson in the 50s Chevy Chair at #AIME2024

Graeme Kemlo poses the question to his co-host Helen Hayes: "So Helen tell me why a small ship cruise, such as Windstar plying the magnificent waters of Tahiti and her islands, is something I definitely should have on my bucket list."Helen, who has just returned from cruising the region on small ship Star Breeze with only 250 passengers details the advantages and the amenities of a Windstar Cruise in the beautiful waters and ports of French Polynesia. Image - Star Breeze Ocean Vies Suite

Karin Avila, in her introduction to the next story explains how she came to interview David Price, who runs popular Madrid bookstore called Secret Kingdoms, which regularly gathers writers for in-store events and has echoes of like the famous Shakespeare and Company literary mecca in Paris.Photo: David Price

Bridgett Leslie has certainly brought a diverse range of stories to us over the past couple of years and being based in New York has given her rich new opportunities to seek out the different angles, Here she is tonight with an interesting discussion with Andrew Schlessinger talking about his development of innovative educational video resources designed to enhance the opportunities for learners across the broad range of kindergarten to high school in USA. As CEO and Co-Founder of SAFARI Montage Andrew is an educational media pioneer who revolutionised both in-person and remote learning, but Bridgett also discovered he is a passionate culinary adventurer. Photo: Andrew Schlessinger.

Not only did Carolyne Jasinski travel a long way to dine high in the sky above Melbourne city, she invited Graeme Kemlo to join her in an 8-course ddegustation at Eureka 89, an experience that begins when you step into a very fast elevator that makes your ears pop as you quickly ascend to the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere. Carolyne and Graeme take you along on this culinary adventure as the sun set across.Photo by Carolyne Jasinski - West Australian Marron

This week wwe take you to Tahiti and the Marquesas, to Madrid, New York City, Hawaii, Sydney and Melbourne where we have been covering #AIME2024, the business events people from Asia Pacific gather at this time each year, Welcome aboard and thanks for listening

Helen Hayes interviewed the President of Windstar Cruises, Chris Prelog who happened to come aboard the ship she was on when the cyclone was being avoided. This gave Helen the chance to sit down for a good chat about his life at sea and his favourite destinations..Photo: Chris Prelog, President Windstar Cruises

Helen Hayes has been in the islands of Tahiti with Windstar Cruises, however a potential cyclone was noticed in the Coral Sea and the ship had to be re-routed to avoid the potential danger. Helen spoke to the ship’s Captain Simon Terry about why he became a merchant seafare, He also explained how and why he decided to change course when the cyclone was forecast.Photo Windstar Cruises -Star Breeze

Victoria’s second city, Geelong, has taken its share of knocks over the years, particularly with the loss of some of its manufacturing industries, initially the city rode on the sheep’s back as one of the largest wool exporters, then notably the Ford Motor Car factory which also supported a range of secondary parts makers. However it has also produced its share of success stories. This one combines the loss of one industry with a re-imagining of the 14-acre site where in 1915 the government set up Federal Woolen Mills. to make uniforms for our armed forces and later for Post Office staff. When it shutdown Cam Hamilton’;s family bought the land with 35,000 square metres of substantial brick buildings and have built an award-winning business campus which has attracted IT innovators, artisans and creatives. Graeme Kemlo dined at 1915 restaurant at Federal Mills during a recent visit to Geelong and he speaks with Cam Hamilton.

Justine Copstigan loves to spend time in regional towns and most has recently visited Dimboola, which has come a long way from the days when in 1979 it was the subject of a comedy movie set around a about a wedding reception, Justine was researching a story about regional towns and was fascinatred to discover Dimboola had fallen in love with Steam Punk that has now become the theme of an annual local festival.Photo:: Visit Wimmera Mallee - Dimboola Vintage collectibles.

Well done on the 100 Club Carolyne, but we haven’t given her time off for the achievement – she’s been in Far North Queensland checing out the post-cyclone recovery and to prove to you that things have returned to normal up there Carolyne went into the Atherton Tablelands and enjoyed some experiences, then she went and caught a 4 kg barramundi at Hook-A-Barra.Photo: Carolyne Jasinski at Hook-A-Brra,TNQ

Prolific travel writer and PALAT team member Carolyne Jasinski was presented with her trophy last weekend as the first member to achieve more than 100 stories to air on Travel Writers Radio. She was presented with an inscribed microphone by executive producer Graeme Kemlo at a dinner in Melbourne.Congratulations Carolyne - already well on the way towards 200.

Graeme Kemlo has heard about a popular getaway for Sydneysiders for decades but knew little of Kims Beachside Retreat. Travel Writer Mike Smith explained the appeal of this coastal retreat at Toowong Bay on the New South Wales Central Coast. It was first established as a small campground 137 years ago. In the 1980s and 90s it was popular as a celebrity hideaway, even hosting hosted international guests including the Rolling Stones. Mike Smith explains the appeal of Kims today.Phoyo Kims

Here;s what you'll hear on TWR this week, presented by PALAT the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers

One of North;and New Zealand\s most popular attractions is a building that from a distance looks like a toddler’s birthday cake: bright, clashing colours crowned by a golden cupola that sparkles in the sun. On closer inspection it is the work of the late Friedensreich Hundertwasser the Austrian artist and “organic” architect. His distinctive buildings can be found in many countries across Europe, in California’s Napa Valley, in Israel, in Japan. Reporter Justine Costigan who first saw the architect's work in Vienna some years ago discovered his legacy also existed in Northland New Zealand during a recent visit as she explains.Photo: Hundertwasser Art Centre - by Barac Underwood © Hundertwasser Art CentreHere is the link to Justine's story in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2024/feb/04/time-caught-up-with-his-visions-friedensreich-hundertwassers-new-zealand-legacy

Carmen Jenner is one member of our reporting team who did take a travel writers vacation, but it was also work related as she attended a familiarization tour of Cambodia and Vietnam that included an eight day cruise along the Mekong River ending up in Ho Chi Minh city She spoke to Graeme Kemlo about the visit and the 14-cabin ship, the stops at villages en route, the food and the friendly crew - this was her first time on a cruise.Photo: Carmen Jenner Siem Reap sunrise

Our reporter Carolyne Jasinski was invited up to Tropical North Queensland which has been hit bytwo cyclones in the past two months and as a result she says the local tourism industry estimates it has lost $95 million from the visitor economy. As people cancelled their holidays in Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove and the hinterland regions. While the cyclones themselves did some damage by far the worse damage was from floodwaters that swept away homes, carved large chasms in major roads and washed boulders the size of a house on to the road between Cairns and Port Douglas and stopped staff from getting to work. Carolyne has just retured and spoke to Graeme Kemlo about what she found and whether it is safe to visit right now.Photo: Carolyne Jasinski on Moss man River Drift

A recent survey of Australian journalists conducted by Media Monitors has come out with some alarming results on the impact upon journalism of Artificial Intelligence, or AI. We cite an example of Deep Fake video called out by Sumsub on their You Tube channel involving Morgan Freeman. It is a convincing fake.At Travel Writers Radio we are professional journalists and broadcasters who produce and present authentic stories so we do not in any way allow or condone the use of AI to produce material that might confuse listeners as to its veracity. Graeme Kemlo and Justine Costigan discuss the implications for journalism.Photo - This is not Morgan Freeman -Diep Neb

– Visit Sunchine Coast is the tourist body that wants to inspire Victorians to “come up for the sunshine” and having not had much of a summer in Melbo9urne at all this season we probably very ready to jump on a jet to the airport up there and head to popular coastline that stretched 60 km along the Coast Places like Noosa, and Mooloolaba are very popular with southerners, but nowthey want to present a destination with a different DNA – not just a place to sto[p and flop in the sun, but somewhere to experience the food and the experiences in a vast agricultural hinterland. Peter Hook explained the Sunshine Pantry cam[paign.

There's a muth that we travel; writers get 365 days a year, 24 x 7 five-star treatment, so we checked out more of the team to see if that story is true. Largely its a staycation we enjoy, not the high life,as is revealed from our chat this week with Fiona Harper, Karin Avila and Mike Smith.

Our New York-based reporter Bridgett Leslie discovered a paor of childhood sweethearts , George and Leona, who met at kindergarten, drifted apart, then reunited in their early 20s. They got got married and in 2014 established a successful business running food tours of Prague, which they describe as “the placwe live with love and passion”. Photo: supplied.More information email: praguefoodtour@gmail.com

This week we take you from the Sunshine Coast to Tropical North Queensland and from a boat cruise on the Mekong Delta to a food tour of Prague and then t Vienna with its interesting New Zealand connection. Carmen Jenner is one of our reporters who did not take a staycation at home in Perth – she went off to Cambodia and Vietnam including an eight day cruise of the Mekong River on a small teak timber ship of only 14 cabins.Carolyne Jasinski has just returned from a visit to Tropical North Queensland which you would remember has been devastated in parts by the weather that followed two cyclones in the past two months. Carolyne was invited up to see how the recovery is goingNew York-based correspondent Bridgett Leslie speaks with a couple who run food tours in their home town of Prague, capital city of the Czech RepubliicThis past week the folks from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland have been in town looking to change the DNA of this destination from one where Melburnians especially love to go for the sun, to further extend the visitor options for visit to certainly still come for the sun, but stay for the food and the experiences. Including the locally grown coffeeAnd Justine, had an excellent story published in The Guardian about the capital of Austria, the wonderful city of Vienna where visionary architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser is celebrated, yet his work in New Zealand was largely overlooked…until now that is.We'd love to hear from you -just email:info@travelwritersradio.com

There’s currently aa natural phenomenon playing out on the Australian territory of Christmas Island 1500 km north west of Perth in the Indian Ocean. We’re told that tens of millions of red crabs are migrating from the rainforest down to the sea to lay their eggs and until about February 4 they have priority over cars and other vehicles as they cross the road. Graeme Kemlo spoke today to the Destination Marketing Manager, Sarah Coote, who explained what it was all about, Sarah also talked about the tourism potential of this very remote community with its pristine rainforest and waters. More information: Christmas.net.auPhoto: supplied

Perth’s remoteness from the Australian east coast can be both a blessing and a curse for somebody whose job is to get organisations to travel across the country to meet in Western Australia. But as CEOP of Business Events Perth, Gareth Martin says the upside is that Perth is closer to Asia and also on the same time zone as 60 percent of the world’s population. He told me how well the city had recovered from the pandemic and how important Rottnest Island’s furry ambassador the Quokka was to both leisure and business visitors.Photo: supplied.

As travel writers you get to visit some wonderful destinations, but sometimes you are greeted by something amazing, even shocking and unexpected. Heldn and Graeme explain.Helen travelled with Masai Wanderings and her photo shows the lions cleaning up the kill while a bird of prey waits his turn,

Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, is one of the most highly anticipated holidays in Spain, celebrated on January 6th, 12 days after Christmas. Three Kings Day celebrates the baby Jesus, and the arrival of the Three Wisemen who bring frankincense, gold, and myrrh. Sometimes arriving by helicopter, other times by parachute or the more traditional mode of camel, colorful parades bring the celebration to life throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish families exchange gifts and indulge in the traditional roscón cake. If you’re lucky and take a bite with the plastic figurine, you’re designated king for the day.Photo by Karin Avila - the low-key arrival of the 3 Kings - no chopper, no parachute, just wandered up the beach.

Here's what is up on Travel Writers Radio this week. We cover food, wine, lifestyle and travel with authentic stories produced and presented stories produced by our team of professional journalists, - no influencers, no AI, no BS!To get in contact email us: info@travelwritersradio.com

Loren Christie is managing director of the Best Cities Global Alliance which started 25 years ago with a onversation over drinks by city leaders from Melbourne Houston and Vancouver. Now there’s 13 major international cities in this group that specialises in hosting some of the largest business events and leaving a legacy n the cities as part of their sustainability philosophy. Graeme Kemlo I was invited as the only Australian media to attend their global forum in Melbourne and asked Loren to explain what it was all about..Photo by Graeme Kemlo

Award-winning architect Richard Moreta Castillo is operating on the next level, building hotels with parking for your drone. car, the next thing in transportation,Photo: supplied

The locals have had enough - Bali's roads are getting jammed and the infrastyructure needs upgrading. But the other problem is holiday-makers from Indonesia bring their large four wheel drives by ferry on to Bali, Suzanne and her friends prefer the scooter or small local cars to get around and maybe the large imported cars should be taxed on arrivalshe discussed the issue with Graeme Kemlo

Our correspondent in Spain Karin Avila, who has an extensive background in research, set out to learn more about Buddhism in SDpain and enjoyed an interesting discussion at a Buddhist centre in Valencia with the manager, Maitringhosha as Karin explains in this introduction.Photo: supplied

You might be surprised to learn where travel writers go and what they do when they go on holiday. If you're thinking five star holidays you would be wrong. Listen as some of our team explain.Photo: Suzanne Hart (L) and friends on Simeulue island in Sumatra

After our summer break the team at Travel Writers Radio returned to the airwaves tonight with more storied about food, wine, lifestyle and travel.You are welcome to get in ciontact - email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski, on a bvisit with her husband to investigate the family's Polish heritage, visited the infamous and gruesome Auschwitz concentration camp. They ennded up staying overnight in the SS officers garrison as the town's hotels were full. Carolyne describes a sleepless night and then discusses with Graeme Kemlo other gruesome destinations you can visit around the world.Read Carolyne;s story: https://carolynejasinski.wordpress.com/the-worlds-most-gruesome-but-important-destinations/Photo by By xiquinhosilva - https://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/16380127035/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76102385

Our co-host Hellen Hayes recently took a short cruise from Melbourne to Sydney on Cunard’s fabulous Queen \Elizabeth 2/ On the way the ship stopped at the newly upgraded port of Eden on the south coast where Helen and the other passengers got a warm welcome from Debbie Meers of Cruise Eden.Photo by Helen Hayes

Team member Helen Hayes visited the excellent Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition at the Australian Museum. In this interview she speaks with the Museum's Fran Dorey. The exhibition is being staged at the Australian Museum until 19 May.More information: https://australian.museum/exhibition/ramses/Image: supplied.

Melbourne travel writer Emily Mcauliffe visited Tropical North Queensland which was hit by a cyclone and then flooding rains in December. But as Emily reports, good luck meant she missed the worst of the big wet that affected Port Douglas, cutting the coastal drive to Cairns and turning a one hour commute into a two hour ferry ride, or a two hour detour by car,Emily tells me, Graeme Kemlo, what effect the unusually wild weather had on the local community.Photo: Emily Mcauliiffe

Chef Dave Soady had an early Christmas gift this year. His restaurant 13 Fronteras was listed in the 2024 Michelin Guide. Bridgett Leslie had a chat with Dave about how this recognition came about and what it means for him and his team.

Olympic sailor Matt Hayes has done it all on the water, from importing yachts to running a successful yacht charter company in Sydney. He circumnavigated the world a few years back, and loved it so much he is doing it all again. Reporter Helen Hayes (Matt;s wife( spoke to him this week while he was back home in Sydney for Christmas.

Graeme Kemlo was in Geelong last week on a familiarization visit and his host overnight was Greg O’Shea franchisee of the newest Quest Apartment hotel in the centre of town. They got chatting, realised they had a few things in common. But Graeme was fascinated with the thought that Greg, who started in hospitality aged 15, went through an chef’s apprenticeship and later became a hospitality educator at HolmesglenTAFE in Melbourne, home of Le Cordon Blue school. But now Greg has his own hotel and he gets to put into practice some of the theory he has been teaching. Photo: Greg O'Shea

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski is one of the hardest-working travel writers we have seen and she has been a regular contributor to this show for more than five years. We asked her to give us an account of her year as a travel writer in 2023. We think some of the statistics she came up with surprised even her….like she has been away from home this year for 161 days, that’s more than 23 weeks. We love her work out back of beyond in an RV or a glamping tent – she often finds an amazing old stockman and gets them talking, which is always fascinating. We love her work. Photo by Carolyne Jasinski

British travel writer Anna Richards has been on the show before, but we thought we’d speak to her again to discover the atmosphere in France at present. Anna lives and works in Lyon, but spent last weem in Paris – so how does the City of Love do Christmas, we wondered. Well it turns out that {atis' lights are overshadowed by Lyon's Fete des lumieres *Festival of Lights). And Saint Nicholas,who is celebrated in some regions of France is no Sants. Photo by Anna Richards Lyon Basilica Lights Up

Chris Porter, General Manager of Business Events Victoria about the advantages of living and meeting in a compact State where Melbourne leads the way in a $12 Billion dollar business tourism sector and the regions are also able to participate through their food, wine and lifestyle experiences.

Bridgett Leslie is living her own fairytale of New York, spending her first festive season living on Wall Street, which is a bit quiet after 6pm she says. Which is probably why she ventured up to the East Village to try out a fiery speakeasy-style cocktail bar, names 11Tigers, She says it has a Thai heart and a Japanese soul. She loved it. Photo: 11tigersnyc.com

It is our last radio show for the year and we take you around the planet, from France to New York, lutback Australia...we even talk to a sdailor who has already circumnavigated the earth once and is on his way around again.Anyway we hope you enjoy the show however you listen.Check in regularly for our summer series with both new and best of stories from the team at PALAT. We love bringing you the stories and we thank you sincerely for listening.From the team both at home and abroad we thank you and wish you a fabulous festive season and a happy and prosperous New Year

Phil Brown is our New York0based Aussie expat who moved to the Big Apple about 15 years ago and has raised a family of two girls there. We’ve spoken to Phil and gained his perspective on the city and the country, particularly over the Trump/Biden years as he puts it all inco tontext. The past year has been a particularly with vatious civil and criminal court battles not going his way. Graeme Kemlo speaks to him about the presidential race, the sacking of a member of congress and the view from the street of one of the best cities in the world to observe the festive season.

Karin Avila recently visited Tuscany, Italy and in the famous city of Pisa she did what many visitors do and went to see the leaning tower of Pisa. However the building that really captured her imagination was next door, the PisPhoto Baptistery foreground and Leaning Tower background. Image: Discover Tuscanya Baptistery of St. John which also dates back to the 14th century.Photo by Karin Avila

Graeme Kemlo reports on an interesting development down at the bottom of Melbourne’s summer playground, the Mornington Peninsula where there are now two 150 year-olds, a major international player and a home grown family business, plus and a couple of celebrity chefs engaged in a battle for the hearts and minds of locals and tens of thousands of visitors to Sorrento.

Helen Hayes reports on an exciting new cruise ship now in Australian waters from Virgin Voyages. She gives us her report on a couple of hours aboard the vessel in Sydney Harbour. We enjoy the Virgin brand, which is unmistakably a product of the Richard Branson School of Cheeky Marketing, so we look forward to Helen’s report.Photo: Supplied by Virgin Voyages

Here is what you'll hear on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show os produced and presented by the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Email - info@travelwritersradio.com

Tyson Stelzer, our resident wine expert has been a favourite member of our team amongst listeners for more than nine years and today he tells me the things he does around wine, especially sparkling wine and champagne that listeners can also get involved with. He also mentions his favourite drinks for the festive season: expect to pay $100 for quality French champagne, but don't pay half price for a poor import, knstead buy a quality Australian sparkling - Bellebonne by Natalie Fryer from Tasmania, Deviation Road from Adelaide Hills or Salinger vintage cuvee from Seppelt Victoria. With a hot festive roast and all the trimmings trimmings try a sparkling red he says, suggesting Seppelt Show Sparkling Shiraz (10 year's celared and about $100) Bor sparkling shiraz from leasdale Langhorne Creek, or Seppelt's The Original (both about $50).If you must have plum pudding, you need a Rutherglen muscat (chilled)Thanks Tyson.

Up in Victoria’s High Country they released a clever strategy today tolure tourists over summer by giving away some of the secrets kept close to the chest of the locals. Graeme Kemlo pre-recorded this interview with CEO of Tourism North East, Bess Nolan-Cook. Knowing that we all love a secret place to getaway, or a secret food or drink spot and you won’t be popular if it suddenly turns into Instagram heaven. So Graeme’s opening question to Bess was: could she keep a secret? Turns out she couldn’t.Photo supplied: Bess Nolan-Cook

Perth-based travel writer Carmen Jenner has found herself returning to Sri Lanka after sci-fi author Arthur C Clarke claimed a transcendence of gravity force would bring visitors back to the island. Carmen has been a frequent visitor and tells Graeme Kemlo her favourite experiences and food, when to go and how ong you should plan to visit.Photo by Carmen Jenner - Loves Sri Lankan cuisine.

Graerme Kemlo recalls quite vivid memories of travelling by train between Melbourne and Adelaide on the Overland, going to see my grandparents, both with the family and a few times solo. This was in the sixties and plane travel was costly, but I really loved the overnight train. I am not the only one as Mike Smith tells us in introducing his friend Dr Dorian Mode, who recorded this reminiscence of his time travelling the Southern Aurora. Sit back and be transported back in time to the age of slow travel.Photo supplied: The Club Lounge during the 1960s on the now privately-owned train

Just dropped...the latest from the Travel Writers.In this hour of Travel; Writers Radio we embrace planes, trains and automobiles not only to get us to an enjoyable destination, but for the experience whether as a solo traveller, a couple , a family or a group.•Travel Writer Carmen Jenner from Perth Western Australia shares her love of Sri Lanka a place she has visited more than once and returned to this year•Tracvel Writer Mike Smithloves a good old train and he introduces us to a real train buff in Dr Dorian Mode who reminisces about travelling between Melbourne and Sydney aboard the Southern Aurora a l;egendary train in its time, but sadly the victim of faster air travel..•Graeme Kemlo speaks to our resident wine expert Tyson Stelzer about the tours he leads to the champagne houses of France and also gets his recommendations for the best wines for the festive season, even if you persist with the traditional European celebrations of hot roast meats, all the trimmings and a liump of plum pudding for dessert.Graeme – And I speak with Bess Nolan-Cook CEO of Tourism North East about the latest campaign to draw us to Victotria’s high country this summer…and the marketing twist is that they are sharing many of the local secret places and experiences because doesn’t everybopdy just love a secret. And Bess confesses a surprising food secret, but you’ll have to listen to discover it.

–For the past two years Keeley Warren has brought us special coverage of the issues around sustainable and regenerative tourism. She has gained a very specific set of expertise through her company Mankind Digital which helps organisations and destinations maximise their sustainability goals. She won international recognition when global tourism association SKAL International awarded her for her work and we are thrilled to report that Keeley has just received the same award for the second year running. And in further news Keeley has taken her Melbourne-based business international with a move to Spain in August to bring her expertise in sustainability to the European Union. Photo: Keeley Watson Accepts her second award in Malaga Spain recently.

With summer holidays in Australia fast approaching, Helen Hayes and Graeme Kemlo discuss some options, from where they went as kids to more recent family vacations. During the course of this conversation we both discover that as kids we were taken to Coffs \harbour by our parents.Photo: Big Banana Coffs Harbour

Fiona Harper reports on her adventures in the waters to the north of Australia, specifically three weeks on an expedition ship that travelled from Bali through the Indonesian archipelago to West Papua. Fiona tells Graeme Kemlo how much she enjoyed the snorkeling in crystal clear waters filled with colourful fish, with palm fringed beaches and friendly villages, some of whom were getting their first visit from a cruise ship.Photo Fiona Harper: Biak Island, Rusbasbedas Island;

Our reporter Bridgett Leslie has been following the Israeli-Hamas conflict in Palestine from her home in New York ansd she has conducted a number of interviews on both sides of the conflict. This week she speaks with Aziz Abu-Sarah , in Palestine and Adar Weinreb in Israel and their perspectives might surprise you. Then she has a short quote from UK Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss who is definitely not toeing the Netanyahu party line .Photo: Bridgett Leslie

Our next story is also a legacy of the record lockdown in Melbourne where Jay Dillon got to thinking about all the places in Victoria, at least an hour from the city that would be worth a visit. He assembled them into a book with some help from other writers and the result is “Undiscovered Victoria - a local’s guide to finding adventure”. But as he tells Graeme Kemlo it is probably full of the secret places locals know in their town – places to visit, eat, drink or experience. Photo supplied: Jay Dillom

When Graeme Kemlo was in Macao recently another colleague in travel writing, Carmen Jenner from Perth was also on the Sands Lifestyle familiarization. We wanted to get her opinion on the destination and its unique appeal based not only on its marvelous Portuguese heritage, but also the major investment on a new Cotai precinct with its “Las Vegas Meets Disneyland” hotel development concept. But this is no cardboard cutout – these are some of the best designed hotels we’ve ever seen.Photo: Carmen Jenner at the ruins of St Pauls in old Macao

Ian Jarret a travel writer originally from Fremantle Western Australia but now on the Mornington Peninsula outside Melbourne gives us an update on the state of the cruise industry in Australia and it sound like a very busy year at sea, where some bargains can also be had. Ian speaks with Graeme KemloImage supplied- Disney Cruises caters for adults too

Here's what we're covering this week on Travel Writers Radio, heard first on Melbourne's J-Air 88 FM.The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To contact us email - info@travelwritersradio.com

Graeme Kemlo was in Macau at the invitation of Sands Lifestyle the Las Vegas-born company that runs integrated resorts, or casinos. Over the past 16 years Sands have built a significant precinct of seven five star luxury hotels on a large piece of reclaimed land they call Cotai. You can have a getaway and feel like you not in Macao,, but in to Venice with gondolas, , Paris with the Eiffel Tower, and their newest themed hotel is The Londoner with its Crystal Palace lobby and which officially opened in May. Graeme stayed at this property where he spoke to Sands Senior Vice President Operations, Kris Kaminsky.Photo by Graeme Kemlo - The Londoner's soaring Crystal Palace lobby

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes iis Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office and during a recent visit to Macao, Graeme Kemlo asked her about the five year plan to boost meetings and conventions in Macau by targeting both local (that is greater China) and international conferences. It is part of a new 'one plus four' strategy to diversify the economy to include four new industries rather than relying on just one – gaming tourism.Photo by Graeme Kenmlo - Maria Helena in her office

Sydney-based Travel Writer Mike Smith who worked in Macao's Tourism office for a decade revisits the destination as part of a mega-familiarisation tour by Sands Lifestyle group. Graeme Kemlo was there too and they discuss some interestng finds among the back streets of the old Portuguese/Chinese city that sits on 30 square km of islands and reclaimed land as a special administrative region in southern China.Photo Graeme Kemlo - Senada Square in the centre of old Macao

Panamanian Citizens took to the streets over the past few weeks to protest their government’s decision to renew its contract with Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals. The company operates one of the world's largest copper mines. In 2017 this contract was declared at Panama’s top court to be unconstitutional. Last week the new contract was fast tracked through congress for approval. Protestors say this new contract undermines the country’s national sovereignty over its minerals.In a special report New York-based correspondent Bridgett Leslie speaks with Raisa Banfield, Director of Sustainable Development at the Center for the Integration of Nature and Cities (CINC). She is also an architect and served as Deputy Mayor of Panama City, 2014-2019. She is also a well known environmental advocate and is a key speaker at the current protests.Photo: Raisa Banfield addressing a recent protest meeting

Helen Hayes recently sailed on Oceania Cruises’ new Allura Class ship, Vista, between Los Angeles and Ensenada in Mexico. She chats with Jason Worth, Vice President Sales for Oceania, about the experience and the company.

Carolyne Jasinski, with husband Rick and Monty the dog have so far travelled more than 12,000 km in their half lap of the east of Australia, It has taken three months and about 45 dollars a day in fuel, but they have managed to save on accommodation and Carolyne give you the tips on where to stay and how to find interesting and safe places to park your RV, caravan, even your tent.Carolyne recommends:-Wikicamps … lists all the places to stay from free camps to caravan parks and overnight stays.-Camps Australia book … focuses mainly on cheap and free places-Camping and caravan park guides … often found in information centres-Branded caravan park guides – like G’Day and Discovery parksPhoto Carolyne Jasinski -

Here;s what to expect this week on the show that brings you the people and the stories behind the food, wine lifestyle and travel ex;eriences around the corner and around the world. TWR is brought to you by the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

With the help of the organisation, 'Bring Them Home' our New York-based correspondent Bridgett Leslie obtained another special interview report with the cousin of a family member held hostage. Shani Segal chats with Bridgett Leslie about cousin Rimon Kirscht and her husband Yagev Buchshtav who were taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October 2023. But first we play the last voice message to her mother from Rimon which the fhe family has released to us.Photo: the kidnapped couple, photo supplied.

Our New York based reporter Bridgett Leslie continues to follow the Israeli-Hamas conflict and we have just received her latest interview with the relatives of a family where the father and eldest daughter were murdered by Hamas while the mother and two younger children were kidnapped during the Gaxa Strip incursion by militants on October 7. Omri Almog in Tel Aviv tells his horrific story to Bridgett Lesliec..Photo syupplied shows Omri and his sister

Some people go to Bali to just drop and flop , but our reporter Fiona Harper went to sweat in and around the volcanic mountains of Bali’s north east on a seven day mountain bike trek. She tells Graeme Kemlo how much she enjopyed getting a different perspective on a destination. It was well organised with support vehicles, good hotel accommodation, great local meals and up to 70 km of pedalling a day. It was organised by Spice Roads Cycling https://www.spiceroads.com/And you can read Fiona';s story in the NZ Herald https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/bike-tours-in-bali-top-trails-and-what-to-expect-on-the-road/ Photo: Fiona HarperPhoto: Fiona Harper

British travel journalist, Anna Richards recently travelled from her home in Lyon France for a holidayin the former Soviet Republics, known as The’ Stans – they gained independence when USSR fell and are now ennjoying the economic benefits of their freedom. Anna says she was pleasantly surprised by Uzbekistan and she recommends a visit to these unique landlocked countries in Central Asia. Photo: Anna Richards Golden Eagle near Issykol, northern Kyrgyzstan

Helen Hayes has a great chat to hotelier Mark Rose who presides over what she believes in New Zealand’s best hotel, The Rees on the lake in Queenstown. Given that this destination is the capital of all things adrenaline for visitors, she asks Mark to explain what makes his hotel different in a very busy hospitality market.

When you attend a conference or convention you don’t go to listen to our next guest, but as a professional MC and facilitator, she is the glue that holds events together, smoothing the way for speakers and the audience to get the most out of the event. Yvonne Adele used to be Ms Megabyte and had a 10 year-run explaining complex technologies in plain speak on the Today Show Graeme Kemlo, who worked with Yvonne in the IT industry speaks to her about her job and found they both had a connection to Bill Gates.

Jayden Ong owns the highest elevation winery that is more than 700 metres above sea level and can be five degrees cooler than the floor of the Yarra Valley – something he thinks will help him produce internationally competitive quality wine in the next year or two. Meanwhile he makes wine from four of his own vineyards and using selected fruit from growers in the region and others such as Mornington Penninsula. He welcomed this week’s message that China might ease tariff resteictions as he had a strong China market until the tariff war. Graeme Kemlospoke to him this week about his wine business and his decision to open an Urban Winery in Healesville

Ian Jarrett has been a long time member of the travel writing fraternity, and recently he spent a month in Europe, visiting northern Spain and Portugal, but opting to travel around Europe on trains, rather than planes. Ian speaks with Graeme Kemlo about his visit to Balbao in Spain then by train Balboa via Burgos to Santiago del Compostela. Finally he travelled by bus to Porto in Portugal, a fascinating city, especially for its cultural district WOW (yes that is its real name). Photo by Ian Jarrett - Porto

Tonight on Travel Writers Radio we take you around the world and back. We have stories from home here in Melbourne, on a mountain bike trek to the north of us in Bali, and across and across the ditch to Queenstown in New Zealand,. We have reporters who are just back from Portugal and the former Soviet republics, known as the ‘Stans. And we're covering the current war in the Middle East with our New York based team member, Bridgett Leslie, who speaks to the familiy of hostages taken by Hamas militants they day of the deadly incursion by Hamas fighters into Israel.

Donald Trump faces a barrage of legal obstacles, from civil cases about the inflated values he placed on key properties in his portfolio, to criminal cases from both federal and state prosecutors in relation to the storming of the capitol building. All he wants to do of course is postpone his court dates, get back into power and pardon himself. So we decided to check in with our expat correspondent in the Big Apple, Phil Brown. Donald Tr imp has seemed a little rattled of late confusing the names of past presidents and even accusing the Republicans of “eating their young”.

The Mediterranean diet is famous for contributing to a long and healthy life. In Spain, a combination of diet, strong family units, active lifestyles, and publicly supported workshops and activities contribute to the health and wellness of the mayores ("greater") generation. Whereas in some cultures, getting older is associated with decline and negative stereotypes, in Spain mayores are revered, and entering the golden age can signal a new beginning. Our Spain correspondent Karin Avila shares her observations with Graeme Kemlo.Photo by Karin Avila shows the recent Día de los Mayores festival in Teulada.

Here's what you'll hear on Travel Writers Radio this week.We take you from Israel to Spain to New York City through our team of travel and lifestyle reporters.For more information about the show email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Ronit Kfir is a businesswoman and also an Israeli mother grappling with the harrowing uncertainty of her son's fate in the midst of a raging conflict. In this interview, she talks with Bridgett Leslie about love, loss, and resilience. As a businesswoman, she also touches on the impact of the war on the business community. Audio production is done by NYC producer/composer Dixon Morrisseau

Special Report...Hagar Sides Content Strategy Consulting & TV panellist is a Tel Aviv Resident and gives Bridgett Leslie a first-hand account of her experiences in Israel and reasons why women are playing a pivotal role at the forefront of this ongoing conflict. Our audio production and mixing are crafted by talented NYC Composer, Dixon Morrisseau.

– We have spoken before to British-born journalist Anna Richards who had been living and working in Lyon France. But she disappeared for a while and it turns out she had fallen foul of the Brexit factor when she flew home to Britain to visit family and could not return to France. She tells Graeme Kemlo it is tough dealing with French bureaucrats, but she successfully gained a new visa and she returned to find France awash with Rugby World Cup fans from around the world. More from Anna, go to annahrichards.com

Ewen Bell our resident photography expert is embarking on a series of expedition photography cruises to the Kimberley in Western Australia, around Japan and to the Antarctic. He will take up to eight photographers with him on these three cruises next year aboard Heritage Adventurer, a ship newly fitted out for Polar and coastal expedition cruising. Ity was built for more than 180 passengers but now will carry only a maximum of 140 in greater comfort.Ewen discusses the different cruises and explains how listeners booking by October 31 can get a 20 per cent discount on the Kimberley Cruise. Go to ewenbell.com

Many of you have been following our reporter on the road, Carolyne Jasinski, who stopped of for a few days on her half-lap of Australia - on the east coast at Coolum , Queensland to be precise/ There she met a family of five on a two-year trip around the country in a 17ft caravan. She spoke to Rich Bolus who not only works remotely while travelling, but also produces a podcast –The Dad Mindset.

Have you ever tried to switch off from the digital world – no internet, no mobile phone, no calls, texts, gaming? And have you wondered why it failed? Reporter Adelaine Ng speaks to digital wellbeing advocate and neuro-productivity speaker, Dr Kirsty Goodwin, who explores the fascinating relationship between our digital habits, biology, and mental health..

We played that remix of the iconic Greek theme, Zorba The Greek – from the 1964 movie starring Anthony Quinn – because we have an interview coming up with experts on the Mediterranean Diet, which has now been modernized since it was first described in the 1950s as a recipe for a long heal;thy life. It has been studied over the years and one of its experts is Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos, the Dean of Health at RMIT University. Catherine and her daughter Vivienne Koutsis have written the book on the modern Mediterranean Diet a nd I spoke to them in Melbourne , which is reputedly the second largest Greek city in the world. The Modern Mediterranean Diet is published by Pan Macmillan Australia .

Reporting from New York, Bridgett Leslie made contact with Tamer Halaseh, a tour operator who lives in the West Bank for the latest update on the invasion by Hamas fighters and the response of the Israeli Defence Force,Photo: Israele strike on Gaza in response to Hamas incursion - Creative Commons image

Here's what you'll hear this week on Travel Writers Radio. Sorry if you missed us last week, but we needed a quick break to refresh and recharge but many of you checked out our archive of more than 2600 tracks here on SoundCloud and we're glad you did.If you want to get in touch just email: info@travelwritersradio.comAnd, thanks for listening.

Our Spain-based reporter Karin Avila (Aah-ve-lah) left a high pressure job in a New York city hospital after the pandemic to move to Spain as a new immigrant. Karin talks about the move, how the lifestyles compare, what she learned, what surprised her. Also just in case you might be planning a serious sea change, Karin has probably learned what you need to know, especially if the Spanish Costa Blanca appeals as a sunny, less expensive retirement plan. It is a n increasingly popular move among many British and Dutch nationals Karin says.

Carolyne Jasinski reports in again on her half-lap of Australia in the RV, but suddenly she is shocked having been on the road for 37 days at that stage. She’s shocked to have left behind the emptiness of the Australian outback, the big skies, the quiet. Now that she’s hit the east coast of Australia during school holidays she is feeling hemmed in, too many carsm, too many people, too much noise after her month in the sparse landscape of Northern Territory and western Queensland. She tells Graeme Kemlo how the contrast is affecting her and also has a few statistics for those who might want to do something similar,

Melbourne's Winter Masterpiece exhibition has been the paintings of Pierre Bonnard, the exhibition designed by India Mahdavi. Melbourne's Sofitel hotel is a great supporter of the arts, and in this case, in an unusual way. The executive chef John Savage has designed a menu that reflects the paintings in the exhibition. Culinary editor Rita Erlich spoke to him to find out how a chef translates art into food.

Worth1000Words – In documenting her drive around the eastern half of Australia there’s little that surprises Carolyne Jasinski, except a traffic light in the middle of absolutely nowhere. It was unmanned but still directing traffic through a section of roadworks. Check it out at travelwritersradio.com – we reckon it is #Worth1000Words.

Here's what you'll find on Travel Writers Radio this week as we take you from Melbourne's culinary arts, to Australia's outback where our reporter chances upon a lone traffic light in the middle of nowhere, to the east coast of Spain and questions about immigration.Thanks for listening to our show which is brought to you by the independent team at PALAT, the :Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.Email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Carolyne Jasinski, on the road in the RV with husband Rick and Monty the dog continues to report for us from interesting stops along the way on her half=lap of Australia. Most recently she spent time at Australia’s first and largest national park, Kakadu about four hours from Darwin in the Northern Territory. Carolyne met and interviewed a couple of the traditional owners of the park, which is now a joint venture with the Federal Government. She recommends a visit and a number of unique attractions accessible by car, 4WD or RV.Photo: Ben Tyler by Carolyne Jasinski

Karin Avila in Spain spoke last week about attending the Festa del Moscatell or Moscatel Festival. Well, this week she returns to the village of Teulada and visits a nearby bodega (winery), Montesanco, which is dedicated to biodynamic principles. It is an historic vineyard, which was originally dedicated to making raisins and is now used to produce different grape varieties for wine production. Karin speaks with the co-owner, Maria Sancho, who describes the winery as “a family project of love and respect for the land, our landscapes and culture.” More information: ” More information: https://www.thirdculturekarin.com/blog?category=Food%20and%20Drink Photo by Karin Avila

– In the 1850s the central Victorian town of Bendigo was one of the richest in the Commonwealth, producing more than 700,000 kilograms of gold. They say there are still reefs under the city and you can tour Central Deboprah goldmine about 200 metres down, but the now look to a ddifferent type of “gold”to draw a crowd. Now known as the City of Greater Bendigo, it covers a population of about 200,000 and Marketing Manager, Glenn Harvey explains how it has become a city of culture. Photo: Hisdtoric Victorian Buildings on Pall Mall and 53,000 tulips

As some people choose to follow the sun to live in a permanent state of summer bliss, there are also those who choose to follow the snow, to ski and board the best slopes at the best time around the globe. Helen Hayes has extensive experience not only in the southern hemisphere but on the other wised of the equator, across the United States, Canada and Europe. We ask ski magazine editor Helen what she suggests for those who would like to hit the slopes in the northern hemisphere for the holidays, maybe a white Christmas.?

For those of you on the road from Melbourne to Adelaide, there’s a stop you need to make at Monarto, about one hour before Adelaide where they have developed the largest safari park outside of Africa. Monarto is part of Zoos South Australia and it is heavily involved in global efforts to conserve endangered species, but in a cruel twist they have created a special exhibit called Lions 360, where you enter a tunnel and emerge in the cage with lions looking at you through the bars – you’re caged and they are free, but it is all perfectly as as I was assured by the Director of Monarto Safari Park, Peter Clark

Chef Salil Mehta’s Singapura is a Southeast Asian beach bar-inspired establishment located in the Gramercy neighbourhood of Manhattan (31 East 20th St, New York), Bridgett Leslie interviewed him at his restaurant where he has been shaping how New Yorkers eat Southeast Asian fare and has more plans to educate the locals through new culinary offerings. Bridgett asked him about the differences between Singaporean and Malaysian food More information: https://singapura.nyc

Here;s what you can listen to on Travel |Writers Radio this week, either live on 88FM, streamed on the Net at j-air.com.au, or as a podcast through SoundCluud, Spotify and Google Podcasts. If we're not on your favourite podcast platform drop us a line and we'll be sure to send it to them.Get in touch by email: info@travelwritersradio.com...and thanks for listening, following, liking!

Emily McAuliffe is a Melbourne travel writer who recently was invited to spend five days in the pure luxury of Fiji’s Turtle Island, the exclusive resort where they filmed Blue Lagoon, which was a pretty risqué movie for its time. But the film inspired the resort owner to build more bures and plant more tropical vegetation to give guests a taste of island living. The rest is history. With only 14 couples on the island at any one time, it is an all-inclusive retreat where you can have your own beach and Emily found plenty to do as she explains to Graeme Kemlo. Photo: Emily McAuliffe

Helen Hayes, our Sydney Correspondent usually heads to Europe in the white season for the skiing, but she recently found herself in verdant green valleys where cows with cowbells competed with the alpenhorn. It was all part opf a visit to test drive the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass and go as far as possible by train, boat or gondola. Helen reports that she covered plenty of kilometres, scaled some mighty mountains and had a\ breathtaking experience into the bargain. More information:sbb.ch/en

At Travel Writers Radio we have had three of four reporters cover visits to Morocco over the years. It is a popular and unique destination Australians enjoy. But most recent and most relevant was the visit of Karin Avila who not only visited the country in the north of Africa, but she specifically spent time in a village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains where she lived with an an Amazigh (Berber) family in their Adobe-style home last |March. We have received a couple of updates on the terrible earthquake, including Karin’s attempts to get in contact via mobile phone with her friends in Imlil, which is south of Marrakesh and close to the epicentre of the 6.8 quake that so far has claimed almost 3000 lives and impacted 300,000 people living mainly in clusters of villages in and around the Atlas Mountains. Photo of Imlil houses by Karin Avila (yaken March 2023)

We also wanted to speak directly to the group responsible for tourism to Hawaii from our region – Hawaii Tourism Oceania based in Sydney to get some perspective on what impact the wildfires – and now we note that the Kilauea volcano on the big island is erupting again – so Graeme Kemlo spoke to \Jennifer Gaskin to get a local perspective on when Australians can visit the Hawaiian islands, where they can go, what alternative destinations are available within the islands and whether they should visit or not.

Some of the world’s favourite destinations it seems are being challenged by natural events, some related to climate change, but others just part of the environment, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Hawaii is certainly a favourite of mine and many Australians and I felt it was important to recognise today, just over a month since the wildfires devastated the historic township of Lahaina– the seat of power of the original Hawaiian Kingdom. And while we recognise that we are mere visitors to these islands, those who live there and those who host us on our holiday are grieving now. Many of you may have plans to visit Hawaii, some may have had to cancel those plans, some of you wonder if it is even appropriate to enjoy a holiday while local residents continue to suffer. So we are going to broadcast part of an address by Hawaiian governor Josh Green which spells out the current situation for the recovery effort, now that the rescues have been completed, the tally of the dead and the missing have been done and the plans to both house Lahaina residents and rebuild the town are being discussed.

Carolyne Jasinski is still on her half lap of Australia in the RV, along with the husband Rick and the dog Monty. And one of the challenges when you take your pet on a road trip for three months is finding a dog-sitter when you want to go into a National Park for example. Carolyne and Rick wanted to try the Mataranka hot springs about 120 km south of Katherine in Northern Territory. Fortunately they found an onsite dog sitter. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski - Monty with sutter Lynda Adrain at Mataranka

Here's what you'll hear on Travel Writers Radio the show, and the podcasts this week- September 13, 2023. We u[update the Maui wildfire recovery efforts; we hear from the Governor Josh Green and the Hawaii Tourism, Oceania Account Director Jennifer Gaskin with the latest details on what;s open, what's not and when you can travel back to Maui's west coast. We also learn about the quake in Morocco from Karin Avila who was there in the Atlas mountain villages in March; Helen Hayes talks about her Swiss rail extravaganza; Emily McAuliffe spends time on Turtle Island. And Karin Avila attends a festival dedicated to one grape - the moscatell in Teulada Soain. To get on contact with us email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Bridgett Leslie, our team member who moved to New York earlier this year has found an Aussie to interview in the Big apple. Paul Salmon has moved out of banking into hospitality, opening successful restaurants in New York and restaurants and hotels also Jamaica where has also setup a philanthropic foundation that has raised millions of dollarsto establish schools to ensure young Jamaicans can maximise their opportunities in life. He has even employed some of his school graduates in his business.

San Francisco and the Bay Area are among California’s top tourist destinations. Our correspondent Kristin Henning highlights nearby places that make great basecamps for your Bay Area excursions – and have plenty to offer in their own right.Berkeley is famous for its campus, the oldest of the University of California system, and for its groundbreaking restaurants and arts scene. (birthplace of farm-to-table restaurants with Alice Waters' Chez Panisse.)The Tri-Valley area around Livermore and Pleasanton California about 40 minutes east, is the oldest wine region in the state. More: https://travelpast50.com/berkeley-bay-area-base-camp/Photo: Berkeley hero square by Patric kCuvello

GK It is described as a love letter to the growers, producers and the wines of Australia. Written by a pair of American master sommeliers, Jane Lopes and husband Jonathan Ross, How To Drink Australian is a solid 495-page hard cover book that details over 600 producers and their wines, plus specially drawn maps of the wine regions in each state. I spoke to Jane – the only woman in Australia to pass the Master Sommelier exam - and found her to be quite an evangelist for Australian wine from her home in Nashville Tennessee where she and her husband run Legend Australian Wine Imports.Photo: Jane Lopes (supplied)

Here's what's on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show covers food, wine, lifestyle and travel and we like to bring a personal perspective to the destinations and experiences you enjoy around the corner or around the world. TWR is produced and [proesented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To find out more email: info@travelwritersradio,com

Our award-winning sustauinability reporter Keelety Warren speaks with one of the team at East Gippsland Shire in the far weast of Victoria about what they did to gain accreditation as gaining the first ECO-certified Local Government area in the State. Photo: supplied

Rita Erlich has been on a cruise along Australia’s west coast also taking in the remote Abrolhos archipelago. She stopped in at Post Office Island where she met Julie Liddon who has lived off-grid with her family on the island for most of her life, fishing, pearling and designing beauriful artwork.

The Grampians in Western Victoria is the neart of a new 13-day walk, the Grampians Peaks Trail, which is also the subject of a well written and photographed guide book, whether you are doing the whole walk, or a series of shorter walks. Graeme Kemlo speaks to the authors, Julie Mundy and Debre Hetes. To obtain a 15% discount on the purchase of the guide book go to https://www.woodslanepress.com.au/?ref=JULIEM15 - the 15% discount should be applied automatically on checkout (But if not it is JULIEM15 on check out) and the discount will apply across all the books on the site - The GPT book should show fairly high up, but if not, they can just put it into the search.

Carolyne Jasinski is on a half-lap of Australia in her RV and got bogged in some sand in the outback, miles from anywhere. She called Triple 0, which is an emergency number available even on a mobile phone which says it has no signal. It worked and as she explained to me Graeme Kemlo, Carolyne was rescued by the owner of a nearby property, a man named Noel Mitchell of Birdum Creek Station…he’s a real hero because foe risk of perishing if caught without water in 35 degrees Celsius in the desert is very real in Ausdtralia’s outback. Photo: Carplyne Jasinski

Our Spain-based reporter Karin Avila recently visited Ireland and the village of Omeacg. I There she interviewed Róisín Mulligan, Chairwoman of An Cumann Stáir Uí Mhèith (The Omeath Historical Society), established in 2003, and Ann McKeown. Omeath is located on the east coast of Ireland, roughly equidistant between Dublin and Belfast. Ann is the descendent of a famous relative, Anne O’Hanlan, the last woman recorded as speaking Omeath Gaelic, a dialect that is now extinct. Eileen née Mac Cuarta, who kindly served us tea at the Granvue, is related to Seamus Seamus “Dall” Mac Cuarta, the famous blind poet (1650 – 1732) who wrote The House of Corrakit in reference to one of 10 townlands in Omeath. We discussed history, nature, and mythology, from the Greenway, leading to Carlingford to the Long Woman’s Grave. Photo: Karin Avila

Bridgett Leslie flew down from New Yrk to Tampa Florida for a short break where she met a former waitress who is now General Manager of one of that city’s busiest Caribbean-themed restaurants and has a great philosophy on life and work. .

We cover scams, whether by mobile phone call or SMS and tell you how to reoport these nuisances that are costing Australians millions of dollars. And we wonder how Georgie Inmate PO1135809, out on $200,000 bail, AKA former President Trump will manage the four different indictments, on 40 charges and subsequent court cases all the while running for office as US President No 47. And how might that affect a nation that is already deeply divided if we ever choose to visit as tourists.

Here's what you'll hear on the show this week.| Thanks Andrew Simple for the fabulous theme music Wild + Free

When Fiona Harper is not pounding the pavement in another marathon, she’s a yachtie and one of her first sailing expeditions was as an 18 year-old around the Kimberley. She;s just been back there but on a much more luxurious vessel, the new True North 2, a 35 metre long expedition vessel with about 20 passengers and 14 crew, plus a helicopter on the roof.

Spain-based reporter Karin Avila visits the Isle of Man and meets Tim Sayers who manages sales at the Creamery and dkiscusses the sustainable practices employed. Tim also loves his TT motorcycle racing on the islands famous racetrack. Photo: Karin Avila

Winnepeg Ontario is often the Canadian gateway to polar bears and northern loghts, but the city itself is worth a visit says Kristin Henning. She singled out the Museum of Human Rights as a must seewhen she spoke to Graeme Kemlo. More: travelpast50.com Photo by Kristin Henning shows Winnipeg, Manitoba, on the Red River, with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on the left.

Former Rockpool Group executive Roman Haslinger moved to Tropical North Queensland as Head of Hospitality with Hemingway’s Brewery just weeks before COVID struck. Now with the pandemic a distant memory the group is expanding and looking to collaborate with other kraft drinks businesses in the region which now sees the return of visitors from USA and Europe. Graeme Kemlo met Roman in Port Douglas last week. Photo by Graeme Kemlo

Tim Richards is a Melbourne writer known for his love of train travel,. Recently he used a Eurail Pass to plot a long train journey through Europe, starting in Portugal and eventually boarding 20 trains, not including metros to end up on a very scenic train line in Montenegro. I He spoke with Graeme Kemlo earlier this week.

As reported last week, our team member from Adelaide, Carolyne Jasinski is out on the road again and Graeme Kemlo catches up with her in central Australia where she has met a wonderful character, Australian Geographic photographer Barry Skipsey, who is also a inger/songwriter. Check out his song, The Relly Run, then listen to this interview by Carolyne with the man tney call Skip.

Carolyne Jasinski interviews Skip, as he is know, after one of his performances in Alice Springs' Discopvery Park. And he gives her permission for us to play one of his songs - we're sure you'll relate to it....The Relly Run. Not available to download - stream only.

Here;s what is featured on this week's episode of Travel Writers Rasdio.

Our Spain-based reporter Karin Avila meets Seamus Murphy a fabulous character in a small village in the Republic of Iereland and a bit of a legend in thje community who has reinvigorated the historic practice of hillwalking, Seamus lioves at Quarvue Farm. More information can be found on Karin's website: tyhirdculturekarin.com/blog? Tag - Ireland. Photo by Karin Avila

We have a very interesting chat with a man who is the guru of frequent flyer points, Chris Chamberlin of pointshack.com and he will tell you how to best accumulate and use your points, rather than buy a toaster or worse still lose themPhoto: Chris Chamberlin in business class and he bought the seat with points.

As visitors to Hawaii, and more specifically to Maui over about 50 years we share the grief of those who have lost loved ones, or lost their homes and jobs kn the terrible wildfires of last week. In presenting some thoughts and also the update from the Hawaii Oxceania office in Sydney, we provide details on how you can best help the Maui community.

Among the experiences available in Port Douglas was something I had never been offered before – yes I have had the chance to go bungee jumping, sncorkeling on the outer reef, visiting an island , riding the cable car into the Atherton Tableland, or the scenic railway also up on the tableland. But I did not know about drifting through a rainforest. Photo: Back Country Bliss

Marketing Director of Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas, Deb McDiarmid, a former event planner for New York Giants when they won the championship, now creating memorable experiences for Port Dopuglas which not many people realise was grown as a sugarcane producer by Italian migrants in the 1920s, well before the other Italian migration of the 1950s.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas General Manager Steven Molnar about his hotel, now 35 year’s old, recently refurbished and still undertaking sustainable initiatives to improve the guest experience.

We speak with Tara Bennett, CEO of Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree about the huge comeback post-covid of the backpacker market who are vitak in the hospitality and tyourism sector. More information www.pointdouglasdaintree.com

Here's what you'll hear on Travel Writers Radio this week. We cover Taste Port Douglas, the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas and an interesting experience in the Daintree Rainforest - the oldest rainforest in the world. Then in our second hour we get a Maui update, learn how to maximise and use your frequent flyer points and our Spain-based reporter Karin Avila tyravels to Iereland where she meets Seamus Murphy an expert on the ancient practice of hillwalking in the region. TWR is brought to you by the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers (PALAT) asnd is first heard on FM88 in Melbourne. Thanks for listening.

– Fiona Harper, recently in Kanchanaburi, found a nature conservancy setuip on a riverfront acreage designed to preserve not only trees, but animals. Our Land Thailand was established by Vijo(Varghese in Khanchanaburi, about two hours west of Bangkok nerar the Myanmar border. One of the amazing parts of Fiona’s visit was that you can travel to Vijo’s property by floating for about half an hour down the River Kwai, which is exactly what she did,

Carolyne Jasinski is bringing new meaning to travel with your concept of a Half Lap Dog. She Tells Graeme Kemlo what is involved in packing up the RV, the husband, Monty the terrier in a dog harness and taking everyone up down and around the continent. And what allowances have you had to make to suit the pooch and the places you can visit over the next three months. It's a dog's life ... especially if you're a (half) Lap Dog If you look at social posts, it feels like every man and his dog are on the road. And if you ask those who have to cater to dog owners, they are. G'Day Parks have 250 pet-friendly parks (out of 300 parks). That's largely in response to a steady increase in bookings with pets. FY21-FY22: increase of +16% FY20-FY21: increase of +80% FY19-FY20: increase of +36% In 2023, there has already been a month-on-month average 6% But March 2023 showed a whopping 58% increase on March 2022. So, what's it like to travel with a dog ... not just a weekend away, but a long trek ... around half of the country? What can you do? Does taking a dog restrict you? You can't take them into national parks so what are the options? Go only to pet-friendly places? Or get a dog sitter? Where can you stay? Plenty of free camps along the way but you don't have to avoid caravan parks any more. And just like luxury stays, dogs get special treatment - dog beds in cabins with a blanket and welcome packs (with a bone) on arrival. They have specific fenced off sites that attach to caravanning lots that have closed gates, off-lead paddocks for dogs within the park, dog stick exchanges and walking trails and tracks that are suitable for pets. Online * Dogs lap it up The best dog-friendly places to stay on a half lap of Australia - mix of free camps, caravan parks, RV-friendly sites * The tourist hotspots where dogs are welcome (and a warning on where they are not) * Paw-fect packing for a pooch What you need to know before hitting the road with your dog and what you need to pack - vet advice against things like ticks, do they get car sick, best food for road trips, doggy-doo bags and a good sense of pet etiquette.

– Our middle America correspondent Kristin Henning is an Iberophile – she loves everything Spanish and on another of her many visits to Madrid she decided to do some in depth research on the food of Madrid, Kris believes think Madrid is one of the most underrated cities of Europe, partly because of its museums, of course, but also because of its incredible food, representing all of Spain and most of the world just in this one city. SShe interviews Margit Spurling of Walk & Eat Spain who has lived in the city for more than a decade. Photo: Margit Spurling Kristin's stories and images can be found at www.travelpast50.com

Where do you like to listen to live classical music? Do you have a favourite place for listening to jazz? A Ukrainian-born Australian conductor and his singer wife are changing all of that with Music at Yours. It was one of the good news stories from Covid in Sydney, a kind of reintroduction of salon music when only a very limited number of people could gather. And now it’s spreading, and there are concerts in breweries and all kinds of places. Including – and perhaps especially, since the acoustics are so good – in synagogues. Rita Erlich went to a concert in the big Melbourne synagogue on Toorak Road recently and spoke with Vladimir Fanshil the day afterwards.

Rosie Douglas is General Manager- Partnership and Events for Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and she visited Melbourne late last week with her business events team to update the market on the opportunities to visit and meet in her region. Graeme Kemlo spoke with Rosie in Melbourne.

Here's what you can enjoy on Travel Writers Radio this week. We're providing you choices as to how to listen - live on FM radio; live on the Net at j-air.com.au; as a podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, or your favourite platform. Please like and subscribe. We welcome your feedback to info@travelwritersradio.com. Thanks so much for listening.

Well this is a great idea…if you can’t get Melburnians to come out into the regions during winter, you bring the region – well, the best of its food and wine – to the city to give them a taste of what they are missing. It is the idea of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges to partner with Crown Resorts in the city and use their Evergreen restaurant to showcase their region both for leisure and business visitors. CEO of Yarra Ranges Tourism, Simon O’Callaghan (O’Kell-ah-gan) tells Graeme Kemlo other Victorian regions are also looking at the pop-up concept. https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/yarra-valley-evergreen-popup Photo Simon O'Callaghan

Bali Correspondent Suzanne Hart flew to Lombok, about a 20 minute flight from Denpasar to check out a luxury villa resort, Selong Selo, which describes itself as being raw, rugged and refined. It features 35 spacious villas and luxury glamping tents on a peninsula with uninterrupted coastal views, and infinity pools. Suzanne believes it would be perfect for the drop and flop brigade content to remain in the quiet comfort of a villa with its own pool, a complete kitchen with oven, but with the option to eat at a restaurant onsite. More information: www.selongselo.com Photo: Suzanne Hart with resort Manager Ibu Widi

Paris is the city of love they say, maybe too much love is you talk to the locals about over-tourism, but it continues to draw visitors from around the world for its culinary traditions, kts fine wines and its low-rise apartment buildings from the 19th century courtesy of architect Baron Haussman. The only problem is that they had stairs and when lifts were introduced in the 20th century they had to be retru-fitted in the stairwell and some of them had no safety barrier. Continuing her Paris Or Die story with Graeme Kemlo, author, actor and bookshop owner Jayne Tuttle tells of meeting up with a friend, the neighbour who found her right after she was hit by a descending lift in their an apartment building. She tells Jayne –“ I saw you dead”. More information www.jaynetuttle.com

Graeme Kemlo, walking along his local beach path was a bit disturbed to find a yuellow sign warning that snakes might be found nearby - snakes on a beach. We think it is #Worth1000Words.

Bridgett Leslie, now living in New York had an interview with the Indonesian Indonesia’s Consul General for New York, Winanto Adi. Consul General who talked about the importance of tourism and education, but said he believed Indonesia was becoming invisible because its citizens were taught to be humble, stay quiet and not appear to know everything. But he said this cultural approach was holding them, back and they should speak out more.

Team ember Adelaine Ng has a compelling interview with Yasmine Gray of Canberra-based Get-About-Able. They discuss the untapped potential of the disability tourism market, which Tourism Australia reckons is worth $13 billion annually – that’s more than the China tourism market is worth to Australia. Yasmine tells Adelaine that she believes it is the fear of the unknown in dealing with a disabled guest that is costing operators thousands of dollars in lost opportunity. To listen to Adelaine's extended interview go to her podcast, Upon Arrival

Our reporter Fiona Harper is just back from a visit to Thailand where she spent some time away from the usual hustle and bustle of Bangkok, opting to go west to Kanchanaburi near the Myanmar border. There she had an emotional visit to the site of the Burma Railway (as it was known) where many Australian soldiers died during World War II. After that harrowing experience Ciona was grateful for the peaceful rainforest resort, Sense, with its five star facilities including an outdoor shower and soothing spa treatments as she explained to Graeme Kemlo. More information: www.thesensekan.co.th

Here's what we feature on Travel Writers Radio this week, plus Rita Erlich gives us a quick update on her recent expedition cruise around the United Kingdom. We'd love to get your feedback - email us: info@travelwritersradiocom And...thanks for listening.

Jayne Tuttle, author, actor and owner of the Queenscliffe Book Strore in Victoria met with a terrible accident in Paris where an unprotect lift almost guillotined her as she leaned over a balustrade to greet a friend below. Despite terrible injuries Jayne recovered and lived to tell the story in her best selling book Paris Or Die. In the meanwhile Jayne caught up with a theatre directior who happened to have studied at the same acting school in Paris – Le Coq -and the pair has since collaborated to develop a one woman show based on the book. Jayne is to perform the show in Geelong next month and Port Fairy in September. Despite being traumatized by the event, Jayne has gone on to return to Paris numerous times, write a second book My Sweet Guillotine and is currently pwenning her third book in this memoir trilogy. She tells Graeme Kemlo about the opportunities that have come her way since the accident and why she loves to write in Paris. More information - jaynetuttle.com Photo: Jayne Tuttle at Galignani in Paris

Tyson Stelzer has been Travel WritersRadio wine expert for a number of years now and we value his excellent palate and great communications skills so that our audience in Australia can bettr appreciate the fine wines we produce. But Tyson is probably one of the best known commentators on French champagne visiting the regions of France each year to update his knowledge. We sought his opinion this week on the likely impact of the extremes of weather now being felt around the world on the wine vintages of 2023 and 2024. You might be surprised by his response as he explains the situation to Graeme Kemlo. Check out Tyso raises a glass at Residence Eisenhower Reimsn's u[pcom ing events at tysonstelzer.com Photo: Tyson raises a glass at ResuidenceEisenhower, Reims France

Tyson's great drinking recommendations: Penfolds Cabernet & Grenache and Chrdonnay; Torbreck Barosse - Rhone varieties; Kym Teusner's 2021 single vineyard wines from Barossa

Such is the love for the traditional French Cassoulet that there’s a song dedicated to this slow-cooked bean and vegetable dish with an assortment of meats. It is a labour of love requiring at least 24 hours to prepare and our Culinary Editor Rita Erlich has quite definite views on what’s in and what’s out, should you happen to find the dish in your local French bistrot. Cassoulet by Philippe Mouchel. Photo by Serge Thjomann

Kristin Henning, our middle America correspondent admits that in the aftermath of George Floyd’smurder in her home town Minneapolis, the thought of moving to another city was discussed in her household. The area where Floyd had been detained and killed by police officers was considered unsafe after much of the area was shuttered following damage caused during protests that endured for days. Kris says tne city itself has gotten a bad name and its inbound tourism plummeted, small businesses were the innocent t victims of this downturn in addition to the pandemic disruption. Then the federal Department of Justice weighed in with an investigation into the city’s police. So what was the city’s response and where does Minneapolis stand now? Kris explains to Graeme Kemlo. Image Minneapolis Sculpture garden by Kristin Henning

Karin Avila, US-born but now living in Spain, visited Morocco earlier this year, opting not to linger in the popular tourist haunts of Marrakech, the country’s fourth largest city. Instead she took a grand taxi (a loz cost communal tbus) the 70 km south to the foothills of the Atlas mountains and the Berber village of IMLIL, 1800 metres above sea level. There Karin lived with an Amazigh family to immerse herself in the culture. It was during the month of Ramadan, but she had lived in Saudi Arabia as a teenager so she was not unprepared for the experience, as she explained to Graeme Kemlo

As more people head overseas on holiday, do you know which vaccinations or medications you should have to minimise the risk and the costs associated with falling ill in a foreign country. New team member and Melbourne travel writer Danny Gocs gets the latest information and advice from Dr Jonathan Cohen, medical director of The Travel Clinic.

Here;s what is new of Travel Writers Radio this week. First bropadcast on 88FM in Melbourne our stories are then available as podcasts for streaming or download here on SoundCloud, on Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite platform. Please like and sibscribe if you enjoy. We;re always happy to hear from listeners around the world, email us - info@travelwritersradio.com

Our sustainability reporter Keeley Warren knows a greenwashing from a whitewashing and has worked with a number of organisations and destinations looking to tell their story about responsible tourism, even regenerative tourism as the market for authentic, sustainable experiences grows rapidly. Here she speaks with Helen Vine, Head of Sustainability and Procurement at YHA Australia who says sustainability is critical in the accommodation sector. But doesn’t YHA’s hostel style accommodation already offer a lower environment impact, a more sustainable solution than many than other properties?

That’s the theme for our #Worth1000Words segment and this week our image comes from our correspondent in Spain – Karin Avila explains: In the village of Teulada, located in the Costa Blance region along the Mediterranean Coast, they celebrate the festival of the Patron Saint Vicent Ferrer with live music, dancing, sporting and carnival events, which often include bull running . Karin was there strolling through the town and she wondered why there were barred cages lining the street; Soon enough Karin would discover why as a bull came trotting in my direction. Luckily she had sufficient time to slip into a well-placed barred cage to take a photo and avoid any sort of confrontation. We think it is definitely #Worth1000Words

My co-host Phil Brown went on a business trip – actually it was a convention - from New York to Estonia and maybe he was not quite sure about this as a typical destination when there were so many places in the Caribbean, Hawaii or the Far East, but the Eastern Bloc? Anyway here’s another story with a surprising ending. Estonia turned out to be a country rich with thousands of years of history, and a yearning for freedom that saw them leave Russia first in 1918, and then again breaking away from annexation after WWII that lasted until 1991 and Estonia declared itself an independent republic with a democratic parliamentary system. Now part of the EU they must have wondered if they would be next in Putin’s gunsights. Photo: Old Town Tallinn Estonia

Our cruise reporter Ian Jarrett reckons there was great news for Australian families this week with the announcement that Disney Cruise Lines would extend their cruise schedule in Australian waters for another year in 2024 after the success of their upcoming season from |October 2023 to February 2024. Now they have committed to cruise out of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for the following season from October 2024 and it you’ve got school aged children that is a great option rather than flying the lot of you to Disneyland – all the favourite characters are right on board and Ian reports these cruises are good value in that almost everything is included You can check out Disney Cruise Lines at: DisneyCruiseLine.com/AUNZ. They are also on Instagram and Facebook

New York Correspondent and co-host of tonight's show, Pbil Brown updates us on this week's latest moves to indict Donald Trump. He's currently facing six federal and state indictments, but he has said he will pardon himself if he wins back the Presidency.

For almost 30 years Rydges Hotel Melbourne had been a popular spot with rural visitors to the city looking for a centrally located hotel near the theatre and restaurant district, a tram ride to the MCG for the cricket or footy and they didn’t mind that it was not the latest ,flashiest five star in town. But time caught up with the hotel and the brand so 18 months ago it closed for a refresh, and a transformation into 21st century contemporary style. It reopened this week, virtually a new hotel for Melbourne on Exhibition Street adjacent to theatres, restaurants, Chinatown and on its first official night of trading General Manager Lee Davey tells Graeme Kemlo the hotel was at capacity and full of conference delegates in its new meeting and event space. Photo: Rydges Lobby Fireplace

Last week our Adelaide-based reporter Carolyne Jasinski told us about visiting Japan, which satisfied a long-held dream of hers having learned Japanese in high school. This week she concludes her chat with Graeme Kemlo about what appealed during her visit…and she gives a few tips if you intend to go there yourself. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

We wonder whether the cancellation by Victorian Premier Andrews of the 2026 Commonweaoth Games is really just the thin edge of the wedge as the Commonwealth dimi8nishes in relevance and the Games themselves have to compete with the global Olynpic Games. Venues like Kardinia Park Geelong, shown in the image, were to stage the closing ceremony and many believed would provide an economic boost for regional cities through both visitation and international television exposure.

Extreme weather events now occurring in many different locations locations around the world from extreme heat on most continents to torrential rain l rain and deadly floods on the Korean peninsula , wildfires on Greek islands, nonseasonal 100 deg F plus temperatures in parts of USA and it is a similar story in Spain as we speak to our correspondents. Graeme Kemlo and Phil Brown dfiscuss with inpuit from TWR team members in Spain, Bali and Bangkok. Image Creative Commons Arizona heat.

Here's what you'll hear on this episode of Travel Writers Radio, brought to you by the professional writers and broadcasters of members of PALAT, the Professional ASsociation of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. You choose how you want tisten to our stories, live on 88FM in Melbourne and the Internet (www.j-air.com.au) or as a podcast by streaming or downloading our tracks from SoundCloud, or our website - travelwritersradio.com. And you can find our stories on Spotify, Goodle podcasts, Apple podcast and all good platforms. Thanks for listening. Send your comments or requests to: info@travelwritersradiocom

Among the thousands of interviews we’ve done over nine years here at Travel Writers Radio, we’ve never touched on Bulgaria. So when our newest team member, Karin Avila said she’d been to his really interesting country, we wanted to talk about it. It is a fascinating place with Plovdiv the fifth or sixth oldest city in the world; a philosophy that basically allows you to chill out when you want to; and fabulous food and wine, even some grape varieties indigenous to the country,. Karin spoke to Graeme Kemlo. Photo Roman theatre ruins in Plovdiv by Karin Avila. More: https://www.thirdculturekarin.com/blog/country-dining-in-plovdiv

Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth needed to relocate from Japan to Alaska and then on to Vancouver and they took Carolyne Jasinski along as an enrichment speaker – we’ve talked to her about this before. But apart from having a great cruise on a traditional vessel with fine food, wine and service levels, it meant she cut out some lengthy days at sea just to get to Japan by flying into Tokyo the week before her cruise. This fulfilled her lifelong schoolgirl dream to visit Japan. And she loved everything about it: , the food, the experiences, even the chaos you might encounter at the world’s wildest interaction, Shibuya that handles millions of pedestrians a day. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski - Akasaka nightlife

Professor Colin Ellard is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Waterloo in Ontario Canada and he studies the effect on people of the places they know, or visit and how they impact your feelings and your behavior. While the built environment environment is an important area of his study we wondered whether there was a role for this type of scientific study, known as psychogeography, in travel and tourism. Graeme Kemlo spoke to him from Ontario late last week. More info: https://uwaterloo.ca › cognitive-science Photo: Colin Ellard (supplied)

Our Queensland-based reporter Fiona Harper was recently in North America and we had arranged to meet up in Vancouver, but travel being an unpredictable experience sometimes, Fiona was too late getting into Canada; in fact she only just made her next connection on the trans-continental railway, The Canadian all the way to Toronto – a four day four night journey, as she explain s to Graeme Kemlo. More information: viarail.ca

Ewen Bell is a well-known editorial photographer and leads photo workshops in different parts of the world. I spoke to him this week in Bhutan where he’s taking some photographers later this year, but it is the first time he’s been back there in three years and he notices a lot of change. It is dry in the winter there and Ewen loves to get away from the tourist spots and the tourist food to where he can enjoy the solitude of a small village and where - believe it or not - the food can be quite gourmet. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Ewen earlier. Photo by Ewen Bell

Arriving from France almost 11 years ago, Vincent Hernandez missed the country of his birth, missed their fine food products, their wine, so he set about recreating a little slice of France here in Australia. Now his Bastille Day event goes for four days at Circular Quay. Entry is free and he expects it will attract 700,000 people to Sydney over the next four days ,Some will even fly from Melbourne and Sydney top attend what Vincent describes not as a remembrance of the storming of the Bastille, but a celebration of freedom through food, wine, music and dancing.in the street.

Here's what yopu can enjoy from Travel Writers Radio this week - whether you listen on FM, on the Internet live, on SoundCloud, or as a podcast via your favourite platform. We have more than 2500 tracks covering the people and placed behind your food, wine, lifestyle and travel experiences - always available for you to download or stream. We'd love to hear from you - info@travelwritersradio.com

As travel writers we often get to visit exotic locations to experience the destination, but we rarely get to stay long enough to really soak up the local culture or the language. Travel Editor and Writer Justine Costigan having just inished a large book editing job, decided to take time off to immerse herself in the Italian culture by taking language lessons at a school in Montepulciano, a beautiful, renaissance town set high on a hill overlooking the Tuscan landscape. To take the experience one step further she opted for a homestay and the generous cooking of a Nonna who spoke no English. Justine also studied in Naples for something completely different. For Justine this was one of life’s great experiences as she explains to Graeme Kemlo, To read Justine's story see the July issue of MindFood magazine. Photo by Justine Costigan - Montepulciano Tuscany from its tower

The Corporate Traveller division lf Flight Centre Travel Group has more than 6500 bsmall to medium usiness customers and they put together some travel hacks to help people save money on airfares and hotel accommodation. We chose the best of the hacks and shared them with our audience in Australia. Not all the ideas will work outside Australia but they may work in principle. Let us know if you succeed or fail in trying out these money savers.

The Governor of the holiday island of Bali recently threatened a ban on anyone climbing Bali’s mountains, including locals. But we ask Bali correspondent Suzanne Hart about the reaction on the island when this news filtered out through social media. It is also important for the thousands of Australian visitors currently up there or on their way for the school holidays.

For more than 35 years Douglas Warn has been the trusted author of what is regarded as the Bible of cruise ships and cruising. What was previously known as the Berlitz Guide is now renamed the Insights Guide and post pandemic it is a bit thinner and the author who previously told me he used to be away up to 80 per cent of the time has not been able to travel due to restrictions and the withdrawal of many cruise ships from service post-COVID. Douglas says he has also received many complaints from readers that cruise operators are insisting on digital paperwork and this is turning off many potential passengers. He also tells me about the future for the industry, new types of cruises and the arrival of sustainable vessels. The Insight Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2024 publ;ished on October 1 this year.

Coryn Anaya Clarke is a little girl with big dreams. At just seven years old, she has already been written into the history books of her country as the youngest published author in Trinidad and Tobago. Her first book Chronicles of Coryn: 7 Days of Fun, was written and published in 2020 when she was just four years old. It was named one of the most popular children's books in the world. Bridgett Leslie interviewed Coryn in the lead up to her very own literary festival in the Caribbean Islands

Rita Erlich has been on the move again, and she is not alone. She recently spent a few days in Dublin, after a gap of about five years, and noticed some striking changes. She thinks she had the luck of the Irish when shewas there, and gives a few recommendations to her favourite parts of the city Image Creative Commons - AwOiSoAk KaOsIoWa.

We check in with New York resident expat, Phil Brown , particularly as things appear to be heating up in the battle for the Republican party nomination and, in turn, the White House. Phil says Donald Trump faces a number of federal indictments, but not all of those would prevent him standing for office or running the White House from a prison cell. Phil also tells Graeme Kemlo about the Sovereign Citizen movement with one million followers in USA and now spreading to other countries including Australia

This week on Trasvel Writers Radil we take you to Bali Indonesia, New York New York, Dublin Ireland, Trinidad & Tobago, Cr-using the high seas, and to Tuscany and Naples in Italy...what a magic carpet ride. We trust you enjoy the show and thank you for listening. Maybe you've got somewhere you'd like to visit virtually - then contact us atL: info@travelwritersradio,.com

Clive Scott has been steadfast at the helm of the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins for almost 20 years and is the longest serving hotel general manager in Melbourne, Our Culinary Editor Ritaq Erlich has known Clive for all those years and specifically asked if she could interview him for the show on the eve of his retirement at the end of July. We think you will enjoy this interesting conversation.

Graeme Kemlo was in Adelaide for their annual business events showcase at the convention centre and met the executive chef Gavin Robertson who is working with a broad range of indigenous ingredients in his catering for up to 3000 guests at conference dinners. I spoke to him again this week to record an interview on the development of a native foods supply chain that allows the chef to obtain large orders of the traditional first nations produce, including kangaroo, pepper berry, green ants, warrigal greens and more from even the most remote parts of northern Australia. Photo by Graeme Kemlo shows Gavin Robertson with warrigal greens

Even after nine years iof producing this program we still love to hear from our listeners around the world. That;s what Karen Avila did, sending an email from the Costa Brava, that province of Valencia on the east coast of Spain. Karin, a highly qualified medical research director iound a punctuation error on our website. It turns out she is a part-time travel writer and good photographer who has visited many places. She's also a most interesting Third Culture Kid, which she explains to Graeme Kemlo...and now she is out latest team member on Travel Writers Radio. Karin mention the special steak dish - ask for a Chuketon de Avila. Read more: @thirdculturekarin Photo: Karin Avila

Tropical cyclone Ellie caused havoc across the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia early this year as tiny towns became isolated and raging rivers swept away vital bridges. But last month tourists were back with tour guide Gordon Forsyth as one of the first to drive a 4WD bus along the deeply corrugated Gibb River Road. While in the Kimberley recently reporter Veronica Matheson asked Gordon about his first drive back there with tourists on board.

Food writer and PALAT member Dianne Mattsson was in New Zealand this week checking out the latest food trends at the Fine Foods New Zealand trade fair. She came across edible takeaway cups, food fit for both humans and dogs, wellness drinks , and a growing range of plant-based protein productsm usually referred to as "fake meat". Dianne reports on the event. Photo Dianne Mattson shows the edible takeaway cup.

Recently in Vancouver Canada our reporter Carolyne Jasinski got to eat som,e of Vancouver’s finest food and she shares her best dining experiences. You can check out her recommenations

https://www.nuba.ca/gastown https://www.vancouverdine.com/teahouse/ https://www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar/ https://minamirestaurant.com https://www.chambar.com https://www.burdockandco.com Carolyne spoke with Graeme Kemlo. Photo by Carolyne Jasinski shows The Sandbar on Granville Island Vancouver

Here's what top expect on Travel Writers Radio this week. All our tracks are produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. This radio show is produced from the studios of J-AIR 88 FM in Melbourne, as it has been for the past nine years. There are more than 2500 stories available for you to download as podcasts from SoundCloud, Spottily, Google Podcast or your favourite platform. To get in touch email - info@travelwritersradio.com

– Our reporter Fiona Harper was recently in USA and she was offered the opportunity to ride the mighty Mississippi by steam-driven paddlewheeler. The American Queen is part of Journey Beyond tourism experience and Fiona tells Graeme Kemlo she rode the ship between Memphis and New Orleans. More information: journeybeyond.com Photo: Fiona Harper

Netflix binger and weed connoisseur, Alex Tomaselli, is not your average millennial. While he may live in a basement and not have a full-time job, he does find a way to make light of the situation… by making fun of anything and everything that happens to irritate him. Whether it's at a dive bar or a packed sho, Alex is sure to make you laugh and think to yourself, “How did this dude come up with this stuff?” Alex performs all over, runs his own comedy shows, and is the host of the Yes Offense podcast.

You’ve heard of the glass ceiling for women, what about the 30,000 ft ceiling? Adelaine Ng, interviews Em, a woman who not only broke through the glass ceiling but also the 30,000 foot ceiling as the first female fighter pilot in Australia – she did it in an FA18 travelling at 1950 km?h…that’s something to celebrate. To hear the extended interview search for Adelaine's podcast Upon Arrival using yuour favourite player

We will post the latest image taken at the edge of the calders by the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory, but on their website this week we found one of the most interesting items – a public domain audio recording of this same volcano in an earlier eruption recorded in the caldera… We thought you might be interested to hear that a volcano is not always silent.

New Zealand celebrates being FIFA WWC host nation by celebrating the Beautiful Game in the most Beautiful Place. A giant football field has been created in Mount Aoraki in Mackenzie, where two female local teams commemorated with a friendly match one month to go. And we reckon it is #Worth1000Words

And one for the powder hounds, Belinda Jackson chats with US-based author, travel writer and podcaster, Brian Thacker, who provides an insight into the little-known ski fields of Idaho. www.brianthacker.tv

Seeing the Big Five in Africa is a bucket list destination for most travellers. Kirstie Bedford talks to African safari specialist, Patrick Clementson, who has spent more than 25 years exploring the continent, about what makes it so magical. www.abercrombiekent.com.au

Lonely Planet’s Vice President Tom Hall tells Graeme Kemlo about its 50 years producing travel guides, how vital they are to travellers and how they’ve changed in the digital era. www.lonelyplanet.com

All the travel news from the resources of Travel Writers Radio

Here;s what we;ve got for you this week on our journalist-run indendent travel show designed to both inform and inspire. To get on contact email: info@travelwritersradio,.com

We don’t normally start our stories with a disclaimer, but Kevin Moloney is one of us – together with Graeme Kemlo he was responsible for the establishment of our team: PALAT – the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers, and he is is a strong supporter of our radio show. How he shot to fame as one of the stars of the Nine Network’s top rating Travel Guides, is another story, but on the eve of tonight;s final episode of this series of Travel Guides, hd took time to chat with Graeme about the best and the worst experiences in making the 55 episodes, never quite knowing where he would be sent to film what he calls “the comedy”. . Finally Kevin tells the Producers where to go (in the nicest possible way)

Carolyne comes upon a very narrow alley (.5 to 1 metre )with an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and businesses , once the home of opium dens and gambling rooms. She sats: It may be just 6ft wide but the Canadians sure have packed a lot of charm -and shops - into Vancouver’s narrowest street. This is Fan Tan Alley. We think it is "Worth1000Words

It is no secret that our reporter Carolyne Jasinski is an enthusiastic traveller. She was recently on board CCunard’s Queen Elizabeth between Tokyo and Alaska as an enrichment speaker. and she reports the Cunard culinary experience and the service levels were second to none. But arriving in Vancouver and invited by the city to try a range ofculimary experiences, she found herself at the Teahouse in Stanley Park. Carolyne reckons the Teahouse raised the culinary bar serving some old classics as she spoke to the head server , John Ferrie (left) and VJ Interge, the restaurant's assistant general manager and as she watched a five hour sunset across the water. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

. Volcano watching is a huge tourism factor for Hawaii and the result of this latest lave fava flow on the big island of Hawaii is that tens of thousands of people have travelled up to the summit to view the lmolten lava lake, which looks spectacular at night. But even more amazingly there is a hotel on the rim of the Kilauea Crater - Volcano House Hotel is a historical retreat dating from 1846 with 33 guest rooms, 10 cabins and 16 campsites all within the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Image: United States Geological Survey - Kilauea Erupts

Long-distance runner and travel writer Fiona Harper talks about her trip to run the women’s only Thelma & Louise Marathon in Utah – and the luxury Ulum glamping retreat promising hot springs, dark skies for stargazing and yoga for relaxation to recover from your marathon effort. https://www.ulumresorts.com/moab

French cheesemonger Valerie Henbest dials in from Paris. Owner of the Smelly Cheese Co in Adelaide’s Central Market, she talks to us about where to find, and eat, the best cheese in Paris. https://smellycheese.co/

Co-founder of Baillie Lodges, one of Australia's premier portfolios of luxury properties, Hayley Baillie, talks to us about its flagship property, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, which was completely destroyed by bushfire three years ago, and the painstaking efforts that have gone into rebuilding it. https://baillielodges.com.au/

All the travel news you can use presented by our award-winning news editor, Kirstie Bedford

Here's what you can enjoy on the show tonight - June 14, 2023. In our first hour we take you to Paris, Kangaroo Island South Australia and also to Utah and New Orleans; in the second hour enjoy volcano tourism in Hawaii, eating in Vancouver and lthe best and worst of life as a television Travel Guide with Kevin Moloney.

India, Tasmania, Italy: welcome to the second episode of our new podcast, presented by senior travel writers Kirstie Bedford and Belinda Jackson.

Each week, we features stories on the travel experiences you can enjoy around Australia and around the world, for information and inspiration. This week they take you to transformative travel destinations in India, to Italy to follow the footsteps of Hollywood stars in the sequel movie, Book Club:The Next Chapter and up to the Victorian ski fields of Hotham and Falls Creek.

Produced in the studios of J-Air 88FM Melbourne, it's a 40-minute podcast, perfect for the commute.

Thank you for listening - subscribe at travelwritersradio.com

Sham G Ali is one of the Caribbean's leading radio personalities and media voices. He was recently honoured at the Indian Arrival Day Awards Ceremony for his contribution to East Indian culture in Trinidad and Tobago. Bridgett Leslie talks to Sham about the significance of Indian Arrivals Day, and the influences of Indian music on the traditional Calypso sounds of the Caribbean Islands.

There is increasing demand for nature-based tourism, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to jet off to Alaska or Africa to enjoy an authentic experience in the great outdoors. More than one half of our island state of Tasmania consists of parks, reserves, forests coasts and yes you can also expect wildlife encounters. Graeme Kemlo speaks with author Gilian Souter who has photographed and written a definitive 240-page guidebook to Discovering Natural Tasmania. It is published by Woodslane Press in association with Australian Geographic. See https://shop.australiangeographic.com.au/products/discovering-natural-tasmania Image: Gill Souter

We welcome a new voice to Travel Writers Radio today. Alaisdair Leith is a movie buff and our entertainment journalist. In his first report for Travel Writers Radio podcast, he’s taking us to Italy to the film locations you’ll see in the movie sequel - Book Club: The Next Chapter. It stars Jane Fonda, Dianne Keaton and some famous Italian sights, including the Trevi Fountain.

In our #Worth1000Words segment, Graeme Kemlo shares a story from one of his many visits to South Korea. This time, he was on the holiday island of Jeju, halfway between Japan and the Korean Peninsula. There, you'll find the legendary Haenyeo women divers, who have literally put the food on the tables for their husbands for centuries. Graeme took many photos of these divers but one was a classic as he explains. Seongsan Ilchubon, a volcanic islet that is popular to climb at sunset – but a few hundred feet below is where the divers collect their seaweed. - I watched an elderly Haenyeo struggle with a massive load of seaweed on her back up the 100+ steps from the water. The Haenyeo’s husband, looking resplendent in a bone suit, arrived carrying an empty shopping basket, met her at the top of the steps, nodded, offered no assistance, turned around and hurried back uphill (to unlock the car?) while the woman laboured on up, bent double with the load. While this role-reversal may clash with Korea’s modern male-oriented society and business culture, it is one of the social curiosities that makes this an intriguing place to visit – I think it is #Worth1000Words.

SKI: EMILY SMITH, VAIL INTERNATIONAL

What’s new at Hotham and Falls Creek ski resorts; Hotham’s Emily Smith talks to Belinda Jackson

The Australian ski season kicks off this coming long weekend, a good time for an update from Emily Smith, who lives and breathes snow from her base at Hotham resort in northern Victoria. Emily tells Belinda Jackson what’s new at Hotham and sister property Falls Creek, - including longer kids’ ski schools and new apres ski options at Falls favourite gathering, Zirky's restaurant. Hotham, Falls Creek and NSW resort Perisher are all part of Vail Resorts International, which owns 37 resorts in the Americas including Park City Utah and Whistler Blackcomb, and the three Australian resorts. See https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/plan-your-trip/australia.aspx

Life coach, career counsellor, travel consultant and tour leader Jo Langhorne of Soulful Escapes talks to Kirstie Bedford about how truly transformational travel can be. Jo is a firm believer in the power of travel to open the mind to new perspectives, and encourages everyone - particularly women - to take the time to allow the travel experience to lift you from your life and learn something new about the world and yourself. Jo has travelled to more than 50 countries and tells Kirstie about a special place in her heart, India, where she has led many women-only tours, and shares some of the locations that will leave you forever changed. www.soulfulescapes.com.au

Here's the travel news you can use for the week of June 7, 2023. Send your news to info@travelwritersradio.com

Here are the stories you can enjoy on Travel Writers Radio this week, fresh from our prime time radio broadcast. But we give you choice too, with a 49 minute podcast containing some of our best work - The Travel Writers Radio Podcast is available now on your favourite podcast platform. More information is available on our website - travelwritersradio.com, or send us an email - info@travelwritersradio,com

The French-onwed hotel group Accor is the largest hotel operator in Australia; in Victoria alone it has 73 hotels and a total 11,800 rooms. Graeme Kemlo spoke with Sarah Derry, the CEO of Accor Pacific, about new hotel developments in suburban Melbourne and the impact of the Olympic Games on its Queensland business. Sarah even shares the places she prefers to holiday when she takes a break – her answer might surprise you. And despite having broken through the glass ceiling herself, she says the industry has a long way to go on the issue of gender balance.To find out more, visit https://all.accor.com/

Australian author Maria Pasquale first visited Rome as a child with her Italian parents in the 1980s, and has lived in Rome for 12 years. Her latest book, The Eternal City: Recipes and stories from Rome, lifts the (saucepan) lid on what’s cooking in Rome, from its historic Jewish cuisine to the nose-to-tail recipes that leave nothing wasted.Maria chats with Belinda Jackson about the classic dish to order when in Rome, where to get the best gelato in town and how the Aussie version of carbonara blew her Italian mind.The Eternal City (Smith Street Books, hardcover, $55)https://www.smithstreetbooks.com/catalogue/the-eternal-city/Connect with Maria at https://maria-pasquale.com/

Bwlinda Jackson submits her #Worth1000Words image, captured by a family member (three of them are journalists) and they got a good laugh out of the name of this pub which, despite its name, is not punctuation aware.

Recently, Belinda Jackson wrote the cover story for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers about the trend of creating hotels from buildings that sometimes, have a very different purpose. It’s the ultimate act of recycling, isn’t it? Some spectacular buildings that would otherwise have been left to decay or bought privately,are now hotels which are open to the public. In Sydney, we recently saw the old NSW Department of Education reopen as the five-star Capella Sydney (pictured), while in Melbourne, there’s been a more dramatic turnaround for the bluestone Pentridge Prison, which now houses cafes, a brew house, restaurants and The Interlude, a 19-room hotel that is set to open this winter.

This week, we have another two hours of listening, covering food, wine, lifestyle and travel, produced and presented for your enjoyment and inspiration by our team of travel writers, presented by professional journalists.To get in touch, email us: info@travelwritersradio or go to our website travelwritersradio.com

Our award-winning team member Kirstie Bedford is back with her weekly Travel Writers Radio News. It is Travel News you can use.

Travel Writers Radio now has a podcast! Co-hosted by travel journalists Kirstie Bedford and Belinda Jackson, our first show airs on 1 June. Curious? Click for a little teaser...

One of the organisations behind the amazing Ed Sheeran concert at the MCG in March was a group called Cedar Mill, who is investing heavily in new technology performance sound shells that enable great sound quality from an outdoor concert amphitheater. The group is constructing a series of venues for up to 30,000 attendees in Lake Macquarie near Newcastle and Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, NSW. And they have just announced a $200 million development and bought a 100 acre block of land on Maroondah Highway in the Yarra Valley, in Victoria, for a venue to host 15,000 concert goers, with a 300-bed hotel, 20 separate villa suites and a village atmosphere for food and drink. There are more sites planned in Victoria, to feature national and international touring acts. The picture is an architect's rendering of the Yarra Valley venue by Cedar Hill.

Reporter Helen Hayes had a personal experience of someone in her street suffering cardiac arrest. Thankfully, the person didn’t die, but those in the street decided they would chip in for a defibrillator and learn how to use it. She discovered an Australian designed, small mobile defibrillator perfect for travellers caravans, bikers, yachtsmen, anyone far from an emergency room. Helen spoke to Luke Sfarr of CellAED [pron sell aid] about the affordable life-saving device that’s the size of a block of chocolate. More: cellaed.io/au

Now this is curious... Graeme Kemlo went to Spencer on the Hawkesbury River for lunch at a local Thai restaurant. He bought a bottle of wine from the general store, and the staff told him he could drink it at the Drinking Tree on the foreshore across the road. Under federal regulation, they said any town with no hotels closer than 25 km can do this. You can't miss it: the tree has a sign on it – Dunkirk Hotel – allegedly "borrowed" from a pub in Newtown, Sydney, but the Drinking Tree itself is apparently legit… even a band plays there on Sundays.. We think it's worth 1000 words.

Graeme Kemlo speaks with French-born Victorian cheesemaker, Matthieu Megard who produces organic cheeses in the style of the his home region, the Jura. He describes how you can visit cheesemakers there. His Jura-style L’Artisan cheeses are not only sold made in Mortlake Victoria and across Australia, but he has an export licence and plans on selling them back to his native France. Seewww.lartisancheese.com

We are proud to have had Tyson Stelzer as our resident wine expert almost since the start of the show. Over the past couple of years we have not heard from him as often, simply because he was very busy as chief editor of the Halliday Wine Companion and heavily involved in the judging of the wines. Born in the Barossa, Tyson has a wonderful palate, but more than that he has won numerous awards as the wine communicator of the year with his ability to explain complex ideas simply. He is internationally regarded for his champagne knowledge and for the tours he leads. So we’re glad to have him back talking to Graeme Kemlo about the latest wine vintage, the best way to tour the famous French Champagne houses. And as usual he leaves us with his tip for a value wine from a family producer in the Yarra Valley. See https://champagne.guide/ and www.tysonstelzer.com

Here is what you'll hear on Travel Writers Radio for this week, May 24, 2023. The show is produced by the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers (PALAT). Check out our website www.travelwritersradio.com, or search your favourite social media for Travel Writers Radio.To get in touch, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

As the autumn chill turns to frosty mornings, those of you who love skiing are getting excited, but none more than our snow reporter Helen Hayes. She spoke to Michael Vanderhurst of Visit Mammoth, a California town with a ski resort in it. What is amazing is that Mammoth Mountain is so high up it is immune from the effects of climate change and this year will have snow through the American summer in California. Mammoth is also a great place to visit all year round with its lakes, hot springs and gateway to the famous Yosemite National Park.

Recently, our Sydney-based correspondent Bridgett Leslie left Australia to live and work in New York City. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to call her this week and ask how she is acclimatising to the Big Apple…sounds like she’s fitting right in, as she moves in to an apartment on Wall Street.

British travel writer Anna Richards is based across the channel in Lyon, France, and explores the French reaction to the widely televised coronation of King Charles III. Graeme Kemlo caught up with Anna back in Lyon this week. Check out Anna's work: www.annahrichards.com

Travel Writers Radio was invited to speak with the CEO of Accor Pacific, Sarah Derry about the latest information on the recovery of the hospitality sector and new developments at Accor. The French-owned group is Australia’s largest hotel operator, with 73 hotels and 11,800 rooms in Victoria alone. It is also well represented across the country with brand names including Novotel, Ibis, Pullman, Movenpick and its leading five-star, Sofitel, Graeme Kemlo speaks to Sarah in a special interview.

We have a chat about tips and tipping in the era of contactless payment technology such as Tap and Go. Waiters are reportedly not happy that customers are not always presented with an opportunity to include a tip for good service in restaurants. Do you agree? Have your say by email: info@travelwritersradio.com.

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski speaks with passionate microbiologist and Reef Sleep manager Greg Hoare, who says the reef in this area is in pretty good shape. Carolyne enjoyed a memorable experience sleeping on a pontoon in the middle of the ocean, directly on the Great Barrier Reef. It was another form of her favourite accommodation – glamping. Reef Sleep is about two hours by boat from Hamilton Island in Queensland’s southern Great Barrier Reef.

Graeme Kemlo talks to the head distiller of Husk Distillery, a boutique business in the Tweed Valley of northern New South Wales about their unique farm-to-bottle approach of producing rum. It tastes so good they even refer to the terroir of their product that's made direct from sugar cane juice, not molasses.Photo: Martinique-born distiller Quentin Brival

Here's what you can find on our show this week.Travel Writers Radio is a production of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.comThanks for listening

Carolyne Jasinski, a foundation member of our team, loves to visit fabulous destinations, especially glamping sites and this week in our long-form interview, she takes us along to Sal Salis, a luxury resort right on the beach next to Ningaloo Reef, in Western Australia. Swimming with whale sharks is Ningaloo's biggest drawcard. As usual Carolyne leads a busy life at this resort, speaking to the manager, Leith Graham to a mix of guests asking why they visited – it is a great insight into the appeal of a non-air-conditioned stay under canvas in the sand dunes.

A fabulous glamping resort in Kakadu National Park has opened five new glamping villas, lifting the standard of accommodation at one of Australia’s most visited destinations. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Peter Hook, communications manager for Kakadu Tourism, about the new development in luxury under canvas beside Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) billabong. The indigenous-owned tourism destination is famous for its birdlife and also for its crocodiles.

Reporter Veronica Matheson, recently in Japan speaks to Japanese tour guide Yoshiko Morioka, who says life is returning to normal after the global pandemic, with huge numbers of international tourists arriving in time to see cherry blossoms around the country.

Bali Governor Wayan is again warning foreign visitors to the popular Indonesian holiday island of Bali that he is sick of poor behaviour, and has threatened extreme restrictions that would effectively exclude some nationalities by withdrawing the Visa on Arrival program. He has also threatened Australians who misbehave that, in future, they might have to apply in writing 12 months in advance of trying to enter the country. Graeme Kemlo speaks with Bali correspondent Suzanne Hall, an Aussie expat living in Bali.

If you're eating and resting well but still struggling to find the energy you used to have to run your business, the answer may lie in other parts of your body. Reporter Adelaine Ng learns about the fascinating connections between the mental and emotional aspects of health, and how to retrain the nervous system to restore the body to its optimal state. A former nurse, Lyndy Saltmarsh has extensive experience in multidisciplinary areas of health, including naturopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition, kinesiology, and neuro-training.

Fancy a royal tipple? Canberra's Underground Spirits has released a new gin distilled for the Coronation of King Charles III. Claudia Roughley, general manager of the distillery, tells Graeme Kemlo that the gin contains 14 ingredients, one for each member of the Realm where Charles is head of state.

This week, our team covers food, wine, lifestyle and travel, whether it's around the corner or around the world. If you'd like to get in touch, email us at info@travelwritersradio.com

Tongan-born Silva McLeod teenager met and married an Australian electrician despite disapproving looks from some of her fellow Tongans.. Silva endured and has as written a warts and all account of her life, her love, her triumphs and her grief. She is the only Tongan woman to become am airline pilot, fulfilling a fantasy to become a Virgin Australia 777 captain, urged along by her ailing husband Ken. His dying wish was that she might be able to support their two daughters after he passed away from multiple myloma. , It is a great human interest story and Graeme confesses it brought him to tears. He spoke to Silva recently about her book that launches this week. It is published by Exisle Publishing

Our sustainability reporter Keeley Warren has an interesting chat this week with Nic Cooper from Melbourne-based adventure travel specialists, Wild Adventures on the topic of regenerative travel; - what it means and how to ensure you’re getting a truly sustainable experiencePhoto: Nic Cooper

Carolyne Jasinski was last heard of heading into the central Australian outback on a solo trip in a four wheel drive, with a two-way radio and a personal locator beacon for safety. We were a bit apprehensive about this off-road experience. As it turns out, so was she. She saw few motorists en route but dozens of wild brumbies oaming free. But she has lived to tell the tale as she explains to Graeme KemloPhoto by Carolyne Jasinski - Unusual road traffic hazard - the outback brumbies roam freely/

Venice, city of paintings and islands and beloved of writers. It's one of the great cities of the world. But like many tourist cities, it has its challenges. From time to time we hear that it is doomed. But people have been aying that for a long time. There's still a lot of life there, and Rita Erlich spoke to someone who knows more than many. She talks with Robert Veel, of Limelight Arts travel, who takes tours to Venice and who so loves the city he has bought an apartment there.

Dianne Mattsson interviewed chef Jock Zasnfrillo for Travel Writers Radio four years ago when he won a global Basque award for his work on indigenous food. Here is Dianne’s introduc tion to the late chef:The culinary world lost a dynamo this week. Masterchef judge, award-winning restaurateur and champion of native foods Jock Zonfrillo, who died suddenly on Sunday, will ever be known for at last giving us a truly Australian cuisine. While he was perhaps best known, of late, for his role as judge on the juggernaut Masterchef series, Adelaide lays claim to the Scottish chef who was the first to set benchmarks in fine dining where unruly native Australian food was tamed into delicious wonders at his lauded restaurants Orana and Blackwood. His work told the world about South Australia’s food prowess.While his personal life was often clouded with controversy, he was a master of re-invention who later readily shared his journey in the hope of helping others, first overcoming early years of drug addiction to establish himself as a major identity in the global food setting. He was a key figure in recent years of Tasting Australia, an annual national event which just opened in Adelaide on Friday.

Reporter Belinda Jackson is just back from Lopndon and reports on the state of readiness in the city for this weekend’s coronation, which seems to have captured the nation’s spirit, judging by the amount of royal, bunting, souvenirs and shop window displays.

Here are the stories we cover on this week's show. If you would like to get in touch simply email - info@travelwritersradio.com.And thanks for listening.

Continuing her series of interviews with CEOs and senior executives of the luxury travel sector, Kirstie Bedford speaks today with Fiona Dalton, General Manager of luxury travel advisors Virtuoso Australia and New Zealand. Fiona tells Kirstie about the rapid rebound of luxury travel and their changing preferences from luxury superyachts to small expedition ships. The luxury traveller is also choosing to travel internationally n low season to get away from the bustling crowds found in Europe last summer.

Graeme Kemlo, who attended an industry event in Adelaide recently spoke with the General Manager of Adelaide Convention Centre, Martin Radcliffe about the impact of the pandemic on the meetings and events sector . He discusses the changing needs of both conference organisers and delegates from the type of meetings they hold, their requirements for demonstrable sustainability, even their culinary preferences.

Carolyne Jasinski is driving in the outback this week and she stopped in King’s Canyon, which is a five and a half hour drive from Alice Springs. There she found Bruce Munro the artist behind the Uluru Field of Lights installation. Bruce’s latest work is the Light Towers in King’;s Canyon and Carolyne asked him about his inspiration for the new installation.Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

Big Sky is both a destination and a description of this privately--owned ski field in the US state of Montana that stretches over 5800 acres and includes country that is so challenging they have established a new category of triple diamond black ski runs. Helen Hayes reports from Big Sky where she speaks with CEO of Big Sky Tourism, Brad Niver about latest developments in this growing ski destination that’s proving popular with Aussies. Photo: Helen NHayes

Melbourne reporter Veronica Matheson recently spent almost a month in Japan where she decided it would be fun to travel around by bullet train. But first she had to find her way around Tokyo station to buy the necessary rail tickets. But she tells Graeme Kemlo that it was a great experience seeing the major cuities and Mount Fuji from the comfort of the 300 km/h super trains.. Photo Veronica Matheson

Melbourne's a city of festivals and events. Grand Prix, French, Italian, German, Scandinavian film festivals, art events, music events. And let us not forget the one dearest to our palates and stomachs, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Belinda Jackson spoke last week about a special dinner at Attica. RIta Erlich this week talks about a dinner she went to, and the importance of the festival to Melbourne and to diners around Australia.

Here;s What is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week.

Our executive producer and host Graeme Kemlo was one of only two media invited to participate in Destination South Australia, the business events showcase run by Business Events Adelaide. After the four-day event which finished Saturday afternoon, Graeme spoke with Damien Kitto, CEO of Business Events Adelaide about DSA and the benefits for Adelaide, its leisure visitors and its business delegates.

Continuing her series of interviews with CEOs and senior executives of the luxury travel sector, Kirstie Bedford speaks today with Debra Cox, managing director of A&K, that’s Abercrombie and Kent Australia. A&K describe themselves as the pioneers of luxury adventure as they conduct journeys across all seven continents. Photo: Debra Cox A&K

Reporter Belinda Jackson goes to jail, but we’re not taking up a collection to bail her out as they have flung open the doors of Melbourne’s infamous bluestone college, Pentridge Prison and she tells us why it is worth a visit, maybe even a stay.Photo: Belinda Jackson

We seem to have assembled a string of interviews in this first hour that cover popular social responsibility themes – eat indigenous or local foods, stay locally and this next piece is a story about South Australiasns going out on their own with a government sponsotred industry climate change conference. I talked in Adelaide last week to professional conference organiser, Anne-Marie Quinn, who is managing director of All Occasions Group , about her role to manage the conference next Month where businesses will be able to learn how to assess the best way to transition to lower emission business practices and achieve net zero emissions.

Sydney-based reporter Helen Hayes speaks with Bruce Poon Tip the Canadian-born founder of adventure travel company G Adventures. Bruce argues that the most transformation travel is to travel in your own country where the money you spend benefits the local suppliers and, in turn, the economy. Bruce has produced a documentary to support his belief. Image: G Adventures

The Melbourne Food + Wine Festival is a major culinary event on Melbourne’s calendar as a foodie city. And among the most popular of the broad range of events would be a night at Attica, the world-class restaurant owned and cheffed by Ben Shewry in suburban Elsternwick. Belinda Jackson managed to get a ticket and went along this week for a night of Australian food, which challenged the idea of planting and using foreign plants, even down to the ubiquitous lemon tree when there are plenty of local indigenous optionsPhoto by Belinda Jackson - a nest of native quandongs

Here's our content for this week - March 29. We hope you enjoy the tracks. Feel free to like and follow. You can contact us on Twitter or Soundcloud. You can also email us at: info@travelwritersradio.comThanks for listening

J-AIR radio host David Schulberg and his wife are in a difficult bind and could potentially be stranded in Dubai by a cruise line. They bought a 20-day cruise with MSC Cruises but now find because MSC is insisting on a supervised PCR test for COVID. Should either of them fail it they will not be allowed to board their cruise which starts in Dubai, something that is not covered b COVID insurance. This is a different rule to other cruise lines that will accept a RATS test,. Some cruise lines, as Carolyne Jasinski explained last week, will accept a time-dated photo of a RATS test. David explains the situation to Graeme Kemlo in a warning to cruise passengers. Image: MSC's 6774-passenger World Europa.

Belinda Jackson speaks with the Area Vice President of Marriott International, Sean Hunt, about the latest hotel to open from his group in Melbourne – Le Meridien, a five-star property overlooking our politicians at the top of Bourke Street. It’s the 11th hotel from Marriott to open in Melbourne, and Sean Hunt reckons they could open another 10 hotels in Melbourne. Photo - Pool deck overlooks Victorian State Parliament/

Chef-Owner Ross Lusted of Woodcut says we first eat with our eyes. At Woodcut in Crown Towers Sydney he has four kitchens and cooks by open fire using iironbark logs that impart a delicate smokiness. He left the klitchen for about 10 years to develop and run resort hotels across a number of countries, including the award-winning Aman Giri in Utah. Returning to Australia he was named chef of ghe year in 2010 for The Bridghe Room. He explains his world journey to harness flavour and how it came together at his waterfront restaurant at Barangaroo. Photo: The open kitchen style of Woodcut.

Graeme Kemlo spoke with our Bali Correspondent, Suzanne Hart and it seems Vladimir Putin is not the only Russian on the outer as Balinese authorities, disturbed by the poor behaviour of some foreigners , deports some Russians and the island’s governor warns the Visa On Arrival may be cancelled for Russian visitors. There’s also a warning for Australians caught riding scooters without appropriate protective clothing.

An unusual story from our Carolyne Jasinski who is going outback shortly but wants to play it safe – firstly by getting a personal location beacon amd two-way radio. After a four wheel driving course in South Australia – particularly the track known as the Boob Shaker - Carolyne had not figured the effect on the human body and now reckons she will need more supportive clothing for the adventure. Im age - personal locator beacon

Sydney reporter Helen Hayes wondered as we did what’s the difference between Hollywood and West Hollywood – apart from a few degrees on the compass. Well as Helen discovered West Hollywood is between the studios, the industry of Hollywood and the walled mansions of Beverly Hills. And this is apparently the place to stay because it is the centre of Los Angeles and you don’t need a rental car to get around.

Here's what you'll hear this week on Travel Writers Radio. For information or to leave feedback send us an email - info@travelwritersradio.com

Graeme Kemlo spoke to journalistic colleague from the British Guild of Travel Writers about her decision to move from the UK to Lyon France and why she has declared she won’t accept any story commissions involving cruise ships as sh around to lead a sustainable life as a travel writer. So what does that mean for her life in Lyon now and how will she travel around Europe on assignment in future. Photo: Anna in Perouges - by Anna Richards

Our Adelaide team member Carolyne Jasinski is off on another of her engagements as an enrichment speaker on board an international cruise ship. This time she’s working for Cunard. And when the vessel dropped into Melbourne earlier this week, Graeme Kemlo connected with her and recorded the conversation as Carolyne enjoyed the Melbourne cityscape from Station Pier.

– Belinda Jackson has worn some leather from her sole chasing down this next re[port on a new trend in Victoria – natural mineral springs. And while you might say they have been around for years, lately there’s been a whoosh of sparkling water destinations and experiences, some even offer accommodation and mostly they are found along Victoria’s coastline. Hepburn Soprings was probably first, then Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, but Belinda discovered another four locations where you can take the healing waters, as she told Graeme Kemlo. Find Belinda's article at: https://www.traveller.com.au/the-best-spas-in-victoria-seven-top-soaking-experiences-in-australias-spa-state-h29r0u

-Following on from last week’spiece from Rita Erlich about the cost of running a restaurant, this week Rita digs out some of her old menu collection and reflects on the good old days when Craydfish cost one shilling in a Melbourne restaurant.

Adelaine Ng, one of our original team now runs her own podcvast – Upon Arrival and occasionally we feature items of interest. It is all too easy to forget when you broadcast on radio that there are people who are terribly afraid of microphones and public speaking so if you are one then Adelaine’s interview with Brendon Kumarasamy will interest you as he teaches people how to overcome fear and develop sufficient self-confidence to take to the podium.

Last week we played an interesting and quite candid conversation between veteran Melbourne city restaurateur, Martin Pirc of Punch Lane restaurant. After 28 years in the business he understands the philosophy of running a busy city restaurant through the ups and downs and tonight he gives advice to anyone wanting to start a restaurant and he explains what he looks for in staff and how he works to find solutions when things go pear-shaped as they sometimes do in hospitality.

We’ve never made a big fuss about our significant show milestones, 100, 200, 300, but we do just want to record that we’ve been here on J-AIR presenting this show, still with some of the original team, over the past nine years. It has been our great privilege to inform and hopefully to entertain you over these past nine years. And as we enter our tenth year on air we remain committed to bring you authentic stories of the people and the experiences available to you in food, wine, lifestyle and travel, not just here in Melbourne and surrounds, but across the nation and around the world.Just today we have team members living internationally and others visiting places that are far from home. Carolyne Jasinski sent me a photo from Queen Mary 2 docked in Melbourne. She’s on board as an enrichment speaker and she’s good at it. Helen Hayes is in Canada, Bridgett Leslie’s en route to New York City. There will be dispatches from the front and we will bring them to you. As quickly as we can.

Rita Erlich, who has enjoyed a long and distinguished journalistic career is our culinary and hospitality editor. She knows many a Melbourne restaurateur, although as she notes, the industry is changing. Tonight in our longform interview, Rita speaks with a Melbourne restaurateur who has also been in the business for a long time – 28 years to be precise. Martin Pirc has three city restaurants. The best known is Punch Lane at 43 Little Bourke Street in the city, Martin Pirc, who explains his philosophy about hospitality, about staff, customers and the changes wrought by the pandemic. Image: Martin Pirc by Rita Erlich

Every now and then we come across a truy uplifting story, a human interest piece that strikes a chord…we have one today. Last week I spoke to Jeremy Meltzer, who may be known to those of you in Melbourne’s Jewish Community. Struck by the all too frequent examples of violence against women when he lived in Cuba in his 20s and later in Miami, Jeremy was moved to setup an organisation to make a difference to the lives of women and girls. And today being International Womens Day is an ideal day to bring you this story as his organisatuion “I equal change” is making a determined effort to triple its efforts tro fundraise through retail partners and a group of NGOs (non-government organisations) working around the world. The great news is that you, the customer gets to decide which of the NGOs will get the money. For thethree days the donation is tripled from #1 to $3 to make a change for women and girls. Jeremy explains how and hy he set up “I equal change”. Image: Jeremy Meltzer. More information: www.iequalchange.com

Victoria’s regions are winning their share of tourism visitation through a combination of natural resources – clean air, fresh produce, creative talent, some government funding and some clever marketing born out of necessity when COVID shutdown most of the State. There are events on almost every weekend and ton March 18 and 19 in the Yarra Valley there’s a Herb and Chilli Festival at Wandin. There’s every type of herb and dozens of hot, hotter and hottest chillis, and if you can take the heat, a popular chilli eating contest. Graeme Kemlo spoke to the man behind the 11 year-old festival, nurseryman Clive Larkman.

Helen Hayes, who usually reports for us from Sydney is currently on the ski slopes in western Canada ata resort called Sun Peaks where she ran into a famous Canadian – Olympic gold medalist Nancy Greene Raine. Never one to miss the chance to get a story, Helen grabbed her phone and interviewed the champion there on the slopes ( you might hear a bit of wind noise on the microphone ) but Helen got more story than she anticipated when Nancy revealed that she had taught another famous Olympic champion, our Dawn Fraser to ski. And Dawn later returned the favour in Nancy’s pool.

Destination Spa – now there are two words that go well together and our reporter Belinda Jackson is fortunate to have stayed a couple of years ago in one of the world’s top rated spa hotels, The Monart Destination Spa in Country Wexford in Ireland. Recently in Australia as part of a road show by the Island of Ireland Tourism Board, Fiona Delahunty of the Griffin Hotel Group spoke to Belinda about Monart with its 100 acres of lakes and a Celtic designed garden.

Ouraward-winning sustainability reporter Keeley Warren speaks with Belgian consultant, Pauline Van Beneden of Ecotel, an organisation that provides sustainability advice, consulting and guidance on eco-labelling and eco certifications for hotels. Keeley asks why why sustainability in the hotel sector is so important and how hotels can reduce their impact on the environment. Pauline also shares her tips to help travellers find a hotel that has beencertified as sustainable.

Here;s our usual; fare of good stories about food, wine, lifestyle and travel. But this week Rita responds to those who grumble about the cost of eating in some restaurants. She sats, in part, : It’s about the food. It’s not really about the food. Are you buying or selling? Are you a restaurant diner or a restaurant owner?Diners tend to look at the cost of main course. Restaurateurs look at the cost of just getting a plate on to the table. Many years ago – about 30 years ago, I think – a restaurateur I knew well confided costs to me. “It costs $20 for me to seat someone at the table,” he said. “And that’s before they eat.”Listen to hear the rest.To get in contact with us, email: info@travelwritersradio

Two or three years ago I got an email from a woman named Bridgett Leslie who said she was good at organizing interviews and could she organise interviews for our team of reporters. I decided to have a chat with her and convinced her that she was good enough to do the interviews and record them for radio herself. Since then Bridgett has produced dozens of interviews with a diverse range of guests and shge has hardly missed a week. Well I heard from Bridgett that she has some exciting news, so thought I had better get her back on the line.

Our Queensland-based rtravel writer and author Fiona Harper who reported on her Antarctic trip last week, talks about taking the polar plunge in part 2 of her Antarctic Adventure. IMage: Fiona Harper

Rita Erlich drops in on friendly publican, Lal Marr who is the latest owner of the Elephant Bridge Hotel In Darlington 194 km south west of Melbourne. It has been continuously licensed premises since 1842. It is a striking bluestone pub that has become a popular community gathering place from the region.

Recently in Australia for the |International Media Marketplace Sydney, Grand USA’s senior vice president of integrated marketing, Staci Mellman took time to speak with our reporter Helen Hayes about the market for travel into United States. Staci explains how Australians are an important target market for USA. www.visittheusa.com

Travel Writer Belinda Jackson reckons it is a great time to visit Northern Ireland - Belfast is glowing, with a huge arts, music and literature scene, and the whole country is compact, but packs in some amazing experiences, such as Game of Thrones filming locations, the Giant’s Causeway, more distilleries than you can poke a whiskey glass at, and 2023 is also the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Peace Agreement. There’s also a happening hotel scene, with castle conversions, spa hotels set on historic sites and the new Grand Central hotel, which the tallest hotel on the island of Ireland and opart of Hastings Hotel group . Belinda Jackson caught up recently with Eoin McGrath, of Hastings Hotels to hear the news from Belfast and surrounds.

Karen Woodman loved ocean cruising. As a former senior university lecturer .in linguistics once she retired she took up a role as an enrichment speaker whose job isd to educate and entertain passengers in specific areas of interest during their days at sea. She spoke with reporter Helen Hayes about her work aboard Holland America’s Zuiderdam when it docked in Sydney recently.

In Albuquerque New Mexico the local indigenous people are called Pueblos and there are 19 of them involved in the local Pueblo Cultural Centre where one of the leaders, chef Davida Becenti, is helping to keep the native Indian culture alive through food . Davide tells Bridgett Leslie about growing and cooking their favourite meals and the ingredients, f including who may touch certain foods during the preparation process. https://indianpueblo.org/restaurant/

Here's what you will hear this week on Travel Writers Radio, your home of authentic, independent travel broadcasting brought to you by the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle And Travel Writers. Made in Melbourne for the World.More information: info@travelwritersradio.com

When Graeme Kemlo is not producing Travel Writers Radio he writes on the business events industry for the past 25 years. He currently writes for trade publication MICENET Australia and it was in that role (as well as for Travel Writers Radio) that he attended the industry’s annual get together – the 30th Asia -Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. During AIME Graeme spoke with Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau about what meetings and events mean for Melbourne. Photo: Graeme Kemlo

Earlier tonight I mentioned the amazing technology called Proto and I thought you would like to see a photo of it. As I was watching the system beam a special 3D hologram from a studio into the tall white phone box, suddenly a tall woman appeared in the box – it was Paris Hilton, one of a number of celebrities the founders of this business are working with to market the game changing technology. If you’re looking for a way to include a guest speaker from overseas, this is immersive, real-time, life-size two-way audio and video technology. Photo: Graeme Kemlo For more information contact Rentertainment.com.au - we think it is definitely #Worth1000Wordse.

Fiona Harper is a published author of three books, a travel and boating writer and photographer, plus she loves to run marathons. Recently she was invited by Chimu Adventures to cruise Antarctic waters and photograph the wildlife. On board scientists were keen to find the colossal squidFiona tells Graeme Kemlo about her time on the frozen continent, even sleeping a night on the ice. She wants to return, but its not what you might think…Fiona discovered that there’s an Antarctic Marathon and now she wants to return to tun it.Photo: Fiona Harper - no collosal squid, so how about these terrific penguins.

Rita Erlich our hospitality and culinary editor in this longform interview took the opportunity to visit Sovereign Hill, Ballarat….not so much for the experience of this historical museum/theme park, but to speak to the CEOs of both Sovereign Hill and their in=house caterers, Peter Rowland Group about the challenges of providing food that was true to history buit relevant for contemporary times and multi-xcultural visitors. Here’s Rita with CEO of SDovereign Hill Sara Quon of Peter Rowland Group CEO Michelle Biddle

And while reporter Helen Hayes was talking with Holland America Line, she asked for an interview with the captain of the world cruise ship Zuiderdam, Capt Fredo Kramer. He has commanded the vessel since it left Fort Lauderdale in early January and won't get a day off until it returns there in May this year.. Captain Fredo Kramer explains what makes these long voyages so special and why they get many passengers returning.. Photo supplied: Captain Kramer on the bridge.

Reporter Helen Hayes found a spassenger who was undertaking his sixth world cruise with Holland America Line. He boarded the Zuiderdam fin January in the USA for 184 days including the South Pacifi. and back to the USA mid-year.. Helen spoke with Aussie, Greg Howard on a shore excursion during a stopover in Sydney. Greg, discusses his favourite port and experience on board and says the best thing is only having to unpack once.

Belinda Jackson is a Melbourne travel writer but she clearly has a soft spot for Ireland where she lived and worked for a period and which she visited last year. The team from Visit Ireland were in town this week and Belinda spent time with Finola Mc Dermott of EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. With up to 30 per cent of Australians identifying an Irish heritage, the museum is a great place to trace the family tree as well as to learn why not only men but young women left the emerald isle for Australia.

We have an interesting mis of stories covering food, wine, lifestyle and travel on this week's show. Travel Writers Radio is produced by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Do you have a story to tell - email: info@travelwritersradio,.com

In the second of a regular series speaking to the senior executives of luxury travel brands, our award-winning travel writer Kirstie Bedford interviews Neil Jacobs, the CEO of Six Senses a hotel, resort and spa group with properties across Maldives. Israel. Indonesia. Thailand. France. Seychelles. Cambodia. Fiji. Bhutan and also in Turkey where we hope they are all OK. Neil Jacobs reveals some exciting news for Melbourne as he is to build a Six Senses at Burnham Beeches in the Dandenongs – it is the Art Deco three-storey mansion originally built in 1933 for the Nicholas ‘Aspro’ family.

As travel; writers we are vitally concerned at the state of the industry post-pandemic and here's some good news told to the annual gathering of members of the business travel and events sector at AIME in Melbourne. Airline s are returning to Australia, especially from China and other parts of Asia. Photo by Graeme Kemlo.

Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street As part of the AIME eventy here in Melbourne this weekGraeme Kemlo took a busman’s holiday tour of the city and one of the places we visited was the new Hilton Melbourne on Little Queen Street/ Melburnians will look strangely at you if you say Little Queen Street because it is the streets running in the other direction – Flinders, Collins, Bourke etc that have “little” streets between them. In fact the street the hotel is on used to be called Synagogue Lane. It was I am reliably informed by the Hilton folks, Melbourne’s first synagogue from 1847 to 1929 and indeed there are items found on the site and preserved, slate pencils used by sofers (scribes), other Jewish artifacts, even marbles under a glass case in what is now a Hilton. But in betweentimes it was home to Equity Trustees, lawyers, and in the foyer area next to the two lifts that rise to the fourth floor, there’s this strange object on the wall – they must have thought four floors was a long way to walk so this is the mail chute with a glass front on the tube in case the mail gets jammed…we think it is definitely #Worth1000Words Photo: Graeme Kemlo

Can you imagine having to create thousands of meals a day for cruise ship passengers from galleys that are always tight for space. below deck. Well that’s one of the challenges faced by chefs in the cruise industry. Our reporter Helen Hayes who was recently invited aboard the luxury Azamara line where she spoke with the Corporate Executive Chef, Colin Jones, about his role. Image: Colin Jones by Helen Hayes

We admire those who can run, especially those who can also endure One of these people is our reporter Fiona Harper who loves to run marathons and we have even spoken to her about one she did that was off0road. Well recently Fiona flew 15,000 Kilometers to United States to then run an extra 42 kilometres in the New York marathon, which is an experience all its own. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Fiona back in Queensland last week. Photo Fiona Harper finishes.

•So you’d like to try a holiday under canvas, but you are either inexperienced or too experienced to bother trying to erect a tent in the dead of night with no instructions, half the pegs missing, your torch has run flat…and the kids are wanting to be fed. Have no fear, Carolyne Jasinski is here with anew glamping option at one of South Australias most popular family holiday destinations. You will find Carolyne's story here: Image: Footloose Jasinski's feethttps://carolynejasinski.wordpress.com/hottest-outdoor-experience/

Here is what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week.Thanks for listening and enjoy.To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio,.om

In the first of a regular series, our award-winning travel writer Kirstie Bedford interviews the captains of industry in the luxury tourism market. They are responsible ultimately for the customer experience aboard five star cruises, luxe resorts and spas, planes, trains, maybe even automobiles. Kirstie is taking the pulsed of luxury travel in and out of Australia which, by all accounts, has recovered well from the COVID lockdown and money not spent over the past three years is being spent now in what some are calling Revenge Travel. Tonight Kirstie speaks with the Asia Pacific Vice President and General Manager of Oceania Cruises, Jason Worth. (pictured)

Worth1000Words – A slightly different image tonight from our usual and it serves to highlight a bit of an issue in the manufacture of meat products, in this case bacon.While I recognise there are listeners who for cultural or religious reasons choose not to eat pork, but I actually love the smokliness of a nice couple of rashers of bacon and egg, but something funny’s going on. Tne other day I grabbed two rashers of something described as Short Bacon, which is the eye of bacon without ther streaky strip attached.. Mine shrunk to about half its original size, which suggests to me it was cured with a high water content 0 no doubt that pushes up the weight of the product too. So I am not calling out the supermarkets, but the manufacturer who says it contains at least 80 per cent Australian ingredients - next they will have us believe that it was the imported elements that shrunk. We think the image is definitely #worth 1000 words.

If there’s a special event staged in Melbourne, such as a Grand Final football team parade through the city, or something similar for the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix or our Melbourne Cup horse race, chances are one man is behind them all – Peter Jones, who has been staging events of all types for the past 32 years. He has created special events wherever he is asked, but he regards Melbourne as the major events capital, "not only lofAustralia, but of the world" Big Call. In our longform interview tonight Graeme Kemlo spoke to Peter Jones about Melbourne’s reliance on major events and its return from pandemic times when it was one of the world’s most locked down cities. Photo: Peter Jones (r) with Clive Scott Sofitel Melbourne GM

Rita Erlich is a regular visitor to Bendigo in central Victoria, 150 km north of Melbourne. At its height in the middle of the 19th century it was not only one of Victoria’s most important cities, but its gold mines made it reputedly the richest city in the world by the 1880s. Mining ceased in 1955 and it is now highly regarded for its arts and culture, along with a growing culinary reputation. Rita recorded her thoughts on Bendigo following her recent visit for the city’s annual Chamber Music Festival. www.bendigotourism.com.au.

•Last week Carolyne Jasinski shared her story of the secret vintages of Penfolds Grange – that was an excursion you can do if you book with Journey Beyond on Great Southern Rail – the luxury seasonal train between Brisbane and Adelaide. Tonight Carolyne tells us more about what experiences are on offer beyond the carriages along this journey from South Australia through Victoria and New South Wales to Queensland. www.journeybeyond,com,au Photo Carolyne Jasinski pairs wine and chocolate at Tulloch WinesHunter Valley.

Here's the latest from Travel Writers Radio with co-hosts Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich,To get in touch, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

The Fair Tourism Foundation, based in the Netherlands is an organisation that helps local communities to develop small scale tourism activities that help alleviate poverty, improve gender equality and conserve nature. Our award-winning sustainability reporter, Keeley Warren speaks with the founder and CEO of the Fair Tourism Foundation, Charlotte Louwman-Vogels.

– Journalist Belinda Jackson who has reported for us from a range of interesting and exotic locations over the past year, but recently she decided to take a short break up in Victoria’s High Country where she hired an e-bike to ride along one of the region’s bike trails along disused railway lines. It would be an ideal trip to take if you have a day spare and enjoy the autumn colours that are magnificent around Beechworth and Bright. Belinda gives Graeme Kemlo a How To with great tips on the best way to travel, where to stop along the way and what you can expect from food, to wine, even where to shop for home furnishings. More: Belinda is @global_salsa

Wok n Roll Taipei Food Tours is a fun English-speaking culinary guided adventure exploring local streets and sights and now Taiwanese Indigenous culture - Bridgett Leslie interviewed the owner, Chiao Cheng, about the growing reputation for, and interest in, Taiwan’s indigenous foods.

The story begins with the audio track from a short video from Penfolds featuring footage of Max Schubert is the legendary winemaker who created Penfold’s Grange, arguably Australia’s most awarded red wine. Bbut there’s a story not widely known about Max who defied direct instructions from the Board of the company to stop making this wine in the early 1950s. Max continued to make the wine, aged it in barrels and hid the bottles around the cellars. When the European wine press and his Board finally realised this wine needed time to develop, Max unveiled his secret vintages receiving an unprecedented number of awards and the reputation was born. Reporter Carolyne Jasinski went to the home of Grange, the Penfold’s Magill Estate in suburban Adelaide to hear the story of Grange from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. She spoke to Penfold’s ambassador Sam O’Connell in the very cellar used to hide the secret vintages.Photo: Sam O'Connell by Carolyne Jasinski

Culinary Editor Rita Erlich chats with Graeme Kemlo about the announced closure of Noma Restaurant at the end of 2024. Noma has been rated #1 of the world's Top 50 restaurants on five occasions, most recently in 2021. It will become a food lab, Noma 3.0, when it closes.

We;re back to our regular prgramming this week and here's what you can find on our first show for 2023.

It has been a big year for Victoria’s second city Geelong. It is finally getting the convention and exhibition centre it has been planning for, it has been chosen as the major hub for Melbourne’s Commonwealth Games, it is now the home port of the ferry linking Victoria to Tasmania and the city is seeing some major infrastructure development. We sent reporter Belinda Jackson down the highway to check our Geelong, which she did from the waterfront Novotel Geelong. Belinda speaks with hotel General Manager John Dickson about the excitement building and why you should pay a visit.

Melbourne-born Chinese Australian Chris Chun is a textile designer and the man behind an exquisite exhibition of Zodiac animals now on at Melbourne’s Chinese museum in perfect time to welcome in the Lunar New Year – the year of the rabbit. Chris explains to Rita Erlich what we can expect this year from the rabbit – a calmer year he says in contract to last year’s aggressive water tiger. So Happy Lunar New Year to all our listeners – Here’s Rita. Photo - Cheng (Chris) Chun by Rita Erlich

Reporter Kristin Henning loves Spain and on her latest visit with husband Tom they hired a car and travellerd around the south east of Spain, inclouding visits to the white villages, incouding Ronda which was famous for its links with \Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.Tom and Kris are also leading a small group tour of Spain in April - they have only three places left. More: www.travelpast50.comPhotoby Kristin Henning

Our Culinary Editor Rita Erlich visited the Huecho en Mexico restaurant chain, which is growing in Melbourne, to discover what makes Mexican food special. Rita spoke with the group;s operations manager Rob Meldrum and business development manager Jimena Munoz who first came to Australia from Mexico as an exchange student in 2014 and worked as wait staff. Rob came from the food supply side of the industry and owned a restaurant franchise.

Two of our TWR intrepid reporters have just been on one of Australia’s iconic rail trips … again.Three years after the inaugural journey from Adelaide to Brisbane, Carolyne Jasinski and Helen Hayes decided to see how the Great Southern was travelling.This time they travelled the 2885km in reverse from Brisbane to Adelaide. On board the 687metre long train with 29 carriages were 178 guests and 38 crew.And apart from stops in Coffs Harbour, Maitland (near the Hunter Valley in NSW) and Melbourne … which we will hear about later … one of their favourite parts of the journey was the mobile gourmet feast.But how do the chefs manage to cook and plate these exquisite meals while the train is clickety clacking on the track.They spoke to Rudy Heng, the chef du partie to get the gourmet goss.

Welcome to Travel Writers Radio Summer Series here on SoundCloud. During the Australian summer holidays many of our reporting team are taking a well-earned break. However we continue to produce one or two new stories every week to keep our audience informed and entertained on food, wine lifestyle and travel.This week reporter Belinda Jackson visited the well-known Balgownie Estate, a business and leisure retreat and winery in the Yarra Valley where she spoke with Operations Director, Grant Flack. He explained that Balgownie had been closed for part of 2021 during the pandemic, but it was not CIOVID to blame but a fire in their kitchen.Belinda Jackson's reportage can be found @global_salsa

Our special reporter on sustainable and regenerative travel Keeley Warren speaks with the Product Manager for World Ex[editions , Isabelle Hardinge,. Since this group World Expeditions was established in 1975 and they have always practiced a simple philosophy; to provide high quality adventure holidays for small groups of like-minded travellers with a strong alignment to responsible tourism and a commitment to supporting local communities.

In our longform interview tonight Graeme Kemlo speaks with the CEO of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Peter King, who has successfully steered this venue through the pandemic when it was unable to facilitate the business for which it was designed – staging meetings conventions and exhibitions, But if people thought Peter King was simply going to take things lying down they were wrong. When it was safe to do so he opened it up to the community transforming cavernous exhibition space into a city drive-in theatre; he partnered with the Royal Children’s Hospital and other charities to help their money raising; and he also went out on a limb in partnering to establish The Lume, one of the most successful immersive art exhibitions in Melbourne and the envy of others around the world. You may not know that Peter King was also a State cricket player, captain and coach of Melbourne Cricket Club and as he steps down from the job, Graeme asks him what parallels there are between leading a cricket team and doubling the revenue of a multi-million dollar facility such as MCEC.

Despite the pandemic Melbourne still saw 10 five-star hotels added to the room-stock over the past three years. More recently hotel developers have begun to look at four star options, outside the city centre, but still carrying recognizable brands .Some of these new hotels have been built in corporate campus environments, others are positioned for the local leisure market, but they all offer a lower room price than the CBD. Belinda Jackson swapped her suburb for the Sebel Hotel Ringwood and she spoke to Graeme Kemlo about her stay. Photo by Belinda Jackson @global-salsa - Yarra Valley smoked trout, lattice, cream Francaise and Shiraz caviar.

Thousands of Australian tourists are readying themselves to descend on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali, but recent legislation passed by Indonesia’s parliament in Jakarta is set to clamp down on extra-marital sex. So Should Australian couples be concerned if they are not married. Graeme Kemlo speaks with Bali correspondent Suzanne Hart about the impact of this law and also about a warning of a new scam on foreign tourists in Bali.

It was quite a way to start the day, judging 16 cakes. But someone had to do it, and Rita Erlich was up for the challenge, supported by two renowned food writers, American Joan Nathan, and Australian Alice Zaslavsky. It was the start of the first Jewish Food Festival, and as Rita knows, food is a serious business.

Here is what you will find on our last showfor 2022. Over the Australian summer we will post some stories to our SoundCloud site, plus there's more than 2400 stories here that you can listen to at your leisure.TWR is a production of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.Tp get in contact email- info@travelwritersradio.com

Melbourne journalist Belinda Jackson was recently in Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia on the island of Borneo – She talks to Graeme Kemlo, who has also visited Sarawak a number oc times, about the best reasons to visit this largely tribal State that was once run by a British soldier who became the white Raja having helped the sultan of Brunei to win a war. Belinda describes what she loved about Sarawak – pafticularly its wildlife and its food, some of which is only found in the jungle. Photo: Belinda Jackson Kuching Sarawak

In our longform interview tonight Rita Erlich investigates a move by well known Melbourne chef Matt Wilkinson to perfect the art of bbq-ing in the style of different locations around the world – he wants to transform the Aussie BBQ and take diners to the places he has enjoyed BBQ , from the slow cooked American style to Japan, South America, to Bali Indonesia and lMumbai India to let the food remind you of your culinary travels. Sounds like fun.. www.streetbbq.com.au

Last week we feared our reporter Carolyne Jasinski was stuck on a cruise ship where more than 15 per cent of the passengers had COVID. The good news is that she and husband Rick managed to disembark at Darwin and return safely to Adelaide from where she spoke to me aboug her experience on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth as a guest lecturer.

Sydney-based Travel Writer Helen Hayes went on a yoga retreat to Bali, where she fell in love with the retreat, called Soulshine, and the people, Music legend Michael Franti and his wife Sara, whose idea for a personal retreat morphed into a concept of sharing their home, their philosophy and authentic local experiences.

Bridgett Leslie finds an Argentinian chef who for the past 10 years has been documenting the foods of an indigenous tribe in Misiones near the famous Iguazu Falls. With the help of translator, Raymond Lee, whom we have featured on the show before with his Bueons Aires bike tours, Bridgett learns about the circular economy of this tribe that has lived the same way for over 500 years.

This week on Trasvel WEriters Radio we have more stories about food, wine, lifestyle and travel brought to you by PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact - email :info@travelwritersradio.com

– I well remember my first visit to Spain. Everything about the place was an experience to savour, from the food, to the music, to the way the women strut along the fashionable Passeig de Gràcia | Barcelona's most luxurious avenue, It was a great pleasure to be overwhelmed by this culture. And so I well understood when Belinda Jackson posted many images of Spanish tiles – an architectural staple throughout Spain.- and she talked of the birth of Flamenco in Jerez, near Seville. Spain does these things to you that leave indelible impressions. Belinda loved it so much watching this raw flamenco in a small former tobacco shop, she went back the next night formore…no need to ask why. More: @global_salsa

Reporting on the performance of Adelaide Convention Centre, Graeme Kemlo was heard to ask the rhetorical question – what pandemic? These major event venues that host the vast bulk of business events in our capital cities have had a tough time during COVID, however Adelaide has just reported its best ever month of November and is on track to outperform its pre-pandemic year 2018/19 over the next seven months. Graeme Kemlospoke to new General Manager of Adelaide convention Centre Martin Radclliffe.

The Irish are reclaiming their 2000 year-old pagan festival of Halloween and they invited reporter Belinda Jackson to participate in what they call PUCA in a small village north of Dublin called Trim. As Belinda explains to Graeme Kemlo tne Irish version is a far cry from the pumpkin and trick-or-treat fest it has become in United States.

Rita Erlich wonders What's the average life span of a restaurant? There are a number of restaurants in Melbourne, in Victoria, that count their age in decades. But we know who they are. They are the exceptions, rather than the rule. Rita Erlich talks to restaurateur Denis Lucey, owner of Bottega in Melbourne's Bourke St, which has just celebrated its 20th birthday. Are there any secrets? And how do people train to be restaurant owners?

I first met Joe Recca, a marvelous Hawaiian native storyteller about a dozen years ago on a travel writers conference on the islands of Hawaii. Joe was a kumu, a teacher, a historian on the Hawaiian customs and culture, particularly around the shores of Waikiki; he weas also an entertainer who had worked with some of the big names in showbiz. The last time I met Joe he came to my Waikiki hotel and we had a marvelous chat. Joe died last week and has been widely mourned and remembered as “no ordinary Joe:” He was a true gentleman of Hawaii who worked hard to help keep his culture alive…he was also a direct descendent of Hawaii’s first monarch, King Kamehameha I.

Here's what's on the show this week - November 30 2022. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the :rofessional association of Lifesgtyle and Travel Writers. To get on ciontact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Have you ever wondered what carbon offsets actually mean when you are offered the chance to pay a relatively small sum compared to the airfare to do your bit for the environment. Well you are not alone – our special reporter on sustainable and regenerative tourism, Keeley Warren speaks to Patricia Woiton of Fly.Green, which is a search engine you can use when researching your flight options. It enables travellers to compare the relative environmental benefits of one airline against another and you might be surprised at what emission savings you can achieve as a result of the choices you are offered.

Rita Erlich has identified a new trend. Melbourne's been a coffee city for years, and how it's looking like a bread city, too, with a growing number of specialist bakers. The COVID lock downs saw an increase d a business milling grain for bakers, most of them home bakers. But where does bread begin? Rita talks with Joe Carbone, who has started a business milling grain for bakers, most of them home bakers Note: Since Rita recorded this interview, Joe has had to close the shop, but it will reopen next month as an online business. For more information: www.flourviva.com.au.

Adelaide-based team member Carolyne Jasinski has been in the Barossa Valley – famous as the home of some of Australia’s best winemakers. But she was there for the wineglass more than the wine as she undertook a Masterclass by Riedel, the glassware manufacturer founded in 1756. They make stemware specific to the wine varieties and Carolyne was amazed that she could taste the difference between a shiraz in a shiraz glass and the same wine pouredinto the wrong glass. An amazing experience she reports.

Our Sydney-based Reporter Helen Hayes has an interesting interview with sailor Lisa Blair, who claimed the record this year for the fastest solo and unassisted circumnavigation of Antarctica, taking 102 days and beating the old record by 10 days

Our Bali correspondent Suxanne Hart reports from the holiday island on the impact and the legacy of the G2o Summit.

The headline says it all this week - due to a technical stuffup at the radio station, our show did not get aired this week. Our apologies, but ther AI might be artificial, but it is certainly not intelligent. Anyway here's a taste of what you will hear on the show next week. And we will be back next week...promise. Meanwhile why don't you browse out back catalog here ion SoundCloud where you can choose to listen at your convenience to any of our 2000+ stories. Thank you for listening. Feel free to contact us: ionfo@travelwritersradio,com

Recently we learned about a major new luxury resort planned for the Grampians region west of Melbourne at the trail-head of a recently opened world-class hiking trail. Known as the Grampians Peaks Trail it takes 13 days to walk the 160 km from Mt Zero through Halls Gap to Dunkeld. The Mt Zero resort is to be built on land owned by Jo Gardner and her Australian Wildflowers that abuts the national park trail. Graeme spoke to Jo about the development and its environmental sensitivity. Image: Architect's render of resort.

In our #Worth1000Words segment this week: from a boat in Sydney Harbour Graeme Kemlo captured this image of a the after school activities os a group of secondary school girls at Vaucluse…three down and , who jumped into the harbour from a rock outcrop about 6 metres high at Vaucluse – Girls Will Be Girls is how Graeme captioned it. And yes, the photo is definitely #Worth1000Words

And the roar at the ends of that song really sets the theme for our longform interview which has as one of its main messages that leadership is born in the wild. Adelaine Ng speaks with leadership coach Mike Green who believes that allowing the wildest experiences to bring out the best leader in you through a deep process of self- discovery. We will let Adelaine explain:

Our Minneapolis-based reporter Kristin Henning is a fan of Memphis, first for its musical history of blues, soul and rock, , then its civil rights history following the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Junior in 1958, and now it is winning acclaim for its food as Kris explains to Graeme Kemlo. More information: @memphistravel Photo: slow smoked sow at Centrall BBQ

The Sapphire Coast of New South Wales is not only popular with Sydney-siders getting away from the big smoke, but Victorians also can be found around Merimbula and Bermabui soaking up the sun, the surf and the fishing, But now the region boasts an award-winning restaurant that ks part of Mimosa Winery. Reporter Helen Hayes took a drive from Sydney and discovered the family owned business where she spoke to owner Aym,eric Grand who took over the property in 2020 with his wife Tilly to continue the legacy begun by her parents in the 1990s..

Here's what's up on the show this week. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

In this sustainability-conscious world there’s nothing that can beat the carbon footprint of two feet, one stepping after the other to take you place s. And our next guest is a great example having walked many of Australia’s iconic walking tracks. Laura Waters is the author ot two books on hiking – Bewildered and her latest published this year by Hardie Grant - Ultimate Walks and Hikes Australia. But Laura’s latest adventure on two feet was a small guided walk in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park over four days. Graeme chatted with her about it this week.

In our #Worth1000Words segment this week we have a photo from Travel Blogger A|liki, who explains what was happening in this shot from the colourful Colombian town of Guatape.

In our longform interview tonight Graeme Kemlo chats with a travel blogger who goes by the name Alibi – she was born in Latvia, lives in Gibraltar and for the past five years has been blogging and vlogging from different locations, most recently South America where she spent six months in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Argentina. Graeme asked Alkali whether she was concerned about travelling in Colombia and whether it deserved its reputation – the answer might surprise you. Photo: @Alikitravelblogger

This week Bridgett Leslie speaks with a celebrity chef from the Bahamas, Simeon B Hall Jr.who describes himself as eclectic, meaning he conjures out-of-the-box culinary experiences in his passion and fuels him for the ttypical 18-hour days he works.. As well as a working chef he’s a mentor and also an author whose latest book on Caribbean cuisine is titles “700 recipes and receipts”

Continuing our outdoors theme tonight Helen Hayes revisits Currajong Retreat on the New South Wales south coast that has been so popular with the glamping crowd that they have doubled the accommodation this year from two luxury tents to four Also popular with guests at the retreat is their flock of cuts Angora goats, especially at feeding time when Glampers like Helen love to lend a hand. Helen speaks with owner Grant Forsdick.

Carolyne Jasinski has found the equivalent of Airbnb for those who prefer life under canvas to bricks and mortar. It is called HipCamp and she speaks to a HipCamp host about his riverfront property near the Blue Mountains on which he has hosted more than 3000 guests over the past year.. Carolyne speaks to the owner, Danny Kaleit.

Here's what is on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. For more information: info@travelwritersradio.com

We isaw a post on social media this week that talked about a “Starbucks for the rich” – and indeed it did look very upmarket, a cathedral to caffeine in downtown New York. So I asked our local correspondent, expat Phil Brown to check it out, on the basis that this might be the next thing in coffee and any self-respecting Melbourne coffee snob needed to know about this. As it turns out the story was slightly different, but Phil says it was still a great experience that one day could make it downunder. Want to comment? - info@travelwritersradio.com

In our #Worth1000Words segment this week, Ndw York correspondent Phil Brown visited the lower west side of Manhattan to find the latest in coffee, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a cathedral to caffeine where a luxe latte might set you back $12. But the upmarket café is definitely @Worth1000Words

Oor longform feature interview this week is from our co-host and culinary editor Rita Erlich who loves Italy, its culture, its regional food and especially the slow food movement of Torino. Well she got the lot interviewing Dr Kathleen Olive, a PhD in Italian language and a specialist travel guide leading small groups on tours such as those in 2023 to Tlrino or Tuscany. www.limelight-arts-travel.com.au/tours

Have you seen or heard the latest adverts we’re using to lure international visitors to our shores – we’ll play some of it for you and see what you think but we get the reaction of some of our team to the selling of Australia, which so far has tried pop stars, actors, sports stars, we’ve begged: where the bloody hell are you, and scared the heck out of visitors with native animals fatal and friendly. Its your money paying for the perceptions created on behalf of the tourism sector so you’re welcome to have a say – info@travelwritersradio.com

Proving that even Travel Writers take a holiday, reporter Belinda Jackson and her 11 year-old daughter headed off to Bright in Victoria’s high country where they found great food, coffee, accommodation and great things to do, like biking the old railway line. Belinda shares her best suggestions with us. Belinda recommended Bright Verlo hotel; brightboutiqueaccommodation.com.au; and feathetopwinery.com.au. Image: Horse riding in Alpine National Park with Spring Spur stables by Belinda Jackson.

Congratulations to Keeley Warren, our sustainable tourism reporter has who just won an international sustainability award for the work she has done over the past year – nothing to do with our show – but we want to celebrate Keeley as a winner and we speak to her briefly tonight. More information: https://mankinddigital.com.au/mankind-digital-wins-skal-sustainable-tourism-award/

Here are the stories we feature tonight on Travel Writers Radio. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email: o info@travelwritersradio.com

If you want to travel sustainably but just don’t know who to ask for advice, take a listen to this next story from Keeley Warren our specialist reporter on issues of sustainability in travel and tourism, She speaks tonight with Vicky Smith, the founder of Earth Changers, who research, curate & promote the best sustainable, regenerative tourism around the world for you. Photo: Vicky Smith. More information: www.earth-changers.com

In our #Worth1000Words segment this week Carolyne Jasinski found herself in the Otways, which are inland from the Great Ocean Road and she says||: Wow that WAS a big tree! It stood firm for a few hundred years but nature - and a huge hollow inside - took its course, causing it to collapse. It would have been a sight to behold. You can see it’s legacy at Maits Rest in Otway National Park. Another great stop on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. And definitely #Worth1000Words

In our Longform Interview tonight as we present the Ultimate Girls Road Trip, starring our reporters: Carolyne Jasinski, Fiona Harper and Helen Hayes, They all come from different States but joined up in Adelaide recently to test the theory that RVs are better than a car and a cabin in a caravan or RV Park. They stayed in some of G'Fay's smaller van parks in regional towns between Adelaide and Melbourne. And while it was a serious journalistic exercise, they did confess to going off course sometimes when they discovered yet another small bakery, or boutique winery.

You don’t often hear the woprds Deaf Chef, or see a chef with a hearing disability taking their story and proudly putting it out there on social media. But Team member Bridgett Leslie speaks tonight with the Deaf Chef, Mariama Sossey, originally from The Gambia but now living and working in the UK. Mariama is on Instagram @deafchef. Photo: Mariama with her Green Smoothie - mango, lemon juice, spinach, bananas and wate. rYou can see a short video of the interview on our Travel Writers Radio Instagram feed.

Young entrepreneur Jack Delosa explains the importance of the "inner game" to axchieve business success as he speaks with ou reporter Adelaine Ng. To hear the extended interview search for Adelaine's podcast, Upon Arrival using your favourite podcast app.

Reporter Helen Hayes visits Broadwater Oysters Pambula, which is part of ghe Sapphire Coast Oyster Trail/ There she speaks with oyster farmer Mel Page. Photo, a typical Sydney rock oyster from Broadwater Oysters Pambula.

Here's what you'll find on our show this week. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact simply email: info@travelwritersradio.com.au

In our #Worth1000Words segment Graeme Kemlo was fishing in the Whitsunday islands of Queensland last week when a Black Marlin jumped on his line, a lightweight rod setup to catch something a lot smaller. So it was a pleasant surprise and this image is from a video captured by Melissa, his daughter-in-law. Ultimately after about 20 minutes the Marlin estimated at 40 kilograms, managed to shake the hook and got away…Graeme, who always releases billfish like this, was philosophical saying “sometimes the fish gets to win” , but we reckon this photo is @#Worth1000Words

In our Longform Interview this week Graeme Kemlo chats with talented Melbourne author and actor Jayne Tuttle about her just published second book of a trilogy about her life and near death experiences in Paris. We spoke to Jayne on publication of her first book, Paris Or Die two years ago, in which she detailed the accident that almost decapitated her as she lived and studied in Paris at Ecole Jacques Lecoq theatre school. Jayne’s latest book My Sweet Guillotine picks up the story after she returns to Paris following her initial recovery from her horrific accident in which a lift descended in an unguarded lift well trapping her head and breaking her cervical spine. Jayne flies off to Pris shortly to launch both books which were delayed by the COVID lockdown.

Keeley Warren, who specialises in sustainable tourism and travel stories for Travel Writers Radio has an interview with Vincent Diringer of Island Innovation, an organisation focused on the sustainability of island states. They are currently running their annual Virtual Summit through October 2 and Keeley spoke to Vincent about the importance of sustainability to island communities. The Virtual Summit is on until October 2 – just search for VIS2022

Team member Bridgett Leslie speaks with Mark Forgenie, a former Merchant navy Deck Officer and owner of the premier Caribbean Wild Rice brand, Moruga Hill Rice. The founder of Caribbean Sea and Air Marketing Company Limited (CSAM) first began producing Moruga Hill Rice on his father’s farm when he was a child. Today CSAM uses sustainable methods and mechanization to allow large-scale farming, so this delicious rice can now be shared with the world. Photo: Mark (R) with a team member and his wild rice.

Our intrepid reporter Carolyne Jasinski is leading a team of our reporters on a regional road trip from South Australia to Victoria in an RV. They stopped for breakfast in a country town at the Scroll Queen bakery, which offered a tempting assortment of sweet and savoury scrolls, so Carolyne found the owner and he was up for a chat in between bites. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski's shot of Dylan McQueen, owner of Scroll Queen.

Rita Erlich attended an event in Melbourne recently at which a group of Italian cheesemakers were promoting their provolone as the authentic version and they were backed in their claim by the European Union. Rita spoke with Giuseppe Sartori from Verona...

Here's what you'll hear on Travel Writers Radio this week.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II was sudden and met with an outpouring of sadness from around the world. Britons feel that sting of emotion especially as they prepare to formally say goodbye to their Queen in a few days time. Bridgett Leslie caught up with one of her friends from England, Philip, who spoke about the nation's sombre yet reflective mood and his own emotion upon hearing the news. Photo: Windsor Castle last Sunday

Our reporter Belinda Jackson was invited to Atrtioca reataurant last week to experience an unusual culinary collaboration. It followed an approach to Ben Shewry of Attica - Australia's best rated restaurant - by master chocolatier Remco Brigou of Koko Black. The idea: to get lamb and potatoes into chocolate bars. Among native ingredients used in the 10-course degustationl were native plum, roasted macadamias, anise myrtle and black ants, The resulting degustation box is available in limited number from Koko Black at $449 but individual meal items are available at $19.90 a box. Belinda spoke to Graeme Kemlo about the meeting of the minds and the resultant degustation. Photo: Belinda Jackson - Terroir, comprises beetroot, raspberry and single origin Vietnamese chocolate

Following Graeme Kemlo's interview with author Jess Ho, Rita Erlich and Graeme comment on the issued raised about people behaving badly in the hospitality industry that Jess eventually had to quit. Your comments welcome to: info@travelwritersradio.com Raised by Wolves: a memoir with bite by Jess Ho (Affirm Press $29.99)

Our longform interview tonight is with food and drink writer, Jess Ho who has just had a first book published and is about to start on the next one. Raised By Wolves documents Jess’s time as a rising star in the Melbourne hospitality sector, particularly as front of house for one of Melbourne’s best known restaurants,referred to in the book only as The Restaurant, with other names redacted too and replaced by Our Fearless Leader, Senior Manager, and Old Man Sexual Harasser . But as Jess explains you can Google almost anything these days and the actual names were not important to the narrative. What Jess forcefully and effectively does is to call out the industry for its bad treatment and lack of care for the mental wellbeing of its employees.. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Jess this week and found himself saddened by scenes in the final chapters of what is a revealing read about an industry in which we may all have been unwitting participants. Raised by Wolves: a memoir with bite by Jess Ho (Affirm Press $29.99)

Our New York correspondent, Phil Brown gives us an update on the latest news from the Big Apple, which includes the city’s reaction to MJ, the Michael Jackson show, our tennis player, Nick Kyrgios, the growing number of Aussie accents on the streets there and the latest in what healthy sceptics believe could become a long running off-Broadway show, Trump The Musical

Kirstie Bedford, a long-time member of our team here at Travel Writers Radio, is an Editor with Signature Media and talks about what’s trending in luxury travel and food experiences as revealed in the latest Gourmet Issue of Signature Luxury Travel and Style magazine. Graeme Kemlo was impressed by the 200-page and 800 gram plus magazine, now on your local news stand as he spoke to Kirstie earlier this week

US Correspondent Kristin Henning reports on the quintessentially American State Fair, originally an agriculture-based event held across middle America, but if it sounds like one of Australia’s Royal shows, with rides, arcade games and fast food , you would be right…even down to the junk food. So why do they continue to appeal and draw a crowd of 2 million over the 12 days? Photo: Kris enjoying a bacon-wrapped pork belly on a stick.

Here's what you can hear on our show this week. Since 2014Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by journalists, members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To contact us by email - info@travelwritersradio.com

This week the Paspaley Pearl group from Western Australia further diversified into international five-star hospitality and opened a new hotel in an historic building at 88 Wall Street - the heart of the financial district. Belinda said the hotel opened with an announcement from Nick Paspaley, Hotel Owner and Executive Chairman of Paspaley Group of Companies: , “The Wall Street Hotel is a natural continuation of our family legacy, bringing 100-years of travel and trade, global cultural experience, adventure, and refinement to transform the historic Tontine Building into a new oasis of charm and comfort. A one-of-a-kind gem for New York’s famed financial district.”

Reporter Belinda Jackson was invited to experience a modern Melbourne CBD hotel built on a new Melbourne laneway, Timothy Lane. It is called voco ( Latin for “invite or call together”) and it looks five star, has 24 hour reception, a talented chef, and even a heated outdoor pool, but it does not come at five star prices breakfast included. Belinda spoke to Graeme Kemlo who dined with her and a group of travel writers at the hotel last week. Photo by Belinda Jackson(Insta: global_salsa)

Our longform interview tonight is a follow up to the recent visit to United States by our reporter Carolyne Jasinski, and specifically how she travelled, why she travelled and who paid for her trip. Graeme Kemlo last week took issue with the influencer culture, in particular those who suggest it is easy to be a travel writer and travel the world for free, given free flights, hotels, meals, drinks in fact, being paid just to turn up, However this scenario is not realistic for 99 per cent. It is a very small number of people with the celebrity status who can achieve this. Even professionally qualified and experienced journalists do not get to enjoy a permanent roving global holiday as some would have you believe.So Graeme asks Carolyne to detail who paid for what on the trip she was invited to take to a travel industry conference and to visit various tourism operations in three different States of America. Photo by Carolyne Jasinski, who sits on John Dutton’s chair in Glen’s Cafe, Florence, Montana.

Our next interviewee wrote and recorded that award-winning song five years ago. Stef Mariani is the subject of Adelaine Ng’s interview. Having experienced personal tragedy in her life, Stef had to work hard to overcome the naysayers, which she did over time. In the meanwhile she became successful as a business negotiator, and closed over USD 100 million in real estate sales in Hawaii. She also won Hawaii's Na Hoku Hanohano Award for her music album Stay Gold In 2018. Her current focus is to grow her international movement of people committed to stay true to themselves despite the worst circumstances such as the financial impact of COVID and the war in Ukraine. To to hear the extended interview just search for Adelaine’s podcast, titled, Upon Arrival

Melbourne Travel Writer Tim Richards loves to ride the rails and he has had stories about trains published widely in Australian and foreign newspapers, magazines, travel guides and his own books. His latest is the Ultimate Train Journeys – World, which covers 30 journeys in Australia and around the world. He speaks to Graeme Kemlo about his passion and nominates his three top rides.

We found this fabulous image and caption on Instagram which perfectly illustrates this Melbourne phenomenon. It is definitely @Worth1000Words. Acknowledgement and thanks to @manofmanytastes (check him out on Insta)

he Hawaiians were in town last week and Graeme Kemlo went along to hear the latest in travel to this popular destination for Australians. He found there’s a change in the air and they call it Malama – which means tourists being respectful of locals and their customs and giving back instead os simply taking from a destination. Hawaii Tourism Oceania Account Director, Jennifer Gaskin, provided an update on the Hawaiian islands and explained the Malama program. Photo: Graeme Kemlo shows musicians Nick and Rubi who flew in from Honolulu for the event

Here's what is on the show this week. Travel Writers |Radio is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Rite and Graeme discuss the post-pandemic state of Melbourne's renowned restaurant industry.

Belinda Jackson was recently in Malaysia where she visited tow island states, the historicPenang and thie many natural wonders of Langkawi, Which has UNESCO status for its Geopark. Belinda stayed in The Datai, a resort that was 90 per cent jungle and teamed with wildlife. Not that she was too thrilled to find one of the locals got a bit too close for comfort, stole her coconut drink and ignored attempts to shoo the animal away…that was until a uniformed security guard appeared and there was no further monkey business. Belinda told her story to Graeme Kemlo

Our longform interview tonight is in fact a series of interviews related to Carolyne Jasinski’s recent trip through The Kimberley by special four wheel drive coach, plane helicopter, numerous boats and on foot. Carolyne loves a chat and she spoke to three of the couples who were also on her rip to discover their highlights of this outback north-west experience. She also spoke to the tour expert to get his take on the trip,In the end she discovered lots of people go for lots of reasons and while Carolyne had seen some of the region from her own RV a couple of years back, to get to the heart of things you need an expert with the right equipment because the roads can be rough and the waters crocodile infested. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski, Cathedral Gorge

In our #Worth1000Words segment this week our keen eyed reporter Carolyne Jasinski spotted an unusual garbage run that pocked up wheely bins from villas at the at the Oaks resort in Broome Western Australia. Carolyne actually shot a video you can check out on her Instagram – footloosejasinski – Meanwhile we reckon her capture is definitely @Worth1000Words.,

Reporter Adelaine Ng has an interesting discussion with Dr Karen Morley on regaining your life with flexibility after a disappointing post-pandemic reset, To hear the full interview search for Adelaine's podcast Upon Arrival usding your preferred podcast app.

Our US-based reporter Kristin Henning has discovered a luxury cruise ex[experience that will be new to many. Who knew that you could take a small group luxury Expedition Cruise on North America;s Great Lakes >– Usually it is reserved for cargo and ferries. But Kristin is just back from Viking's new Expedition Cruise Ships Octantis, built for Antarctic exploration, but in the off season it plies the Great Lakes from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay Ontario. Viking Octantis boasts two submarines.

We've lost a lot of good people in the last weeks. Rita Erlich pays tribute to the late chef Klaus Lemm, who had a considerable reputation internationally and in Australia. A great reputation, but a low public profile at a time when so many live their professional lives publicly.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. To get in touch, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Our reporter Kristin Henning was there in Minneapolis Minnesota when President Trimp got elected; she was there when on ay 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was murdered in the U.S. city of inneapolis by a white police officer (since jailed)l she talked us through the pandemic and then last Presidential election when Donald Trump refused to admit defeat. So now it seems America may be at another cross roads as former president Trump’s home is raiced by the FBI to retrieve top secret papers and there’s talk of treason. So what does Kristin Henning make of all this as the FBI warns of violent threats. Is the USA still somerwhere you would want to visit. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Kristin earlier today.

We promised the listeners a new linger feature interview in this hour and we have a terrific chat between our reporter and host of the podcast – Upon Arrival, Adelaine Ng. Adelaine chats with a luxury travel agent from USA, Shane Mahoney (Mar-ho-nee) who espouses his philosophy on travel, which is basically, go travelling and spend as much as you can afford on gaining the wonderful experiences available in a new culture because someone once told him – you don’t see any hearses towing a U-Haul trailer. I guess the message is that you can’t take things with you therefore accumulate memories. And his ultimate offer is to take you on a million dollar, 16day adventure where you get to experience what it is like to be 007 - James Bond Image: Shane Mahoney

Carolyne Jasinski has gone to the Kimberley in the north west of Australia, deliberately taking an organised small group tour, rather than drive her own RV across some pretty gnarly roads and creeks. And she has done it to prove a point that rather than spend six figures on the required four wheel drive and a rugged camper trailer or caravan – that’s another 100,000 , you can do it in luxury without breaking the bank, or breaking our equipment, as some travellers have done up there. She cal;led in to give us a report from the Bungle Bungle ranges while she had mobile service. Image Carolyne Jasinski

From the team that brought you the fully immersive Van Gogh experience at Mel;bourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) comes Monet & Friends Alive. Bruce Peterson Founder of Grande Experiences and Peter King CEO of MCEC, building on the success of Van Gogh previewed the next show due to open this October. And (spoiler alert) it debuts with a magnificent 360 degree panorama of Paris complete with its major monuments, Graeme Kemlo went along and spoke tyo Peter King. Image by Graeme Kemlo shows Bruce Peterson and Peter King at The Lume

Here's what;s up on Travel Writers Radio this week The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. If you would like to contact us email: info@travelwritersradio.comm

For many Australians Bali is the closest, most affordable overseas holiday destination so it is no surprise to our Bali correspondent Suzanne Hart that there are plenty of Aussies over there right now. We hope they just return with a suntan, but unfortunately there is an epidemic of foot and mouth disease in Indonesian cattle herds, and while humans cannot catch it, they can bring it home on footwear, clothing, even up their noses for 24 hours. Graeme Kemlo got an update on the situation from Suzanne on the risk to Australia's $32 billion cattle industry.

In our #Worth1000Words segment this week we have a photo and a caption from reporter Veronica Matheson, Record crowds are heading to tropical north Queensland to soak up the region’s sunshine on glorious sandy beaches as Australia’s southern states experience very chilly winter months. Travel Writer Radio reporter Veronica Matheson is also holidaying there, in the city of Cairns which is the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef and lush tropical rainforests. While strolling around Cairns's busy waterfront Veronica spied the relaxed young man pictured, napping atop a colorfully painted electrical distribution switchboard under the shade of a giant banyan tree. He looked ready for a photo shoot as he wore clothes as colorful as the box he was atop! Veronica is hoping that by the time she heads back home to Melbourne she is feeling as relaxed as he looks, though she has no plans to find such an elevated perch. We reckon its @Worth1000Words

Bridgett Leslie speaks with American physician, Dr Renee Matthews who doesn’t see patients in a surgery, but uses a range of mass media and social media to give advice on healthy living despite the increase in COVID infections in her home country and around the world.

Our wine correspondent, Tyson Stelzer, recently hosted a masterclass in Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine that is gaining increasing popularity. And some controversy too - can the producers in the King Valley call it prosecco, or have the Italians claimed the name. That's still undecided. What is sure, however, is thatthe quality of the best of them in remarkable. Rita Erlich was at the masterclass and spoke with Tyson afterwards

Here's what is on Travel Writers Radio this week. Our show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Associastion of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.com Olivia Newton-John's legacy includes her foundation(ONJFoundationFund,org) and donations to support its work in fighting cancer can be made at the website,

As mentioned at the head of the show, sustainability is becoming a key imperative in travel and tourism with consumers demanding that their travel experiences whether for vacation or business should respect the environment. Keeley Warren is a passionate young Melburnian with a background in journalism and travel writing who has been assisting organisations and destinations to understand their obligations beyond sustainability to issues such as regenerative travel. She speaks with Graeme Kemlo

Bridgett Leslie speaks with Japanese Chef Yuta Shimamura whose Osaka restaurant Hi Ki specialises in reducing food loss by making meals out of ingredients others throw away. He is showing Japan how to value ingredients and protect the environment. Note: this audio track includes partial Japanese dialogue translated into English by Reika Thompson.

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski is not a bike rider. She;’ up for a walk, even a hike, but last time she tried mountain biking she sustained a shoulder injury in a fall. So she’s not that confident in pushing pedals up and down hills, especially the hills they have in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. It was a major first for Carolyne, even if she did have some electronic assistance from the e-bike, so she’s now ready for her next adventure travel challenge as she explains to Graeme Kemlo

It is always comforting to know that there is emerging talent in our community, particularly when that young talent is in the food business given that Melbourne is such a foodie city. Culinary editor, Rita Erlich reports on what she observed at the event for 30 chefs under 30.

Here's what is on Travel Writers Radio this week of August 3, 2022 To contact us, email: info@tavelwritersradio.com

We will be back with Travel Writers Radio after a short mid-year break. Thanks for listening and we look forward to seeing you soon. To get in contact with producers email: info@travelwritersradio.com

It used to be that backpacking was the thing, now it is bike-packing – travelling on two wheels with as little luggage as you can fit on the bike for multi-day journeys. But to do it successfully you probably need the expertise of someone who has done this around Australia and iin many places around the world. Graeme Kemlo speaks to the expert, Andrew Bain whose latest book features 40 Australian itineraries, many here in Victoria. Photo: AndrewBain at Simpsons Gap NT.

Of all the ways to go trekking, this is probably the most unusual we’ve come across in eight years of Travel Writers Radio. Carolyne Jasinski visited Monttana where she was offered the chance to take a Llama on a four hour trek up into the Rocky Mountains. There was wine and cheese – it was all very civilised as she explains.

Reporter Fiona Harper loves the sea, whether boating on it, diving in it, or studying maritime history. So knowing the reputation of the Carolinas in the United States, she detoured to spend some time in this calm waterways of Oriental, North Carolina, where she also found a fabulous old maritime museum with an extensive collection of history books. It also happens to be near the home of Photo: Fiona Harper, Storm Over Oriental Harbour. infamous pirate, Black Beard. More information: www.travelboatinglifestyle.com

And despite the chill in Melbourne, Rita Erlich has found a warm place in heart and her kitchen for the black truffle, which has become a horticultural success story in many parts of Australia and especially in Victoria., where they are now very much in season.

Here's what is coming up on the show this week. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by members of PALAT - The Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Organisers of the Birdsville Big Red Bash in remote south west Queensland are claiming a world record as more than 4000 boot scooters performed the Nutbush dance to Tina Turner’s soul classic from 1973. The old record was 2878 dancers set at last year’s Birdsville event. Matt Williams’ photo of the mass Nutbush might give listeners a challenge to visit Birdsville in 2023 and that’s a good thing. Yes, we reckon this photo is @Wiorth1000Words

Fiona Harper is a marathon writer, traveller and runner. Recently she flew to the USA to compete in an off-road marathon in Virginia and she tells Graeme Kemlo about the experience, and also her recovery program at a nearby Ayurvedic wellness retreat.

One of the travel trends we had not anticipated prior to COVID was Revenge Travel – that’s where you release all your pent-up need to get away from lockdowns and other restrictions and you do it in style. Natasha Dragun, Editor of Vacations & Travel magazine explains this and other trending travel ideas with Graeme Kemlo. More information: www.vacationstravel.com

Pre-COVID Ireland’s travel and tourism industry raised around 6 billion euro annually for the Irish economy, but international travel fell by more than 80 per cent at the height of the pandemic. Now Tourism Ireland says that pent up demand is boosting tourism figures once more. On a visit to Australia, the acting CEO of Tourism Ireland Siobhan McManamy, tells journalist Veronica Matheson that the Emerald Isle is rolling out the green carpet for international visitors.

Carolyne Jasinski discovered a theme park for alligators, Gatorworld, not far from the other famous theme parks of central Florida. It was an interesting experience ts she put body on the line by zip-llining above a Congregation of Alligators (who knew that was the collective noun)…anyway the congregation stared up at her intently praying that one day someone would drop in; later, Carolyne entered their enclosure, stood behind a line in the sand to hand feed pieces of chicken to a line of hungry looking Gators, wondering whether they knew not to cross the line. Carolyne spoke with Graeme Kemlo. Video still of Alligator waiting to eat.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in touch please email: info@travelwritersradio.com. And, thanks for listening.

They brought the country to the city in Melbourne last night . Business events Victoria staged their regional showcase. About 200 people were there in the newly renovated State Library building – Australia’s first and oldest free library dating from 1854. Graeme Kemlo was there in an area they call conversation quarter and the representatives of the 11 regions met with onference and meeting planners for the first time in the one room since COVID. Graeme spoke with Business Events Victoria Chair, Mark Day. Photo: Graeme Kemlo

Rita Erlich has just been away on an expedition cruise, one of those offered by Silversea Cruises. She learnt a great deal about the Kimberley, thanks to one of the specialists on oard, Malcolm Turner. He was one of a dozen who went out with passengers looking at the landscape and the water, giving formal and informal talks. His special areas are birds, and aboriginal art. Rita spoke to him while on board.

A photo that is definitely @Worth1000Words from Carolyne Jasinski in Florida

Carolyne Jasinski flew to the east coast of the USA a few weeks ago to attend a conference for the US Travel Industry. As someone who has weather the COVID storm here in Australia, the last thing she expected to do was to catch the virus in a foreign land, driving a huge RV down the coast of Florida and along the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys, even spending the night in a Walmart carpark surrounded by homeless folks. The lesson she took from the whole experience was “you’ve got to have a Plan B” and she shares those thoughts with us tonight.. Image: Carolyne Jasinski isolates in Walmart carpark Orlando.

Here's what you'll find on the show this week. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Reporter Fiona Harper came across a very funny public art installation on the walls,, the doors, the ceiling , made even more amusing by the fact that hundreds of people queued up to see it in a public toilet. The folks of the historic city of Maryborough Queensland have a wicked sense of humour and we love it – in fact Fiona’s photo is #Worth1000Words

Our US reporter Kristin Henning and husband Tom visited northern Spain - starting on the northern route of the Camino de Santiago, Starting in green Cantabria, focusing on the sardine and anchovy industry where the artisan anchovies still filleted by hand. Along Spain's north coast (the Atlantic's Bay of Biscay) from one fishing village to another, tasting scallops, calamari, octopus and , barnacles, before continuing to Asturias, known for its cider and cheeses; then Galicia, home of Spain's seafood stew. Image: Kristin Henning - hand-filleted anchovies in Cantabria

You may have noticed, or perhaps experienced first hand, the issues that seem to be dogging the Flying Kangaroo. There have been a number of stories in newspapers, online and social media critical of Qantas. Belinda Jackson and Graeme Kemlo chat about the problem, why passengers are not impressed and the response from Qantas, a company that received a massive bailout from the then federal government during COVID.

Melbourne travel writer Belinda Jackson, who has lived and worked in the Middle East, is back to discussa visit to the country that is literally land-locked by a circle of countries, many of them troubled by historical conflicts, yet Jordan remains unaffected and a relatively safe place to visit. More: https://ebook.arrived-magazine.com/issue-06/ Read more from Belinda at www.globalsalsa.com

Bridgette Leslie’s interview with US-born chef Dave Soady continues as he talks about opening his own restaurant serving food of the Americas in the midst of the pandemic in Buenos Aires that saw restaurants of 30 and 50 years=old shutting down . He explains what he did to succeed in the face of thousands of restaurant closures in this culinary destination often referred to as” the Paris of South America”.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Elizabeth Heath is a US-born journalist who lives with her husband and daughter just outside Rome. She has reported on some interesting travel experiences for us before, including the Arctic. But this time she’s on a different style of boat, one many of you would not have expected her to find in Italy. Elizabeth, with a writer friend from New York, just spent six nights on a barge hotel cruising Venice’s waterways, which extend for about 70 km beyond the Grand Canal, as she explains to Graeme Kemlo. Photo: Elizabeth Heath (L), Captain Rudy Toninato, owner of La Bella Vita barge and Barbara Gillespie. More information: bargeladycruises.com

Our co-host Reporter Belinda Jackson went AWOL this week because Australian passports were in big demand and some people had to line up in queues that ran outside the building. Despite paying a $250 premium for a fast passport service, Belinda was told she still still had to get in line and wait to have it handed to her. Some she spoke to in the four queues waited seven hours in a freezing Melbourne winter, , took time off work and drove some distance to get their passports. Spoiler alert: after a 3.5 hour wait Belinda emerged smiling with her new passport.Here is her on-the-spot report with Graeme Kemlo. Photo: Belinda Jackson - vidw from a queue. We reckon its @Worth1000Words

Broome in Western Australia has been a town of history. Aboriginal land, then it was a pearling town. Not for pearls, originally, but for pearl shell. Lord McAlpine changed the town decades ago when he saw the potential of what was a run-down town with an extraordinary 20plus kilometre beach and old houses. Now it's noted for its pearls, whale watching, dolphin watching, beaches, and many other things. The house where Lord McAlpine lived is now a boutique hotel. Rita Erlich talks with its hands-on owner, Marilynne Paspaley.

Raymond E. Lee is a New Zealander who left his Bay of Islands home a number of years ago to visit Buenos Aires for a 10-day retreat…and he has never returned home. He fell in love with the people and the culture living on the opposite side of the earth and he now runs the tour company Biking Buenos Aires. He shares with Bridgett Leslie his wealth of local knowledge, including how Buenos Aires got its name.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by professional journalists, members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers/ To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

The Oscar Seppeltsfield is a 12 storey six star hotel approved last week to be built in the middle of century-old vines on the historic Seppeltsfield vineyard in the |Barossa Valley and this 70-room property with its edgy design is set to shake up the local tourism sector. Graeme Kemlo reports on the new hotel and speaks to the chief executive of Adelaide Convention Bureau, Damien Kitto.

Belinda Jackson has lived and worked in Egypt alongside her husband and daughter so I am sure she can, and will, dispel any myths that this is a land of sandy deserts and camels intersected by the River Nile for thousands of years. So Belinda tells Graeme Kemlo what life is like for the locals living in Cairo and what surprises are in store for those who make the effort to visit this ancient land. More information is on Belinda's website - globalsalsa.com

Belinda Jackson comments on her photo: There are hundreds of tombs and 14 more, much older pyramids at Sakkara, south of Giza, including the Bent Pyramid. Called the Bent Pyramid because the unknown architect realised, half-way through construction that the 55-degree angle was wrong, the result is an odd, lopsided pyramid after the ramrod slopes of the later pyramids at Giza. A tunnel plunges 79 metres into the building, where I can look up inside to its apex. It’s dizzying, it’s overwhelming, and I cannot scramble back up the low tunnel fast enough, heart pounding.

While Melbourne shivered through the past week, up on Mt Hotham they were cheering for the best start to the snow season in 22 years. It was so good they even opened the resort early, which is a a good story for the mountain that was also affected by COVID for the past twp seasons. So Graeme Kemlo spoke with Anita Coia Marketing and Public Relations manager to get some tips on safety issues, where to stay and how to get there.

Dave Soady is a Washington, DC native. His first taste of the culinary world began at age 18 in the local town favourite restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland. What followed was formal culinary training at L'Academie de Cuisine, and jobs under top chefs at a range of award winning US restaurants. Then in 2014 he decided to take off to learn more about the culinary scene in the rest of the Americas. His popular Buenos Aires restaurant 13Fronteras gets its name from the number of borders crossed as he travelled through Latin America. He spoke to Bridgett Leslie about his culinary journey and the inspiration his road trip brought to his dishes.

Here's what is coming up tonight on Travel Writers Radio. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, The Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. For information email: info@travelwritersradio.cvom

Carolyne Jasinski is not a skier but she enjoyed her recent visit to Switzerland with its soaring peaks and snow covered valleys. If you are wondering how you get around and what experiences a non skier can enjoy, Carolyne's got the answers. Image: Carolyne at Jungfraujoch - the Top of Europe

Song Division is an international company that uses music and songwriting to get team members in the same company to bond in a music-infused team building exercise. Big names including Cher, Justin Bieber and Richard Branson have been associated with the company which was founded by Australian Andy Sharpe. Adelaine Ng spoke to Andy Sharpe when he visited Melbourne recently for AIME 2022.

Suzanne Hart is our Bali correspondent – a place she had retired to a few years ago. After being back in Australia for 8 months she recently returned to Bali and immediately noticed the difference in the cost of living there versus her home town of Perth. Graeme Kemlo asked Suzanne to give us some examples of the cost to live out your days in Bali

This is Exercise Right Week. Exercise right? That means that the way we exercise might change during our lives, and what's okay when you're 20 isn't so good when you are 70. Rita Erlich talks with specialist physiotherapist Libby Oldfield about what exercise means, and what we should be doing about it - allowing for age and climate. And keep listening to find out about that 10,000 steps recommendation.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Reporter Kristin Henning and husband Tom Bartel opted for a multi-generational holiday on a photo safari in Kenya.. They flew from Minneapolis to Nairobi, Kenya where their son lives and works and they organised a private safari to a wildlife conservancy in the Masai Mara and the Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Africa's highest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro. Before they even reached their safari camp, the two grand children, aged 3 and 5 had seen dozens of Africa’s biggest and best wildlife…it was a great start for all ages. Photo by Tom Bartel More: www.travelpast50.com

Kirstie Bedford, our award winning former news editor here at Travel Writers Radio is now part of the editorial team at successful tourism publisher, Signature Media. Kirstie tells Graeme Kemlo about the latest edition of their magazine that spells out the reasons behind the growing demand for sustainable luxury travel experiences. More: www.signaturemedia.com.au

Journalist Belinda Jackson has been reporting on the new hotels that have opened during the pandemic in Melbourne, more than 10 of them opened last year with still a number to come. The latest is 'AC by Marriott Melbourne'. Belinda was invited to try it out and she reports ion the Spanish flavoured property on the edge of the CBD.

Chennai-born Jazzarun (Jay) Kumar now lives in San Francisco and inspires an international audience with her traditional south Indian cuisine on the blog, Spicy Station. What we know to be Indian food is totally different from traditional recipes. Bridgett Leslie interviewed the food blogger to find out more about this specific cuisine and why it's so popular with her international audience.

Switzerland has the best ice buckets ever … all you need to do is ride the gondola from Engelberg up to Mt Titlis and plonk your bottles in the snow. Smuggli, the local ambassador, shows what happens when you have one too many celebratory drinks. We reckon this image from Carolyne Jasinski is #Worth1000Words

Here's what is coming up on the show this week, May 18 2022. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

So you think winter is coming to Australia? We don’t know “cold”. This is spring in Zermatt, Switzerland, where you can ski all year round and where the water troughs freeze over. Image: Carolyne Jasinski

Melbourne Jouirnalist Belinda Jackson took a visit to the arra Valley about an hour from the city where she found a $7 million upgrade to the gin distillery. Thdere are new tasting rooms, and even a gin garden"but it is very popular so you're advised to book in advance. Belinda also paid a visit to St Huberts winery at Coldstream where new developments incoude a magnificent gallery of Australian Aboriginal artowrk from the renowned artists of the western desert in central Australia.

Fiona Harper is our Queensland based reporter and usually she reports travel stories for us, but in this instance she is the story. A long distance writer who is also a long distance runner. Wanting to challenge herself, Fiona is currently finishing her third Boating Guide to Australia’s east coat waters before she flies out to the US state of Virginia. We’re sure she’ll find something to write about there but her latest challenge is to go off road and compete in a dirt track marathon in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She spoke to Graeme Kemlo this week.

Michelle McKenzie is the founder of the 'Where is the Funding’, a Podcast' that shines the light on inequity in investment levels in black-owned businesses (including service industry ownership). Bridgett Leslie investigates the why behind the problem and how far investors have come in untying their purse strings.

This week Rita Erlich is attending, and presenting a paper at the 24th annual symposium on gastronomy, which is being held in Bendigo, Australia's first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, , The theme of the symposium is: Reclaiming Happiness: The Epicurean Garden, Simple Pleasures and a Sustainable Future. Rita sits down with committee members Kelly Donati, and Cr Jen Alden.

Here's what is happening on Travel Writers Radio this week with hosts Graeme Kemlo and Belinda Jackson. The show is produced and presented by the members of PALAT 0 the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in touch email: info@travelwritersradio.com

With propaganda as the official line coming out of Moscow we wanted to get the point of view of a reasonable person, an ordinary Russian. And that is what Bridgett Leslie has achieved, but not without some challenges. She speaks to a journalist who we have agreed to protect by not showing his photo and altering his voice, but his words are quite measured and tell a different story to the leadership at the Kremlin. But at one stage during the conversation the journalist says he has to stop, someone is coming, and he starts speaking Russian,,,such is the paranoia about somebody on a phone speaking English in Moscow.

It seems you can learn a lot from sport that can be applied to business, especially in the area of sponsorship of your meeting or exhibition. Graeme Kemlo speaks with Natasha Pembroke-Birss who was an event organiser but then worked with Sydney Swans in their commercial division. Now she uses her skills to value the assets of an organisation and help raise from a million dollars to $50,000 depending on the needs of associations from sectors such as medicine, energy or professional bodies. She says some organisations are sitting on a goldmine and don';t know it. More information: www.novacreative.com.au

For some of you Bali, might be your Go To destination. Our Bali correspondent, Suxanne Hart is back on the Indonesian holiday island where she is basically in retirement. But she tells Graeme Kemlo that she is loving life again and behind the walls of her villa, there’s no COVID like she caught in Melbourne,. And there are lots of waves so she can surf every morning. Suzanne explains what you’ll need to do to visit Bali.

A number of our foreign neighbours have recently relaxed their COVID restrictions, which means it is now more convenient and less costly to grab a short overseas break, and couldn’t we all use a getaway after the past two years. So while this is not an exhaustive list it offers some ioptions for the South Pacific and South East Asia.. Photo: Graeme Kemlo

We know the hotel industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and also by the lack of casual staff – many of them international students who were basically told to go home. Many five-star hotels have been capping their capacity because they cannot service all their rooms, however the picture is improving as Michael Johnson, CEO of Tourism Accommodation Australia explains to Graeme Kemlo.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week, May 4 2022. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writrers. To get in contact with us email|: info@travelwritersradio.com

This story from Graeme Kemlo does have a happy ending, but but it also deals with an unhealthy dependence on alcohol by a man who spent 23 years working in the wine industry until he realised his situation was affecting his family . So Jason Quin took the difficult decision to leave the industry that had been his life. His wife Andy Quin in is brave in talking frankly to us about the back story to what is a a success for the family in developing and selling their healthy, naturally flavoured sparkling soft drink that uses Australian native fruits, including finger lime, mountain pepperberry, and quandong with no sugar and no preservatives. More information: www.etchsparkling.com.au

Intro Frenchman Arnaud Laidebeur trained in a Michelin star restaurant in Bordeaux, but these days he produces some of Melbourne’s finest sushi at Uminono in Prahran. There Arnaud specializes in premium take-away Sushi boxes, and has a 6- seater lunch bar that needs to be booked weeks in advance. This September Arnaud will team with Plan Japan to host an “insiders tour’’ of Tokyo’s most exclusive and impossible-to-book sushi restaurants. Reporter Veronica Matheson asked Arnaud how a French chef becomes a sushi star.

Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital has a special place in everyone's heart. This wonderful public hospital has enormous support from the public. What is remarkable is the history of some of that support. There are a number of auxiliaries that raise funds for projects, and this year marks the centenary of those groups, which have raised millions in that time. One of the ways of making the milestone has been the publication of a cookbook. Its recipes come from members of various auxiliaries, and feature individual stories, and the recipes that have been passed down the generations. Rita Erlich spoke to the current and the past presidents of the auxiliaries, Miriam Weisz and Robyn Anderson. Tl purchase the Cerntenary Cookbook go to www.rch.org.au

Here's what you can enjoy on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT - The Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Thanks for listening.

A Happy and Holy Easter it will not be for the citizens of Ukraine as it seems the Orthodox Pope in Moscow has endorsed Vladimir Putin’s decision to make war on his neighbor, even though this period that is arguably the most holy on the Orthodox calendar. IGraeme Kemlo spoke this week to our man in New York, Australian Expat Phil Brown for his take on the Three Ps: the Pandemic, the incumbent president and the elephant in the room who would like to replace Biden – we note Donald Trump has been uncharacteristically quiet about his “friend” President Putin. Image Phil Brown - The lines are back to visit NYC;s Empire State Building.

Graeme Kemlo took the opportunity to check in with another of our contacts, this time in Sao Paulo where Fabiolla Loureiro is a professional photographer. But you might also know that Brazil’s President Bolsonaro was disdainful of COVID, called it a little flu, but Brazil is third on the list behind USA and India. The Pandemic infected more than 30 million of his citizens over the past two years, killing more than 660,000 of them. Fabiolla reports that vaccinations have stemmed the virus so Sao Paulo is returning to normal, and she is falling in love with her city again. Fabiolla's images can be found at www.fabiollaloureiro.com

There are many people who know the city of Melbourne, many who can share its secrets. And there are two men who know them all - the general manager of the Sofitel in Melbourne, who is now the longest running hotel general manager in the city, and the guest relations manager, Terence Murphy, who has been in his job for decades. The two of them got together - anonymously, because they didn't want the show to be about them, or specifically their hotel - to create podcast. In each, they interview someone about - well, about life in Melbourne and elsewhere. Their podcast, a bit to their surprise, is rating highly. We're not surprised.

Here's what is up on Travel Writers Radio this week. TWR is brought to you by the members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. We'd love to hear from you if you have a story to tell or a comment to make, just email: info@travelwritersradiocom

Lonely Planet, the travel publisher founded by Tony and Maureen Wheeler here in Australia has been sold to foreign owners more than once, but as a guide to the destinations and peoples of far flung parts of the world it is still an invaluable guide, written by professional journalists. Most years , the past two excepted, they come out with a top 100 list of places to visit in Australia and of the 100 a place in the Top 20 is eagerly anticipated. Journalist Belinda Jackson talks with Graeme Kemlo about this year’s list released this week by the publisher.

Passover begins on Friday night. Good Friday is on Friday, and Easter Day is on Sunday. There are other dates, other celebrations, other festivals, mostly related to the spring. Melbourne is enjoying autumn, but we still mark these important spring festivals. Rita Erlich considers their origins, and their foods.

Our Bali correspondent, Suzanne Hart caught up with Graeme Kemlo at the recent AIME event in Melbourne where she told him that she was returning to live in Bali. But despite having been COVID-vaccinated five times in the past year, she scaught COVID two weeks ago. Suzanne explains her return to Bali and has some valuable tips for travel in a post-COVID world.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio tonight.

We continue to take a keen interest in the Russian invasion of Ukraine through our reporter Bridgett Leslie in Sydney who has maintained contact, particularly with Ukrainian journalist Maria Pysarenko. Maria who has remained in her hometown of Kyiv through all the shelling tells Bridgett there is both good and bad news on day 39 of the conflict. ...Since Bridgett Leslie recorded that interview there has been a massacre of Ukrainian civilians by Russia’s army at Bucha, creating international headlines and suggestions that this may constitute a war crime.

Helmut Newton was a master of photography, in strong demand from the magazine editors and fashion houses of France, but he honed his skill as a phjotographer here in Melbourne. And it is the Melbourne connection that is the subject of our next story as Graeme Kemlo speaks to curator Cathy Prior of the Jewish Museum of Australia about their upcoming exhibition of 200 pieces of Newton;s sometimes erotic, often provocative photographic imagery. Image: Helmut Newton in Melbourne photographed by his wife June (AKA Alice Springs)

Rita Erlich has been down on the Mornington Peninsula where she found an interesting story about a former merchant seaman who has turned to distilling rum rather than just drinking it as part of the job. James McPherson is the name behind Jimmy Rum, based at Dromana from which he produces a range of cane spirit and rum aged in a variety of special barrels.

Journalist Belinda Jackson loves a hike and was excited to try out the new trails in Victoria's Gariwerd/Grampians , about three and a half hours west of Melbourne. Belinda opted for a four-day hike, but tells Graeme Kemlo there are a range of walks from as little as a one hour stroll to a full 13-day through hike with camping or cabin accommodation en route.

Reporter Adelaine Ng speaks with the CEO of Talk2Media, organisers of the successful AIME 2022 held in Melbourne and the first business event to feature international attendees after Australia's international borders reopened.

It’s anchors aweigh as the Australian Government’s cruise ban finally lifts on April 17 after a two-year suspension following the worldwide pandemic. One of the first cruise ships to return to service in local waters will be Pacific Explorer, the flagship of P&O Cruises Australia, which sails into Sydney Harbour after many months off the coast of Cyprus. Spokesperson for P&O Australia, David Jones, tells reporter Veronica Matheson that Pacific Explorer had a great send-off from Cyprus.

Graeme and Rita chat about a glamorous soiree she attended at Hotel InterContinental Sorrento and the contrast half a world away where man's inhumanity to man, woman and child is on full display.

And Graeme also speaks with his boss, the Editor of micenet magazine, which covers the business events market across the region. Bronwen Largier talks about the response from attendees many of whom may not have seen each othetr in almost two years until this gathering at AIME in Melbourne

Peter King And Melissa Sweetland Of Melbourne Conventi0n And Exhibition Centre At AIME -Graeme Kemlo by Travel Writers Radio podcast produced by the Professional Associatioon of Lifestyle and TravelWriters (PALAT)

You have no doubt come across the terms Cancel Culture and The Great Resignation – both social phenomena that are said to threaten the employee/employer relationship post COVID. Reporter Adelaine Ng decided to see if this really was “a thing” and she spoke to Workplace consultant, speaker and author, Rachel Service to get some answers. To hear the full interview search for Adelaine Ng's podcast - Upon Arrival

Rita Erlich s[peaks with distiller Rebecca Marson about producing rum and spirits in ghe heart of Margaret River wine country

Here is what is coming up on theshow this week

Russian born, Jew Michael Elgort, subtitled in English one of Vladimir Putin’s speeches recently that garnered over 8.3 million views. His aim? To demonstrate what he calls "Putin’s facism". Michael, a lawyer, lived in Eastern Ukraine until the Crimean annexation when he moved to Israel and later to Ukraine,. But he still has family in Odessa, and he helped some of them to move to the Czech Republic,. He spoke to Bridgett Leslie in Sydney about his aim to help people understand the truth about Putin’s war in Ukraine

Our Sydney correspondent Bridgett Leslie spoke to her Ukrainian contact, journalist Maria Pysarenko on Day 21 of the Russian invasion. Maria was under curfew at home. In a twist to the story , Maria says some Russians had apparently stolen Ukrainian Police cars and Ambulances in which to infiltrate Kyiv. so legitimate emergency officials were now wearing "coloured Scotch tape" around their right hands to identify real police and paramidics from the fakes..

In this hour we also have a story about success born of the infamous Melbourne pandemic lockdown. In this case co-host Belinda Jackson teamed up with her next door neighbour, Jude van Daalen who happens to be a photographer and they produced a book that chronicles life locked down in the suburbs,. It is titled, very appropriately, Together Apart. More information: lockdownstories.com.au

Rita Erlich ‘s report on the latest innovative exhibition at Bendigo Gallery which has gone beyond the traditional artwork hung on white walls and this month opens a unique Elvis exhibition negotiated and curated assembled directly with Graceland – it is predicted to be their biggest ever event.. and it even includes Elvis’s car. Photo: Lauren Ellis

Here’s a story of success in the face of the COVID lockdown. Geelong Travel Agent Stuart Coffield mortgaged his house to pay half a million dollars to secure legendary train, The Ghan and bring it to Geelong next month – the first time it has run out of South Australia or Northern Territotr. So a luxury two night trip becomes a unique three night trip on The Ghan from Geelong to Adelaide to Darwin…Stuart’s gamble has paid off with two exclusive trips for 2022 sold out in seven days. Graeme Kemlo speaks with the man who dreamed big, Stuart Coffield who also reveals his plans for 2023. Photo: Platinum Suite on The Ghabn. More information: www.aussietrains.com.au

Rita Erlich who was co0editor of The Age Good Food Guide, food critic and culinary book author has a story about eggs – rainbow eggs to be exact. She spoke to Josh Murray who started a small ethical egg business Rainbow Eggs – with 40 hens of different varieties , producing different coloured eggs, which Josh sold direct at farmer’s markets, then direct to supermarkets. !2 years later is is a booming ethical egg producer as they explained to Rita.

Fiona Harper is a Queensland based reporter who has spoken to us from up there, from Fiji and from the Solomon Islands – all destinations related to the sea. Fiona’s rich experience living by the water and sailing its oceans has now been put into a book for boaties. She tells Graeme Kemlo about her Boating Guide for New South Wales and what other titles are to follow.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week. The show is hosted by journalists Graeme Kemlo and Belinda Jackson and is produced and presented by PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle And Travel Writers. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Ukrainian journalist Maria Pysarenko continues to sdtay in central Kyiv where she lives and works to help volunteer fighters get vital equipment. And despite suggestions she should move to a safer place Maria. a former TV journalist continues to report for us through Bridgett Leslie in Sydney. Photo: Maria Pysarenko

Fnishing off the show tonight on an upbeat note we bring you the story of awell known Hawaiian Chef, Tylun Pang who noticed a young culinary college trainee on Maui a few years back and he mentored him. Well that young man m Jonathan Pasion went on to work overseas – his last job was at Park Hyatt Auckland - but he has come home to Maui and not only has he taken over Chef Pang’s famous restaurant Ko, but he is mentoring other young chefs at the luxury Fairmont Kea Lani. Hawaii-born reporter Michelle Winner and Graeme Kemlo teamed up to nterview the two chefs last week.

Recently we welcomed a new voice to Travel Writers Radio in Melbourne, journalist Belinda Jackson. one of the first Australian journalists to visit Saudi Arabia where she did spend Midnight At The Oasis in a luxury resort near an ancient trade routes. She tells Graeme Kemlo what to expect from the unique experience that is now available to single women travellers. But did she ”kick up a little dust” as the song goes? Image: Belinda Jackson

When Tony Wildman decided to take a gap year a few years ago with his partner Robert, the plan was to spend time travelling in Italy, but not too much. Then one year became two, and then two and a bit longer, and they travelled across Italy, staying for a week, a month, a few months in every place. He wrote two historical novels in that time - and now comes the third book, an account of their travels in Italy. It's called Two Gents in Italy, and he tells Rita Erlich about i

Our reporter Bridgett Leslie has maintained contact with 23 year-old journalist, Maria Pysarenko who has chosen to remain in the centre of Kyiv despite the advance of Russian troops and tanks. Maria sent |Bridgett this image from downtown, and while it ks less than polite, given the context of the invasion we think it is @Worth1000Words

One of our regular contributors is editorial photographer Ewen Bell who usually takes people on photography tours, but has changed his focus so to speak, to concentrate on slow travel; something that clearly resonates with his audience who have eagerly taken up places on his next journey this month to Bhutan and the Himalayas. Image: Ewen Bell Nepal Annapurnas Tiri Walk

Reporter Adelaine Ng speaks with Geoff Donaghy CEO of Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC) about leadership and its particular importance in tough times such as the business tourism industry has endured over the past two years.

Here's What's Coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week.

Ukrainian journalist Maria Pysarenko has reported for us from central Kyiv during the Russian invasion. As the column of Russian troops and tanks continue their advance towards the capital Maria chooses to remain, to fight and to use the :soft power: of women to m,ake a difference. She recorded this message for International Womens Day.

Our reporter Bridgett Leslie speaks again on the 8th day of the war on Ukraine with 23 year-old journalist, Maria Pysarenko who lives and works in the capital city, Kyiv. Maria explains the attitude of Ukrainianms defiant in the face of a increasing barrage from Russian troops assembled outside the city.. She described one large blast at 10 pm local time as a "heat and destroy missile". Akthough she could take up arms Maria prefers to right the Russians with her words not a weapon.

HeadBox wants to reinvent global events industry with technology Fortune favours the brave they say, and in the case of new event technology company, HeadBox the decision not to launch in Victoria last year during COVID, proved correct. Rather than trying to win business in a locked down environment, CEO of HeadBox Australia, Ali Lord (pictured) chose to launch in Sydney first and says she has demonstrated cost savings of up to 20 percent on annual event spends, or about eight hours per event. More information: www.headbox.com/au

Iconic buildings in Australia reflect global solidarity with Ukraine.

With invading Russian troops less than four kilometres from the centre of Kiev, 23 year-old Ukrainian freelance journalist, Maria Pysarenko speaks exclusively with our Sydney reporter Bridgett Leslie on life under attack in Kyiv

We welcome a new voice to Travel Writers Radio in Melbourne, journalist Belinda Jackson. She is just back from Saudi Arabia, one of the first Australian journalists to visit the country under more relaxed visaregulations, which are designed to capture the tourist dollar just as other Middle East destinations, such as Dubai, enjoy. Belinda talks to Graeme Kemlo about ancient cities, camels and the changing face of the Arabian Peninsula. Image: Sunrise in AlUla To read Belinda's full story: https://www.traveller.com.au/middle-east-travel-guide-to-the-arabian-peninsula-why-dubai-abu-dhabi-qatar-and-other-destinations-are-worth-more-than-a-stopover-h21jr9

Worth1000Words - Welcome to Tahiti

Here’s the warm welcome Australians can look forward to in Tahiti. Access to the polynesian islands from Australia has been difficult because the shortest route is through New Zealand and with the Kiwi borders closed you had to fly via Hawaii or LosAngeles. But it all changes from early July. We reckon it is definitely #Worth1000Words

Worth1000Words Heart Reef, Happy Valentine’s

It ios both a Valebtines Day wish and a tourist destination known globally. Heart Reef is part of the Great Barrier Reef, and more specifically, The Whuitsundays. It is a naturally occurring coral formation that was only discpvered from the air by a pilot in 1975. Now it is an international symbol of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and from Travel Writers Radio we wish listeners a Happy Valentines. Believe us you’ll love the reef and our borders are open from next Monday, so come on down, it’s definitely @Worth 1000Words Image: Tourism Whitsundays

Our hashtag Worth 1000 words this week is a sight for sore|Aussie expat eyes …wherever they are in the world an Australians are prone to get a bit homesick at the sight of the flowing gum, and they are in full bloom downunder now.

Nothing to do with vermin...reporter Veronica Matheson found this sign of the times in Australia where Rapid Antigen Test kits are in short su[pply despite the government issuing millions around the states.

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, windiest and highest continent on earth and recently our Sydney reporter, travel editor, Helen Hayes got to experience a flight over Antarctica with Chimu Adventures. On board the Qantas Dreamliner she met Antarctic expert Narelle Campbell from the Australian Antarctic Division

They are calling it a crisis in the hotel industry in Australia and it is a product of the COVID pandemic in Australia – our largest hotels in our two largest cities – Sydney and Melbourne are forced to limit their available rooms because of asevere staff shortages It began when Australia closed its borders in 2020 and tens of thousands of international students flew back home, leaving their jobs as housekeeprs, porters, waiters and kitchen hands. And now with the Omicron virus hitting Australia, remaining hotel staff are being forced to isolate whether they have the virus or are close contacts of someone with it. The Australian government has agreed to fly 200,000 international students into the country to study and also fill the part-time hotel jobs. This has been urgently advocated by industry body, Tourism Accommodation Australia, but when will the students arrive . Graeme Kemlo spoke to CEO, Michael Johnson about the extent of the problem across the country which still has some states locked down to non-residents.

Echoes of the attack on America’s Capitol building in Washington DC in January, were felt in Canberra after protesters set fire to Australia’s Old Parliament House building. News reports flashed around Australia and overseas on Thursday December 30 as the entrance to the building, now the Museum of Australian Democvracy, erupted in flames.

Michelle Winner is a founding member and a life member of the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Although she currently lives in Oregon state, Michelle was born and raised in the Hawaiian culture and grew up paddling outrigger canoes, surfing and dancing hula. She is currently studying the Hawaiian language. Michelle has recently filed a number of stories voicing concern about visitors to the Hawaiian islands displaying inconsiderate behaviour towards local residents, to the native Hawaiian culture, and also to the wildlife and the environment. While Tourism has been a critical part of the 50th State’s economy Michelle wonders whether there may need to be some limit to prevent over-tourism. She speaks to Graeme Kemlo about the issue and a focus on culture and corporate social responsibility by move by Fairmont Kea Lani on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Included in this report is a statement from Alexis Eaton of Fairmont Kea Lani, which is supporting the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project to ensure birds like the I'iwi (pictured) have a future.

The team enjoy a well earned rest but some of us are wondering about our need for a booster shot of COVID vaccine...and then along comes an autobiography of Sir William Connolly CBE with just the right amount of serious belly laughs to take your mind off matters of punlic health and politics.

Are you a budding author, do you have a story inside you that you are busting to get out? Then you will find the next item interesting. Last week we spoke to Jacquelyn Armour in Glasgowabout her travels to 90 countries. She does not regard herself as a writer, but she completed and published a book in less than a year and she has offered to share her Top 10 tips to help inspire any writers among you to get started, keep on track, complete and then get your story published. More: www,followyourjoy.uk Photo: Jacquelyn Armour at her yellow desk

Graeme Kemlo speaks with Robert Pennicott who spent nine years developing specific vessels to take passengers into Victoria’s first marine national park off Wilsons Promontory where you are not allowed to build boat ramps or jetties…so Robert developed a 30 passenger vessel that also amphibious and can drive down the beach and out to sea to experience some unique rock formations and abundant wildlife. But no sooner had he launched it in September 2019 than bush-fires and then COVID effectively shut him down.

In the past couple of years, hotels and restaurants have gone through many challenges. For Balgownie Estate, in the Yarra Valley, there was a particular challenge - a fire pretty well razed the place. It has since been rebuilt, and sits handsomely in the Yarra Valley. Rita Erlich went to the night of its reopening, and spoke to the managing director, Laurence Tang, and hotel general manager Mel Watson. They talked about what they consider to be the most important resource of the property.

Carlena Davis is a Mom and a Food Bloger in Washington, DC . She started her Food Blog, Spilling the Sweet Tea in July of 2017. Born a Southern girl she wanted to “Spill the Sweet Tea” on how to make great southern dishes but also share some quick 30 minute meals for busy working moms. Carlena is the author of two books, including a children’s book. She released her children’s book titled “The ABC’s of Cooking in Maya’s World ilast ASugust. She spoke to Bridgett Leslie.

Inspired by the real-life story of Norway’s first female trapper Wanny Woldstad on the remote archipelago of Svalbard, Tasmania Robyn Mundy has written a gripping new novel about survival in winter in the frigid darkness of the polar night where polar bears and Arctic fox roam. The book, Cold Coast, comes after Robyn spent two decades as a ship-based tour guide in Arctic regions, and she tells reporter Veronica Matheson she has always been captivated by wild places.

Here;s what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. For more information email us: info@travelwritersradio.com

We would like to thank you for listening and wish all our listeners a peaceful and safe holiday season and a prosperous 2022.

Over recent years more than 1800 American newspapers have closed or merged and the story is similar here in Australia with News Limited alone shuttering 100 print titles. And the scenario is no different if you happen to work in paradise, as does Robert Collias is a 30 year veteran reporter on tne Maui News, printed six days a week in Hqwaii. Graeme Kemlo, who began his newspaper career 50 years ago speaks to Robert about his work, his life on Maui – often ranked the world’s best island – over-tourism and the impact of COVID.

Our US correspondent, Kristin Henning has an s interview with Jorge Acero of Zaragoza, Spain, discussing the cuisine of the Aragon region, Jorge’s food tours and cooking classes, and the local agriculture, produce and wines. Plus, discover the recipe for Spain's famous tortilla Española, potato omelet. More information: www.travelpast50.com Photo: Kristin Henning

Many of us have considered a sea or tree change to escape the city. Journalist Helen Hayes speaks to a Sydney couple, Grant and Jenny Forsdick who took the plunge, purchasing a farm on the Sapphire Coast. They created three stunning glamping tents on the idyllic farm, overlooking the Towamba River.

Eating local? Some areas are better than others, as Rita Erlich found out. She recently spend a couple of days touring the Mornington Peninsula with a group of chefs, and found that eating and drinking local is a rewarding pastime. A tableful of Mornington Peninsula produce takes in fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and truffles, olive oil, vinegar, wine, beer, gin and rum, cheese, beef, chicken, even vegan cheese. Photo: Rita Erlich - when the sky meets the sea at Sorrento

We received an email from a listener in Glasgow recently. Jacquelyn Armour had visited 90 countries and had written a book titles Follow Your Joy. We thought it was a good book, a different travel book with a take-away idea at the end of every chapter, so Graeme Kemlo got Jacquelyn on the line from Scotland and she was up for a chat, but even Graeme was initially taken aback when she mentioned her number one bucket list destination. Jacquelyn's book, Follow Your Joy is available from Amazon. More information: followyourjoy.uk

As a 9-year-old boy living in South Africa, Richard Asher saw a picture of an Aussie road train in a glossy magazine and saw his future. He decided that when he grew up, he would become a truckie in Outback Australia. But he wouldn't drive any old truck - it had to be a road train. And so began a dream ... an obsession, really ... and the start of a very long journey. Richard tells his story in The Road to Innamincka and explain s how he got there to pourreporter Carolyne Jasinski.

Here's what's on Travel Writers Radio for this week of December 8, 2021. The show is brought to you by the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. For more information email us: info@travelwritersradio.com

Behind the quietly spoken voice of Racquel Moses is a fierce determination not to wait for the world’s richest nations to bail out her group of 28 Caribbean nations. Racquel is CEO of the Caribbean Climate-Smaert Accelerator, which is now working with private industry to mitigate the imminent ravages of climate change and the harsh reality of climate refugees among her low-lying nations. Speaking after attending Glasgow COP26 she told Graeme Kemlo the extent of the physical threat they faced and how they were working to save themselves despite all the promises made by governments but not yet delivered. .. More information /www.caribbeanaccelerator.org

Returning to Kangaroo Island, and not for the first time since the summer 2019 bushfires, Carolyne Jasinski speaks with Fiona Jaygo from Western KI Caravan Park. She and husband Mark lost their house, office and a few cabins but are open again.They have been open for months but word has not got around yet - people don't think there is anywhere to stay on the western end of the island. She talks about the fires, how they coped, what they lost, the effect on the whole island and what you can see and do in the western end of KI.

Graeme Kemlo’s chat with Dr Norman Swan continues in the next hour as he talks about the current situation iin Australia for the COVID-19 pandemic. Norman's book, So You Think You Know What;s Wrong With You is deliberately

Dr Norman Swan is a household name in Australia as a 0hysician and journalist who featureres regularly on the ABC Health Report and Coronacast, a podcast about COVID. But as an antidote to COVID he spent the latter half pf 2020 writing a very different jealth book to get away from COVID on which he has been almost a daily commentator. His tells Graeme Kemlo about his unhealthy early life in Glasgow and his new book, So You Think You Know What's Wrong With You.

There are many places that sell tea. But very few specialise in tea and tea service, and offer the opportunity to learn about tea while tasting it. Yugen is Melbourne's latest tea room, in a complex in South Yarra that includes a fine restaurant. There are 40 or so different teas, and exquisite cakes to accompany them. The person in charge, the tea master, if you like, is Thibaut Chuzeville. Rita Erlich spoke to him.

Graeme Kemlo explains why the show has not been on the air for the past two weeks and with Rita Erlich he talks about the highlights of this week's show. For more information about our show or PALAT, please email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Everyone's talking about mental health now. Having a conversation is one thing, living with issues is quite another. Rita Erlich talks to Annabet Ousback, author of Red Herrings for Breakfast, a wonderfully written book about unhappy families and unhappy children. Her brother Anders was one of the bright lights in the Sydney food and wine scene, she was a talented children's clothing designer. And she was the one who overcame the legacy of an unhappy family. Red Herrings for Breakfast published by Bad Apple Press is available in bookshops now.

Why has amateur astronomy grown in popularity during the COVID crisis – you may well ask. During COVID there have been clearer skies from industry shutdowns, no planes scorching the skies, so the interest in astronomy and hobby telescope sales have burgeoned – Graeme Kemlo speaks with Australia’s so-called Astronomer At Large, Fred Watson who has a wonderful sense of humour. His book Space Warp for children 10 years and over has just been published by New South Books. Image: supplied.

We reckon Carolyne's image of street art with a high tech twist in Darwin is definitely @Worth1000Words

Bridgett Leslie speaks with UK-based food blogger Amit Sangekar: about Divali the festival of light which is celebrated worldwide by members of the Indian diaspora

Over the past few weeks, Carolyne Jasinski has talked about her time on The Ghan - Australia's epic rail journey that crosses the length of the country from Darwin to Adelaide. We learned what it is like to travel on board, what to expect in your cabin and the fabulous dining experiences. She has also detailed the off-train excursions like cruising up Katherine Gorge, hiking to Simpson's Gap in Alice Springs and going underground at Coober Pedy. Now Carolyne finds out what it's like to live and work on the train. She chats with Bruce Smith Service Operations Manager who has been on board these cross-country journeys for 25 years.

Celebrating our 300th Episode with more stories on food, wine, travel and lifestyle. Big thank you to all our reporters and the thousands of people who have graciously given us time to tell their stories over the past 7+ years. That's a rustic low carb Keto Chocolate cake, in case you were wondering, courtesy of Graeme Kemlo's wife, Lila. Again, thanks for listening

Bruce Peterson who founded the LUME digital art gallery explains how his three young children were his inspiration to create an immersive gallery on a grand scale. And now on permanent exhibition at |MCEC you can clearly see the artist Vincent Van Gogh's brushstrokes as the experience touches all your senses. It is art as you never imagined it and the kids will love it.

Graeme Kemlo has just attended the opening of a permanent exhibition called LUME at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre which featured 11metre high fully immersive digital art gallery of work by Vincent Van Gogh. Graeme speaks to the MCEC Chief Executive Peter King and the founder and then to owner of Grandé Experiences and The Lume, Bruce Peterson. Photo of Peter King in Van Gogh's bedroom at MCEC -by Graeme Kemlo

As COVID gripped the world Emma Shaw and her husband Thom set off in a vintage caravan from Melbourne to do a big lap of Australia, often dodging border closures in States and Territories and covering many thousands of kilometres. Along the way their vintage caravan became a regular conversation starter with travellers they met along the road. Reporter Veronica Matheson talked to Emma about the trip which turned into a book called Ultimate Weekends Australia

Rita Erlich has a story on Glasgow which of course is in world focus now as hosts of the summit on climate change. This is a city that has endured a tough reputation, but Rita is delighted by its many virtues Photo Rita Erlich captures St Mungo street art in Glasgow

Carolyne Jasinski takes us on a gourmet food tour of Darwin and she comes away surprised and excited about the people in hospitality and the quality of the food on offer in the Northern Territory’s capital city.Photyo: Aaron the Gourmet Food tour guide

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week. TWR is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

The southern end of Mornington Peninsula is one of Melbourne’s summer playgrounds and the Conti Hotel at Sorrento is a popular destination, but it is currently undergoing a complete renovation at a cost of about $200 million and Melbourne chef, Scott Picken is involved. He and his team will run food and beverage for what will be a range of casual and fine dining and event spaces, bars, a nightclub, bars and the 5-starInterContinental hotel. Scott spoke to Rita Erlich about what he says is his biggest project ever.

Carolyne Jasinski last week talked to fellow passengers and train staff on board The Ghan, Australia’s trans-continental luxury train between Darwin and Adelaide. This week she’s back with her suggestions for off-train excursions, experiences she reckons you should not miss in the Australian outback as the train stops at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy

Melbourne’s Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of our closest and most popular regional destinations for Melburnians. Now that we in the city are free to mingle beyond our 15 kilometre limit, these are great places to go – like the lungs of a metropolis of five million people. Graeme Kemlo spoke with Brook Powell, Marketing and PR Manager for the region about the impact of COVID and what has changed for visitors and for tourism operators

Our reporter Carolyne Jasinsk sent us a great [photo that’s #Worth1000Words taken on board The Ghan as she woke to a beautiful sunrise on the run down from Darwin to Adelaide.

Bridgett Leslie finds a chef from Bahrain who has moves to Syria and is learning not only the local language and customs but she is working to make local recipes into her adopted vegan cooking tradition and posting recipes on Instagram

Here's what is coming up tonight on Travel Writers Radio. The show is produced and presented fop you each week by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com or connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook. And thanks for listening...

Carolyne Jasinski certainly gets around and lately she has travelled more than almost any other reporter because she lives in the relatively COVID-free state of South Australia. This week Carolyne the rides the rails from Darwin to Adelaide on The Ghan and collects a few interviews during her four-day journey.

The food bowl of Victoria, based around Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley, which was the first regional area to be locked down in Victoria. Graeme Kemlo speaks with Anthony Nicolaci of Greater Shepparton City Council who says that lockdown put more than 20,000 people into isolation or quarantine, which in turn caused food shortages and staff shortages that even forced the local McDonald’s to shut at 6pm.. Photo: Shepparton's new $30m Art Museum (SAM)

Rita Erlich had a revealing chat this week with French-born Melbourne chef, Philippe Mouchel about the challenges of trying to run a restaurant and keep staff on during a pandemic.

Suzanne Hart back from Bali and currently living in Perth talks to Graeme Kemlo about her work on incentive travel and luxury experiences for American companies who sent top achievers on trips to Bali – will this change after COVID?

Carolyne Jasinski has toured the major wine regions of South Australia, finding plenty to report on around the Coonawarra, which is halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide. This is the final part of the best things to see, taste and experience in the land of the Terra Rosa.

Here is what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week brought to you by the members of PALAT, the Professional Association Of Lifestyle And Travel Writers. You can subscribe to us here on SoundCloud or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Linked In - just search for Travelwritersradio. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio,com

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Cerntre (MCEC) has been hosting hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations in place of meeting delegates and conventioneers, but CEO Peter King believes the Centre will open sooner and with larger capacity than initially announced. He spoke to Graeme Kemlo this week

Our Bali/Perth correspondent Suzanne Hart worked extensively with American companies in Bali to facilitate incentive programs that rewarded and recognised their top achievers. We asked Suzanne for her perspective on this high yield segment of the business events industry and whether it would change post-COVID

Granada in the West Indies is known for cricket, rum and chocolate. And Magdalena Fielden of the House of Chocolate is the founder of the Caribbean island’s popular annual chocolate festival. She is also and is also the Honorary Consul of Mexico, another chocolate loving country as she explains to Bridgett Leslie.

Carolyne Jasinski continues her personal guided tour of Adelaide’s wine regions. Tonight is the second part of Carolyne’s visit to The Coonawarra, home of the Terra Rossa soil, critical to successfully developing the region’s renowned cabernet fruit that becomes cabernet sauvignon in the bottle. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski and the Coonmawarra;s unique Terra Rossa soil over limestone.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Our studios are in Melbourne Australia, but our audience is worldwide and we thank you for listening. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Our Adelaide PALAT member, food and travel writer Dianne Mattsson, is a good cook and has turned her hand to helping those with special dietary requirements due to allergies or life-affecting intolerances. What it means is she’s often limited to less than 20 ingredients to produce a week’s worth of food that she produces to meet the needs of those whose dietary restrictions can mean no herbs, spices, onions and garlic. And in the process she has learned that some restaurants and venues are finding the growing list dietary requirements too difficult so they no longer offer it. Dianne explains to Graeme Kemlo

Suzanne Hart, our Bali correspondent left the Indonesian holiday island when there were more than 1700 infections a day and doctors and nurses double vaccinated were sdying of COVID-19. Now back in Wesdtern Australia she sees Melbourne’s infectious cases at record levels as Bali has dropped below 200 a day. Photo Suzanne Hart in the wildflower season iof Western Australia.

How has food in Australia changed? How far back do we want to go to answer that question? Rita Erlich spoke to Paul van Reyk, author of a history of food in Australia called True to the Land.

The issue of climate change is not only for adults. Our decisions today will affect our children and grand-children and they are starting to ask about the wildfires that affected our summer of 2020 and why they are seeing these changes in the weather, more storms, unseasonal events…Well author Polly Marsden first joined with illustrator Chris Nixon to produce a book for children on the devastating bush fires and now they are paired again in The Climate Change Book. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Chris Nixon about how he communicates the message to reassure children and to give them a part to play in this global issue. . The Australian Climate Change Book - Be Informed and Make a Difference is published by Lothian.

Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week - October 6, 2021. You can contact us via email: info( at) travelwritersradio.com

With ongoing protests and arrests in Melbourne's CBD against lockdowns, compulsory COVID-19 vaccination for some workers, Victoria Police were in force at the popular meeting place under the closks. In this image it is Police 8, Public 2. A photo that's #Worth1000Words -by Graeme Kemlo

We have all heard of coral bleaching and the threat it poses to one of the seven great wonders of the natural world – our Great Barrier Reef. Well research on Lord Howe Island may help to alleviate the issue, particularly for the more vulnerable soft corals. Graeme Kemlo speaks with PhD candidate Rosie Steinberg about the implications of her research.

Our reporter Carolyne Jasinski is just back from Darwin in the Northern Territory and reports on all the fabulous things one can do in a weekend – without getting eaten by a crocodile. Photo by Carolyne Jasinski - Sweetheart the stuffed croc, Where to stay: The only stuff we didn't cover was where to stay ...

If you're driving an RV - The closest park to town is Discovery Parks Darwin. It’s on a direct bus loop to tourist hotspots. Darwin Free Spirit caravan park has family fun sorted with three pools, a jumping pillow and live entertainment. If you need a hotel - A few hotel options - the Vibe at the Waterfront and Oaks Elan has fully self-contained apartments in the city.

More information about Darwin: www.northernterritory.com

Rita Erlich talks to musician Laura Vaughan, who plays the viola da gamba. Laura talks about the attraction of the cello-like instrument, and the concert she and harpsichordist Donald Nicolson will be giving on October 7. That will be live-streamed, and Rita has a part to play. For information go to: melbournedigitalconcerthall.com

Sandra Lindsay a New York based registered nurse, received the first Covid-19 vaccine in the U.S. She is director of nursing for the critical care division at her facility. She was also awarded the "Outstanding American by Choice" award from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which recognizes naturalized citizens who have made "significant contributions to our country," yet she tells Bridgett Leslie had no idea before she lined up for her vaccination that she would make history.

Graeme Kmlo and co-host Rita Erlich share what's coming up on our show this week - September 29 2021. If you would like to get on contact: info (at) travelwritersradio.com

Rita Erlich reviews two books she has just finished reading during Melbourne's enduring lockdowns. The Lost Cafe Schindler and The Warsaw Orphan

Victoria’s second city Geelong is an important part of our tourism scene,. Nut just for the port city itself and surrounding regions, including the Bellarine wineries, but as it is the gateway to the State’s most popular international attraction – The Great Ocean Road. We speak to the Executive Director of Tourism Greater Geelong and Bellarine, Btrett Ince about the impact of the pandemic on tourism.

We reckon Carolyne Jasinski's image is #Worth1000Words

Melbourne journalist Tim Richards loves riding the rails, in fact he would probably not be offended if we referred to him as a bit of a train spotter…maybe even a train squatter. And he has now written a book about his rail journeys: Heading South: Far North Queensland to Western Australia by Rail - More information: www.iwriter.com.au

Despite a 5.9 earthquake in Melbourne today. which shook us up a little since they are very rare events, we have a show for you tonight and we're all OK. TWR is produced and presented by PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Thanks for listening.

New York correspondent captures this image in lower Manhattan during the 9/11 remembrance. It is @Worth1---Words.

We hear from an Australian expat, Suzanne Hart who tells us her story about living in Bali, fully vaccinated with Chinese Sinmovac. But rshe became aware that doctors and nurses also fully vaccinated with the same Sinovac were dying of COVID,. Suxanne felt very unnerved and felt she had to come home, getting a last minute seat on the first repatriation flight to Darwin, then quarantine, before flying home to family in Perth. She explained to Graeme Kemlo. Photo: Suzanne loves to surf

Reporter At Large, Carolyne Jasinski has been away on one of the great w in South Australia in the Deep Creek conservation area with Life's An Adventure. She describes it as Nature by day … Nurture by Night - a perfect mix of being immersed in nature during the day then being immersed in a hot tub at night glass of bubbly in hand. Photo Carolyne treks along Waitpinga Cliffs

Bridgett Leslie speaks with Meisha Trim, 2nd generation owner of Tobago Islands heritage restaurant Miss Trim’s Foods. Meisha has taken on the challenge and privilege of leading her Mother’s restaurant into the next phase of growth. With a 40 year culinary journey to honour, she talks history, pivoting and pandemic challenges. Photo Meisha Trim

Our man in New York, Aussie expat Phil Brown reports from the Big Apple on the 20th anniversary of September 11 and updates us also on the pandemic and politics of the place. Photo Phil Brown

Hosts Graeme Kemlo and Carolyne Jasinski with the details of what's cvoming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week. It includes a report from our New York correspondent Phil Brown on the 9/11 remembrance and the COVID situation in Manhattan , i

Finally tonight an important and very relevant story about Australia;s migration history. Graeme Kemlo, that’s me, speaks to Associate Professor Ruth Balint about people smugglers who are considered by many the ;pariahs of the earth. In a book she wrote with another Associate Professor Julie Kalman they want to rethink how we look at people smuggling, whether it is Jews being helped to escape the Holocaust, those who fled Vietnam and more recent arrivals here from the Middle East. The book also reveals that Australian Government files from its ASIO spy agency in early 1950 detailed communications intercepts between Vienna,Paris and Sydney, something described as a Jewish racket in iillegal immigration to Australia. Smuggles is published by New South Books. Image supplied - Ruth Balint

Graeme Kemlo speaks with one of the few female hot air balloon pilots in Australia, 24 year-old Georgia Croft who flies out of Mansfield up in the beautiful north-east of Victoria. More information: www.globalballooning.com

The third in our series where Adelaide-based reporter Carolyne Jasinski in takes you on her personal guided tour of some of the country’s best wine regions – this week she in in The Coonawarrra famous for iots cabernet wines and for the Terra Rossa – the iconic red dirt sitting on top of a layer of limestone. Image Carolyne Jasinski -- Coonawrra rail siding

Carolyne hJasinski as also sent a great photo this week for our @Worth1000Words segment, showing a typical cross section of the Terra Rosa that makes the Coonawarra wines so distinct. We reckon it is @Worth1000Words

Bridgett Leslie talks to the woman behind an artisan enterprise in Port-of-Spain Trinidad with its unique blend of cultures that stratch bck to the days of Christopher Columbus. Image supplied - Erica Simpson. More www.kuttageartisanboutique.com

Here is what's coming up on Travel Writers |Radio for this week of September 8, 2021. For more information about the show or the team at PALAT, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

If you would like to know more about the National Geographic cruise that Elizabeth Heath took with Lin Lindblad Expeditions, we present her interview with Expedition Leader Andy Wolff and Lindblad’s National Geographic-certified photography instructor, David Cothran. Elizabeth’s cruise was off the coast of Iceland, but Andy will also lead Lindblad's upcoming expedition cruises to the Antarctic. So if that is on your bucket list, you will enjoy hearing about the experiences available. Photos supplied: Andy Wolff (L) and David Cothran (R).

TWR host Graeme Kemlo speaks with reporterElizabeth Heath in Italy about freedom from COVID lockdown to travel with her family to Iceland aboard a small expedition ship from Lindblad Expeditions. She was in a COVID bubble on board the cruise, but how did she feel in transit to and from her first vacation in 18 months. Photo: Elizabeth and family in the ship's jacuzzi.

Bridgett Leslie secured a very newsworthy interview this week with a former ABC America newsman, sound engineer Abed Itani who first covered the Afghan conflict 20 years ago from his base in France. Bridgett gets his perspective on the latest developments as the US withdraws from Kabul, and the changing role of the Taliban in rebuilding the war-torn nation comprising so many diverse elements but a critical lack of infrastructure, as the world watches on.

The second in a series of reports from Adelaide-based reporter Carolyne Jasinski in which she takes you on her personal guided tour of some of the country’s best wine regions – they happen to be in South Australia. Tonight Carolyne tours The Barossa, which has won world renown for its fine wines. The big question is how much time have you got because there’s plenty to see, do, eat and drink. She speaks with Graeme Kemlo. Photo: Carolyne drinks her birth year in fortified wine at Seppeltsfield

We have a delightful image in our #Worth1000Words segment this week of nine year-old Naomi daughter of our US-born Italy-based reporter Elizabeth Heath. Naomi is holding a cute baby Puffin, known as a Puffling that’s just out of its nest and in accordance with Icelandic tradition children get to release them into the sea. We reckon that’s #Worth1000Words

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week - September 1 2021. Happy Spring or Fall to all our listeners in whichever hemisphere you happen to be.

Graeme Kemlo speaks with our regular wine expert, Tyson Stelzer who is also chief editor of Halliday’s Wine Companion, a highly regarded wine rating which has just released its 2020 award ratings. We learn about the best and the best value in the opinion of the experts. For more information on the latest wines and over 140,000 tasting notes, go to winecompanion.com.au

Worth1000Words - Graeme Kemlo

The MCG, Melbourne Cricket Ground is a sporting mecca here in Australia, whether for a five day test cricket match over summer or the traditional winter Aussie Rules football match. It hosted the 1956 Olympic Games and regularly hosts 100,000 spectators. Because Melbourne is under COVID lockdown and unlikely to be able to host the full house of spectators for the AFL Grand Final next month, there’s a bidding war from other States to take over the event. But did you know there is a second MCG in Melbourne. Here in Beaumaris the Melbourne Cricket Club which runs the MCG inv4sted more than $ 2 million to build a replica oval. It is the exact same size, oriented the same way, using the same grass and wicket surface as the original and it is maintained by the MCC, but it is 35 km south of the city at Beaumaris Secondary College an elite sports school with a waiting list to get in, There’s the MCC logo on its pavilion, plus a white picket fence, scoreboard, even overhead lights. It is just missing the massive grandstands. But we thought it was @Worth1000Words

If you have been following us over the past few weeks you would know that our Bali Correspondent, Suzanne Hart had been trying to get back to Australia in a repatriation flight because Bali, where she has lived vor the past five years, has unnerved her. Despite being twice vaccinated she did not feel safe from the Coronavirus because front line medical workers also twice vaccinated with a Chinese vaccine, have been dying from the virus. We talk to Suzanne from her quarantine room in Darwin following her sudden return last week.

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski takes listeners on a personal guided tour of South Australia's wine regions. This week she suggests you "head for the hills" where the climate brings out the best of both red and white wine styles. Sne spoke with Graeme Kemlo. Image: Carolyne at Gorge Wildlife Park in Adelaide Hills. For more of Carolyne's travel stories go to: carolynejasinski.wordpress,.com

Graeme Kemlo speaks with Dario Orsini the general manager of Perth’s newest luxury hotel, the Ritz Carlton at Elizabeth Quay – a glamorous property marking the return of this iconic global hotel brand to Australia. It was incredibly popular when it opened in November 2019, but within weeks had to adapt to a dramatically changing COVID landscape.

Reporter Adelaine Ng has the second part of her interview with Rachel Boardman a former UK representative swimmer who has turned her talents to coaching entrepreneurs on transforming their business through powerful storytelling

Here's the stories coming up on the show this week, brought to you by PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. If you are a professional journalist interested in storytelling on radio and want to know more about us send an email to info@travelwritersradio,com

Our Bali correspondent Suzanne Hart told us two weeks ago of her desire to return to Australia, having made the decision to retire in Bali in 2019, because of her fear of the worsening pandemic on the Indonesian holiday isle. Thisd morning her Instagram account showed a masked selfie holding a ticket on the government's repatriation Qantas flight from Bali to Darwin. We thought she had missed out on this flight because she missed out on the initial booking, however when she did not return messages early this week, we suspected she might have been getting her paperwork in order, getting an authorised COVID test and packing her house in Bali for the trip home to see family and friends. We hope to speak with Suzanne from the Howard Springs quarantine centre where she will be isolating for a compulsory 14 days. Definitely an image by Suzanne that;s #Wprth1000Words

Graeme Kemlo speaks with one of Australia’s most successful businessmen operating in the business events sector, Bill Wright who runs ID Events, which specialises in a significant export business for Australia. For 50 years his company has brought business tourists to Australia, generating multi-millions of export dollars. In March last year he had $50 million in signed contracts for the next one to three years, and yet since COVID he has earned almost no revenue and he needs help, but he is not being treated like other exporters, such as iron ore companies. Image: Oprah - The Ultimate Australian Adventure, a hugely successful business event organised in 2010 by ID Events

Bridgett Leslie discusses with Graeme Kemlo a list of online experiences to get you (and your kids) through the lockdown: - Live Penguin TV - (penguins.org.au/virtual/live-penguin-tv/Phillip Island - zoo tours online: Watch Our Animal Live Stream | WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo – Animals at Home (zoo.org.au) Live Cams | San Diego Zoo – (zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams) PANDA CAM!!!! - Japanaroo - Japanaroo2021 | Homestay in Japan (homestay-in-japan.com) - Class Bento classes - (classbento.com.au/live-classes-online) - Coking masterclasses - (delicious.com.au) - Olympian & Paralympian Online Experiences (airbnb.com.au) - Books and Bubbles (.hachette.com.au) Events –( Gleebooks.com.au) Yoga or Pilates online (Yoga With Adriene - YouTube)

The Summer Olympics may be over but while we've been cheering all the amazing accomplishments, have you ever wondered what life holds for professional athletes after they've left the sporting limelight? Well, Rachel Boardman didn't quite get to the Olympics but she spent a few years representing the UK as a national swimmer. She'll tell you that transitioning from full time sport isn't the easiest journey but pushing through has given her a new identity. Rachel now coaches entrepreneurs on transforming their business through powerful storytelling. In the first of a two-part interview, she told her story to Adelaine Ng, who first asked Rachel if she had always been competitive.

Letters from abroad - actually our foreign correspondents emailed us with the latest updates from Paris, Bombay,and Bali. Reminds us of an old rhyme - I had written to Aunt Maude Who was on a trip abroad When I heard she died of cramp, Just too late to save the stamp.

Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is brought to you by the members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email us: info@tyravelwritersradio.com

Over-tourism really is a thing and it seems that as tourists we love too much some places we visit – we are virtually loving them to death. Michelle Winner, our US correspondent is Hawaiian-born and raised and she has just published a major story read by hundreds of thousands of people on SFGate, the online news service that was part of the San Franciscio Chronicle media group. It was a tough story to write about her spiritual home and I spoke to her about the issues she raised. Michelle's story: https://www.sfgate.com/hawaii/article/overtourism-maui-hawaii-hana-audio-tours-travel-16338529.php

Ian Jarrett is our Perth correspondent who first brought us ther story of the unique four-masted, wind-powered cruise ship scheduled to sail around Australia this summer. Tonight he has an update and it is not good news for cruise lovers.

While the sixth lockdown of the hospitality sector in Melbourne would see more businesses shuttered Stephen Mercer, Victorian Chair of the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association said the city still retained its reputation as the food capital. “Its tough, very tough. Lots of people have left our industry, but our membership numbers have grown,” he told Graeme Kemlo But would a vaccine passport solve the industry's problems?

We reckon Veronica Matheson's image taken this week in the Melbourne suburb of Brighton is definitely #Worth1000Words

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week, August 11, 2021. The show is hosted by Graeme Kemlo and produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers info@travelwritersradio.com

Our correspondent Suzanne Hart retired from her business events job working in Bali in late 2019. She's been happily living in the popular island resort but recently felt unnerved by the surge in COVID-19 illness caused by the Delta variant, despite many being fully vaccinated. She tells Graeme Kemlo about her options to return to Australia from a repatriation flight, to special air charter, even a luxury boat charter to visit family and friends she has not seen for 18 months or more.

Graeme Kemlo speaks with our Bali correspondent, Suzanne Hart about the situation in that Indonesian island resort so loved by Australians, where front line medical staff who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using Chinese Sinovac, have become very sick and some have died as a result of the Delta variant. Suzanne says she has been unnerved by the development.

Veronica Matheson speaks with Dr Paul Rogers of Planet Happiness an organisation that works with tourism bodies to get the balance right between growth and looking after the planet. He is working with Victoria's Goldfields in their bid for World Heritage listing.

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski’s image from Kalbarri in Western Australia sees her framed by an ancient rock formation – it was taken a couple of years ago and is where she says she’d rather be right now and it is #Worth1000Wirsds

Melbourne is regarded as the major events capital and the business events capital of Australia – or at least it was before COVID. Graeme Kemlo spoke with a veteran of this industry, Peter Jones AM, who has worked with the biggest names in show business, corporate life and sport. Last week he lost three big events. He says the industry is hurting, many people have left for other jobs and it will take years before we return to face-to-face meetings, so brush up on your Zoom face. More - https://pjse.com.au

Bridgett Leslie has an interesting chat with a Japanese Chef Keita Kujiura who wanted to move to Australia for its surf scene – he googled it and ended up in Byron Bay on the far north coast of New South Wales where he is a chef at O-Sushi Japanese restaurant and runs his own cooking school for adults and children

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week (August 4 2021). The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.. Thanks for listening.

Fairmont Kea Lani Director of PR & Communications, Alexis Eaton chats with Graeme Kemlo about the current situation ion Maui. This luxury all-suite hotel defies its 30 year age and is operating during the busy American summer, mainly catering to visitors from mainland States. But alexis would welcome a travel bubble with Australia. Although the hotel cosed temporarily during 2020 it completed extensive upgrade work and is now fully open and operating under an a s afe COVID program, For more information go towww. fairmont.com

One of Australia’s most exclusive but best-known ptroperties has just opened after a $10 million renovation and redevelopment as an events destination in the Barossa Valley. Kingsford – The Barossa is an 1856 homestead building probably better known from the award-winning Nine Network series, McLeod’s Daughters. Fourth-generation family businessman, Stefan Ahrens, who is MD of a large Australian engineering, construction and mining services company, bought the 225 acre property from Kerry Packer after the show ended and has turned it into an exclusive l16-suite uxury retreat.

We have just come out of lockdown in two states of Australia, so we have a truncated version of our show this week, but we hope you will enjoy. Thanks again fof listening.

Our reporter CarolyneJasinski, locked down in Adelaide finds this image in her photo archive showing a lone seagull on the iconic Cable Beach in the north west of Australia.,,it's @Worth1000Words

We;re taking a short break because both Melbourne and Sydney (and now Adelaide) - that's 11 million Australians - are in lockdown and almost all people have been ordered to stay at home / But we will be back in a week (we hope) Thanks for listening...meanwhile maybe you would like to check out some of our 2080 tracks here on SoundCloud...there are lots that do not even mention the word COVID!. Feel free to share the tracks or download if you like. And you r feedback is welcome - info@travelwritersradio.com

And while Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, right across the Yarra River from the city has an international reputation almost from day one when it attracted famed German botanist, Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller as its first director, there’s another Royal Botanic Garden in Melbourne that is much lesser known. It is RBG Cranbourne. And while the city garden is largely European in style and content, Cranbourne is an Australian Native Garden which features a huge red-sand desert , more like an artwork depicving droughts and flooding rain, than your traditional garden bed. Graeme Kemlo

We;re sure you will want to hear our resident wine expert Tyson Stelzer, who warns of a global shortage of champagne partly due to the lack of consistent supply chain as well as labour shortages in France over the past 18 months. Tyson believes this is also a great time for Australian wine with the first of the new vintage whites released and he declares 2021 as one of the greatest vintages we have seen so far this century particularly across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.. He also discusses the "natural" wine movement.

Our intrepid travel writer Carolyne Jasinski gets the indigenous version of how South Australia’s Wilpena Pound came into existence as she talks to Aboriginal tour guide Jacqui Hobbs on a visit to the massive dent in the earth during Naidoc Week last week; Phot by: Carolyne Jasinski shows Jacqui Hobbs explaining Wilpena Dreamtime.

If there’s a wait for a table at Indonesian restaurant, Warung Selasa, kill time by perusing the aisles of hard-to-find Indonesian groceries. You won’t have to walk too far to find the place. It’s just in the back of the Indo Java Grocery store in Elmhurst, Queens. One day a week, this becomes one of the smallest restaurants in New York City. Bridgett Leslie caught up with the owner of the grocery store Elvi Goliat and the restaurant’s chef, Dewi Tjahjadi to find out more about NYC’s smallest culinary charm. Photo shows Elvi (R) and Chef Dewi (L).

Author, artist, health coach and international speaker, Meredith Gaston is internationally renowned and has just produced her ninth hand-illustrated book, Relax: A Little Book Of Calm. Graeme Kemlo spoke to her about her latest book that may just be the panacea for pandemic times…and can’t we all do with a bit of that. Meredith's book is published by Hardie Grant.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week July 14, which is ,of course, Bastille Day. TWR is produced and presented by PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. It first airs as part of a two hour radio program Wednesday nights on Melbourne radio 88FM, and is then loaded for global audiences on Travel Writers Radio's SoundCloudPro site. We trust you will enjoy our stories this week, but we also have an archive here of more than 2000 stories on food, wine, lifestyle and travel. Thanks for listening.

Team member Rita Erlich reports on Nerida McPherson, who turned to making pavlovas last year when all her other work disappeared. She was cooking in someone else's kitchen, and now has her own place in Alphington. She works with her mother and daughter (and others), so it's a nice three-generation story, as well as an account of - not so much a pivot, as a balletic leap of faith.

While the millennial generation has been the butt of mainly negative comment about their work ethic, one Baby Boomer who was Melbourne’s longest-serving hotel General Manager until he recently retired, has absolute faith in the abilities and the commitment of today’s crop of millennial managers and leaders in hospitality. Graeme Kemlo spoke with him in Melbourne this week as he reflected on his 27 years in the hotel business.

Invariably the annual Tour de France throws the world’s sporting focus on to cycling, and as reporter Veronica Matheson learned from Kate Baker of Australian Cycle Tours our passion to get on a bike is growing rapidly around the world as well as in Australia. Australian Cycle Tours, part of World Expeditions Travel Group, has increased its itineraries to meet a growing demand. For more information on self-guided cycling tours visit www.australiancycletours.com.au

In our @Worth1000Words segment this week, Graeme Kemlo could not help but notice one of Melbourne’s famous street artists who paint murals on grain solos and other structures around the world these days, have been commissioned to paint over the windows of an office building in York Street South Melbourne. It is a striking image of an un-named woman and we guess it is visible from both inside and outside the building. That’s #Worth1000Words

Today is World Chocolate Day. The day is celebrated on July 7th because it was on this date in 1550 that chocolate was first brought to Europe. The first World Chocolate Day was celebrated in 2009. PALAT member Bridgett Leslie speaks with Lynn Neuberg who knows all about chocolate. Her 59 year-old family company, Neuberg and Neuberg, imports fine chocolate and edible gold leaf among other premium items for restaurants and food companies.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week og July 7, 2021. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.

Graeme Kemlo discovers a couple here in Melbourne who are among the largest pickle makers in the country and are looking at a crowd funding model to further grow their business called, Dillicious. If you’re quick you can buy a slice of the action for $99, as James Barbour explains to me. Image: Picklle partners James and Liza Barbour. More information: www.dillicious.com.au

We think Carolyne's photo from 2018 is @Worth1000Words since it is unlikely this scene will be repeated in Darwin tomorrow (their July 1 independence date), given the COVID lockdown. Image: Carolyne Jasinski

Research by international cruise lines reveal that past passengers remain passionate about cruising, and are more than ready to sail again when governments give the go-ahead. Managing director of Cruise Lines International Association of Australasia, Joel Katz, told reporter Veronica Matheson there’s robust demand domestically and passengers are happy to comply with new cruise protocols that run from Covid testing for all passengers and crew before boarding ships to social distancing and other measures while at sea.

Following the sentencing of ex police officer Derek Chauvin to 22 years jail for the murder last year of Geirge Floyd, our reporter on the spot Kristin Henning updates us on the reaction from her local community in Minneapolis Minnesota. She spoke with Graeme Kemlo in our Melbourne studio.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week, June 30, 2021. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifesdtyle and Travel Writers. For more information email: info@travelwritersradio.cvom

Our US Correspondent Kristin Henning has an interesting take on the effect of the pandemic on senior travellers and empty nesters. Increasingly they are taking up the reigns as digital nomads – once a term applied only to much younger generations. Kristin tells me about a conversation he had recently with the founder of Beyond the Nest, a new tour company that offers support for people wanting to work remotely and use the "work from anywhere" tools to extend their travel. More information: www.travelpast50.com

Western Australia has maintained some of the harshest border restrictions of any state during the COVID pandemic, but this week it is opening its borders to most other States and to New Zealand. With its borders closed more than one third of Australia was a no go zone …for comparison Western Australia is larger than Western Europe, four times the size of Texas, twelve times bigger than the UK, and twenty times bigger than England., And the WA capital, Perth, was once described as the most remote capital city in the world (it is 3300 km from Sydney, or put it another way – it takes 37 hours to drive there from Melbourne.. But Perth is an exciting city and we wanted to check in with the CEO of Destination Perth, Tracey Cinavas Prosser to get an update on why you should Go West. I spoke to her earlier today.

Australia's YouTube sensation Ann Reardon (with 4.7 million subscribers) has been educating and entertaining millions of viewers over the years with her videos on cooking, baking and debunking food myths. During the pandemic, she finally got started on a long-awaited request by her fans…a cookbook. How To Cook That: Crazy Sweet Creations, has already shot to the top of Amazon's list. Adelaine Ng spoke with Ann just before the book was published.

While winter in Melbourne can be chilly…that’s a good time to warm up in this culinary capital of Australia and that often means comfort food. One iof the joys of this time of year is the truffle which grows well here and adds that extra special element to everything from scrambled eggs to mashed potato Rita Erlich speaks with chefs Scott Pickett and Valentin Barrere on truffles

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week - June 23 2021 - especially for our listeners on SoundCloud . Of course you can listen via your favourite podcast app. If our show is not available on your preferred app please let us know and we'll do our best to fix that. If you have any comments or suggestions please email us - info(at)travelwritersradio(dot)com And thanks for listening - we appreciate it.

Damian Malone is a Melbourne-born chef who has worked extensively in Australia, United Kingdom and Europe over more than 20 years as a specialist Patisserie chef, product development specialist and teacher at Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne. So why would he leave all that in the middle of a pandemic to start his own artisan bakery in an ex furniture factory in a suburb now known as a foodie hangout…and why are there lines of up to 50 people outside his Bread House. More: www.thebreadhouse.com.au Photo by Graeme Kemlo shows Damian with his Ausdtrian flour mill

Graeme Kemlo spo0ke recently to Sarah Holper who is a doctor of Neurology here in Melbourne. She’s written an interesting book that’s probably best described as a user manual for humans. Over the past 11 years she has answered hundreds of questions from patients, and she has collated her answers into the book – What’s Wrong With You? - an Insider’s Guide to Your Insides.

During COVID lockdown in Melbourne recently 73-year-old Ann Treiser, who migrated from South Africa some years ago, continued her passion for travelling the world via her recently acquired digital skills. She told reporter Veronica Matheson she signed up to the Australian government’s free technology website Be Connected and it was one of the best things she has ever done. Ann also talked about her pre-Covid trip with her husband David to Kassel in Germany to see brass plaques dedicated to his Jewish family who fled Germany before the Holocaust. More www.beconnected.esafety.com.au

Many Australians regard Bali as their annual holiday destination, some have even bought villas up there and would retreat to this Indonesian paradise to spend half a year there if they could. Well maybe there is now a legal way for Australians to do justthat. Our Bali correspondent, Suzanne Hart tells Graeme Kemlo how it works and what you need to do.

Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week - June 16, 2021. Maybe you have a story to tell us about food, wine, lifestyle or travel...we'd be happy to receive your email - info (at) travelwritersradio. (dot) com

On her drive across the top of Australia, Carolyne Jasinski came upon this road sign - warning that things can be quite big in the outbackl. We reckon it is @Worth1000Words. No bull!

Finally the lights are being switched on in theatres across London’s West End and New York’s Broadway after a lengthy pandemic break. Reporter Veronica Matheson asked Olivier award-winning producer Patrick Gracey, who is based in London, how it felt to have the theatres open again. Patrick's shows include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring Scarlett Johansson, on Broadway, and Hamlet starring Jude Law in the West End.

• If you work in the tourism and events industry, you might've noticed that women form a huge core of this workforce. One recent study apparently showed that at most event management companies, women outnumber men 5:2 in junior and senior management teams. So it's interesting to explore some long-held beliefs about how women's brains work, like women tend to make more emotional decisions than men. Adelaine Ng spoke with Dr Tracy Packiam Alloway, an award-winning psychologist, Professor and TEDx speaker.

Graeme Kemlo spoke during the lockdown to Terry Robinson CEO of Destination Gippsland about the impact on his region of 91 days of devastating busfhires over the summer of 2019-20, followed by18 months of the Coronavirus pandemic with its restrictions for business and customers that can affect regional communities much more than in capital cities.

s over the summer of 2019-20, followed by18 months of the Coronavirus pandemic with its restrictions for business and customers that can affect regional communities much more than in capital cities.

Bridgett Leslie has a story about about Guyana, which lies on the northern mainland of South America. Bridgett speaks with Stacey Dos Santos-Rahaman who is the name behind the award-winning tourism brand, Visit Guyana, which she began in 2016 as a way to counter some negative perceptions of this former Dutch and British colony.

You are tuned to Travel Writers Radio and I am your host Graeme Kemlo. Our show is coming to you from a city that is about to come out of lockdown due to COVID-19 after a total half a year of home confinement – we have been in lockdown for 182 days and suffering some forms of restriction for more than 300 days since COVID hit in March 2020. However the good news is that we’re still here presenting stories on food, wine lifestyle and travel. Our international team here at PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers thanks you sincerely for tuning in again. Get in contact: info@travelwritersradio.com

The Winter Of Our Discontent - As Melbourne extends another lockdown amid our fourth pandemic wave, we cling on to hope like these last few autumn leaves about to be swept away by a blustery winters day. It was during winter last year that our COVID count spiked to 800 infection, however a 112-day lockdown brought it to heel. Can we do it again as we notch up more than 172 days in total Corona-confinement? Its #Worth1000Words Photo: Graeme Kemlo

Graeme Kemlo speaks to Sean Hunt, Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific with Marriott International about future plans. This global group has 30 hotel brands, more than 7000 individual properties and has well over 1.3 million hotel rooms. Sean Hunt is very confident travel will return and, as if to prove it, he is still contracting and opening new hotels across this region.

Travel Writers and Editors Carolyne Jasinski and Fiona Harper have been on a journey across the top of Australia in an RV that costs as little as $5 a day and in Northern Territory they recorded a chat at Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles, said by the local indigenous people to be the fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. Photo: Carolyne, shot by Fiona.

Bridgett Leslie has a different story about Mariposa Café in Trinidad where she speaks to four sisters who sing together. They used their harmony to wake up one of the sisters from a coma and they chat about their sustainable restaurant.

Something a bit different in news from locked down Melbourne - a chat between news editor Kirstie Bedford and host Graeme Kemlo Here's a link to the latest issue of Arrived: https://ebook.arrived-magazine.com/issue-02/arrived/

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week, June 2 2021. Travel Writers Radio is a production of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle And Travel Writers. If you are a professionally-trained journalist interested in working with our team please email info (at) travelwritersradio.com

On their trek across the top of Australia in an RV, Carolyne Jasinski and fellow reporter Fiona Harper spot some wildflowers on the side of the road and Carlyne took this image - we think it is #Worth1000Words.

Graeme Kemlo chats with the General Manager of a new five star Marriott hotel in Melbourne’s Docklands, the first such luxury brand in what is basically an extension of the CBD over some disused wharf areaas. Girish refers to it as an urban resort and we find out what that entails in this very modern twin-tower property.

And did you know you can get a PhD in BBQ? …Well not exactly, but the Weber Grill Academy is a thing. You go along and instructors teach you a range of courses all about using these popular kettle barbecues to cook everything, including dessert. Carolyne Jasinski tried it in her home town of Adelaide and she explains.

Chef Brad Latchman is a third generation Restaurateur and culinary professional. His is the owner of the historic Don’s Roti Store. The restaurant was the first of its kind in Diago Martin, Trinidad, catering to spicy palates craving East Indian cuisine. Brad is currently working on a recipe book featuring his family’s best dishes as well as his own creations. He spoke with Bridgett leslie on the impact of Trinidad’s state of emergency because of COVID on his Restaurant.

Carolyne Jasinski, had to curtail her travelling just long enough to get the Astra Zeneca vaccine jab. We wonder what happened, what information she was given to read and how she is feeling now

Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. Brought to you by PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.

Graeme Kemlo spoke earlier this week with the CEO of industry body, Tourism Accommodation Australia, which represents about 1000 major hotel chains and large independent hotels in Australia about critical staff shortages that are hampering the hotel industry’s recovery from COVID – basically our international border closure due to COVID over the past year has meant thousands of international students and skilled chefs and cooks needed to work in our hotels are unavailable. However I have just spoken in Melbourne with the Chief Executive of Accor Pacific Simon McGrath who has a different take on the staffing issue. He is very bullish about the industry, promising to accelerate growth by opening new luxury and lifestyle hotels – brands like So, 25 hours, Mondrian - in Melbourne and across Australia and the region.

DR. PKC Bose (pronounced Boss) is largely called as the ‘ENERGY CONSERVATION EVANGELIST’ in India. Dr. Bose is the one and only Indian as the Senator in the Senate of Economy, Germany. Dr. Bose is also a certified Climate Reality Leadership Corps, trained by former Vice President of USA, Mr. Al Gore.

Graeme Kemlo was in Adelaide recently where he spoke to Adelaide Convention Bureau CEO Damien Kitto about the latest developments in his city, Despite being one of the smaller capital cities in Australia it is making great strides in industry, science, innovation and collaboration attracting big names: Amazon, Google, Elon Musk and big ideas like green hydrogen to the State. Photo Tonsley Park innovation hub -Graeme Kemlo

You too can relocate a motorhome from one city to where it is needed in another city across Australia and do it for as littyle as $5 a day, but there are some additional costs, which our intrepid team of reporters, Carolyne Jasinski and Fiona Harper detail. But is it still a good deal given that a typical Mercedes Benz motorhome from Maui can cost $300 a day. Have \ listen and you decide. More information: www.fionaharper.com.au or footloosejasinski@gmail.com Image: Hot springs by Carolyne Jasinski

Rita Erlich pays tribute to Melbourne chcf, restaurateur, wine merchant and mentor Hermann schneider who passed awat earlier this month and was a mentor to some of today's top chefs at his acclai8med Two Faces restaurant.

Here;s what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio brought to you by the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Feel free to provide feedback to info@travelwritersradio.com

This week's @Worth1000Words image comes to you from the Deviil's Marbles in Northern Territory as our intrepid travel writers, Carolyne Jasibnski and Fiona Harper are enroute from Cairns to Darwin a Maui motorhome that cost them $5 a day....that;s @Worth1000Words. Photo by Fiona Harper

Our intrepid travel writing team, Carolyne Jasinski and Fiona Harper who have gone off into outback Australia in a Mercedes Benz motorhome from Maui. They tell how you too can go road-tripping like them from just five dollars $5 a day in a modern Maui RV If you want to try this check out drivenow.com.au and look for motorhomes that need to be relocated, Photo shows where they parked the Benx in Normandton - almoast into the tooth grin of the largest croc at 5+ metres long that's been caught up that way - Imahe Fiona Harper.

Author Jenny Herbert tells reporter Veronica Matheson that it is possible to expand your world without leaving home as they discuss Jenny’s new book The Art of Being a Tourist at Home that has just been published by Hardie Grant Books.

Islands have long been promoted as an ideal holiday getaway and they're even more popular as tourists seek destinations that are more isolated and less crowded. But the best thing about islands is they often hold fascinating stories that are not widely known. We found a great one in Norfolk Island, a five hour plus flight from Sydney or Brisbane.

Adelaide Convention Centre staged the first major national conference in Australia since COVID shut down major venues. About 2500 delegates and visitors attended the convention and trade show which was described as a roaring success. Simon Burgess ACC GM tells Graeme Kemlo what it means to be back meeting face-to-face and its promise for the future of this sector of the visitor economy.

Ade Adeniyi, owner of the restaurant, A Little Lagos, is a passionate advocate for his native cuisine. He’s been introducing Nigerian food to Sydneysiders for a while, operating pop-ups and now a restaurant in Newtown.A Little Lagos is about the only place to eat authentic Nigerian cuisine in this city. Ade is a busy financial services professional and is as passionate about food as he is about building black owned businesses and a curiosity for West African culture

Travel news you can use presented by our award-winning News Editor, Kirstie Bedford

Here's what's on our show this week. Travel Writers Radio is a production of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle And Travel Writers.

Graeme Kemlo visited St Ali, a famous Melbourne coffee roaster and cafe in South Melbourne down a narrow street with a magnificent view of the city skyline. As has occurred across the city St Ali has been allowed to spread from the footpath on to half the roadway to provide greater social distancing during COVID. After a terrific coffee (latte) he shot the scene on a sunny autumn morning.

As a restaurateur, she has weathered recession and what she describes as "a monster year" last year. Olympia Bortolotto, at an age many would consider venerable, has the energy of someone younger, and all the wisdom of decades of accumulated experience. She talks to Rita Erlich.. Photo: Olimpia Bortolotto and daughter Anne.

Bridgett Leslie covers an important development in the pandemic recently, securing an exclusive interview with Indian Doctor, Dr Sarika Gupta of Lions Hospital on the current devastating situation in India where record numbers are getting infected, hospitals are running out of ICU beds and crematoria are struggling to cope with a rising death toll.

Graeme Kemlo speaks with Marnie Craig CEO of Business Events Tasmania about the doubled-edged sword in Tasmania where five new hotels have been opened over the past 18 months, but with a closed-down hospitality sector some of business event industry’s best talent has left to secure worn in the construction industry

If you're a little afraid of public speaking, you're in good company. More than 70 percent of people say they'd rather die than get on a stage. But it's also true that public speaking can get you a greater audience for your travel stories and your message. Sam Cawthorn is the CEO and founder of Speakers Institute with a new book called People Follow People. Adelaine Ng spoke with Sam in this second of a two-part interview on leadership. She began by asking about his story and how that led to global career in public speaking. BA: Sam Cawthorn, whose new book is People Follow People, was speaking with Adelaine Ng. If you'd like to hear the full interview you can do so on Adelaine's podcast Upon Arrival | Events & Incentives.

New York City artist, Gregory Uzelac has swapped the Big Apple for our Harbour city, Sydney and he explains to our Bridgett Leslie, the differences in the approach to art in the two world cities.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week of M

In part two of this interview, Kristin Henning chats views Leif Pettersen, a veteran travel writer who has just published an eBook called The First (Failed) Travel Food Show. It’s an entertaining read about the making of a pilot episode, in Morocco, for what would have been the first culinary-focused travel TV program, way back in 1993, ten years before Anthony Bourdain started up his earliest show. The Travel Food Show never made it on air, but Pettersen shares some interesting stories and comments on the experience and on changes in travel and travel careers over time.

Greek Easter traditions are a reminder of the deep cultural and culinary heritage that exists in Greece. During Easter, a number of symbolic gestures are performed. Australian food blogger and influencer, Marialena Terzi, known online as GreekMamaChef, is now based on the Thessaloniki islands and shares some of these symbolisms with our reporter Bridgett Leslie

Veronica Matheson chatted to the Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary exhibition’s coordinating curator Emma Busowsky Cox. The exhibition is open daily in Bendigo until July 21.

Damien Cerantonio is a board director of Business Events Victoria and proprietor of the Great Ocean Road Resort. The Great Ocean Road is Victoria's most visited destination by international tourists and is the basis of a normally bouyant visitor economy. Damien speaks with Graeme Kemlo about the devastating effects of COVID-19 on tourism in the region and his own business. Until the international market returns he discusses plans to target the local and interstate leisure and business visitor. www,greatoveanroadresort.com.au

If you really want to vote for a bright orange leader, Vote Cara Cara #1 says reporter Graeme Kemlo. He's even growing his own and expecting top reap the rewards this season. Listen to his real news )no fak news here) and check out the photo of this glamorous, tasty, healthy fruit that's @Worth1000Words.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week, April 28.

Kristin Henning interviews Leif Pettersen, a veteran travel writer who has just published an eBook called The First (Failed) Travel Food Show. It’s an entertaining read about the making of a pilot episode, in Morocco, for what would have been the first culinary-focused travel TV program, way back in 1993, ten years before Anthony Bourdain started up his earliest show.The Travel Food Show never made it on air, but Pettersen shares some interesting stories and comments on the experience and on changes in travel and travel careers over time. Listen to Part 2 next week More: https://travelpast50.com/leif-pettersen-first-food-travel-show/

As lockdowns ease, a new crop of Gen Zeds is joining the workforce without office skills. Yet research shows 76% of this group expect to receive a promotion within their first year of employment. So how do we manage different generational expectations at work while getting the best out of our youngest workers? Sam Cawthorn is the CEO and founder of Speakers Institute with a new book called People Follow People. Adelaine Ng spoke with Sam in the first of a two-part interview on leadership.. Part 2 will air next week.

Only a few years after Federation, a cookbook was published that has become part of Australia. The first edition of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union cookbook appeared in 1904, and it's still going strong. Has it ever been out of print? Rita Erlich takes a look at the revised fifth edition of the book, and compares it with an earlier edition.

Here's what you will hear this week on Travel Writers Radio presented by members of PALAT, The Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers

Hurtigruten Managing Director (APAC/China)Damian Perry tells our reporter Ian Jarrett that he is confident of a return to cruising by 2022. While COVID-19 had caused customers genuine concern, it was more the uncertainty of quick border closures that was now a reason to hesitate in booking cruises. But he said by late 2021 or 2022 cruising should resume. Hurtigruten was one cruise line that continued to operate during the pandemic with two to five ships cruising in Norway through the season. Sustainability is to be a big feature of the company's future offering he said. Image: Damian Perry

Graeme Kemlo reports on a recent industry webinar during which a panel debated the issue of whether a Vaccine Passport should be introduced and whether it would help to reboot the business events sector. Further details: pcma.org.au Image: One suggestion for a vaccine passport on your smartphone

Bridgett Leslie speaks with travel writer and avid surfer Alex Mitcheson who explains what it is like to interview Aussie surf legends Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore.

All the travel news you can use presented by news editor Kirstie Bedford

Here's who we are and what we do and what you can expect to herar on this week's Travel Writers Radio

Our reporter Kristin Henning who lives in Minneapolis MN covered the Federal election and the death of Groege Floyd for us. Now she tells us about the trial of a policeman facing three charges related to the death of Floyd, the general feeling in the city and ongoing concerns about COVID-19 in a city where masks may be mandatory but not everyone comples...even in a vaccination centre. Kristin is speaking with Graeme Kemlo. Photo Kris Henning - Today's scene at George Floyd Square memorialthat has taken over a city intersection for the past 10 nmonths

With almost no COVID-19 community transmission in Australia, we count ourselves very fortunate top live on one of the world’s largest islands.. But it is time for us to take a reality check and revisit the global scenario, which is still quite grim - more than 128 million confirmed cases and 2.8 million deaths across nearly 200 countries. The US, Brazil and India top the list for infections 30.7 million, 13 million and 12.7 million respectively, then follow France, Russia United Kingdom, Italy and others in Europe. Graeme Kemlo reads the thoughts of two of our contacts in India and Brazil on what it is really like to face a pandemic that is still out of control after 12 months.. Map of global infection - Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center

It has been a less than sunny summer in Melbourne but last week the rain held off long enough to welcome the Sunshine Coast crew to one of the city’s best eateries. They came to remind us that “winter is traditionally your time on the Sunshine Coast”. Not that many COVID-locked Melburnians would disagree, but they did get the attention of most of city’s top travel writers – 23 of them to be precise. That, and the offer of good food and wine, the chance to mingle again and perhaps a couple of tickets and accommodation prize draw also helped. To be transparent – your correspondent did not win but the hospitality and the company of fellow scribes was like a tonic to the writer less-travelled. Peter Hook spoke to Graeme Kemlo Imae supplied: Sunshine Coast Glamping at Starry Nights

To celebrate the 2021 Parrtjima – A Festival in Light kicking off this Friday 9 April, The Ghan has been transformed into a specular piece of moving art. Three carriages of the famous train are wrapped in Aboriginal artist Chantelle Mulladad’s stunning design, Crossroads. In addition to the external art wrap, passengers lucky enough to travel from Darwin to the Red Centre onboard The Ghan today will experience a spectacular immersive light installation inside one of the carriages, giving them an exciting taste of things to come at this year’s Parrtjima. Parrtjima, held 9-18 April, is a 10-night celebration showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth through light, sound, music and art against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges.

Bridgett Leslie speaks with Joe DiStefano, a Queens New York--based culinary consultant, food writer, and tour guide known as the “Culinary King of Queens.” For the past 20 years he’s been falling in love with the richly diverse foodways and cultures of The World’s Borough, from South Indian dosai served in the basement of a temple to Ganesha and restaurants and street carts serving Himalayan momo to Mexican taco trucks and Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy. His writing has appeared on Eater New York, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, Grub Street, and Serious Eats, as well as his own web site Chopsticksandmarrow.com. Joe’s passion for his home borough sparked the publication of his best-selling guidebook, “111 Places in Queens That You Must Not Miss” in 2018. More: www.JoeDiStefano.NYC.

Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week with your host Graeme Kemlo

For many of our listeners, Easter is also a time for renewal, a sign of hope, a new beginning. And so it was just before the turn of this century that a French chef, a master of the art of pastry and chocolate, came to Australia to start a new life. Laurent Meric is the man behind one of the favourite Easter treats, the Easter egg and his unique blend of the world’s best chocolate under his Cacao brand – I spoke to him earlier.. www.cacao.com

Journalist, editor and author Rita Erlich on the history of the festival of Passover and other celebration of the northern hemisphere spring, which signify renewal.

Travel News you can use with Kirstie Bedford

Here's what you can hear on this week's special Passover/Easter edition of the show. We're also physically moving our radio station to its new Melbourne premises so we're not broadcasting in studio at present. For more information about the show email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Just how far would our reporter Carolyne Jasinski go for a story? Carolyne Jasinski went to the ends of the earth (literally the most southerly point on Tasmania). She also roamed through the beautiful Huon Valley finding picture postcard villages and quirky little businesses during her visit to Tasmania. And now that our State borders are all open, Carolyne has tips for some great experiences to share with us. She spoke to Graeme Kemlo. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski - CockleCreek...next stop Antarctica.

How much do you know about Idaho, the American state in the north west of the country. If you said potatoes you’d be right but hopefully there’s a lot more under the skin. Our newest team member, respected travel editor based in Sydney Helen Hayes, has just edited a magazine about this State and it will definitelysurprise you with panoramic scenery and travel experiences that can be found there. I spoke to Helen earlier. More: www.vacationstravel.com

A story from personal experience tonight as the Kemlo household thought they were being scammed when an email from an accommodation service in Victoria’s high country appeared to have been intercepted and wrong information inserted into the Gmail. A little digging revealed a frustrated Emma Hinchliffe, who for six months has been dealing with a Google A.I. glitch that affects all her client bookings via Gmail, inserting incorrect property details. Graeme Kemlo tpoke to Emma in Bright Victoria where the autumn colours are currently spectacular and found that despite the time wasting glitch she and her team are extremely busy accommodating Melburnians in the 90 local properties she manages. www.alpinevalleygetaways.com.au

Wine expert Tyson Stelzer is a regular on the show and in addition to his own wine events he is now the editor and a judge of James Halliday’s 100 point wine ratings, which is published annually. He explains to Graeme Kemlo why the final judging is not a blind tasting. He comments on the latest Australian vintage which is now underway and offers some great new wines he’s discovered over the past year. Tyson recommends Hugh McCullough’s Wellington & Wolfe reisling from north east Tasmania and from South Australia’s Barossa region, the Eden Valley reisling and shiraz of Maverick Wines

The Grossi family in Melbourne runs many successful restaurants, ranging from formal to casual. Carlo,the third generation of the family to be involved in restaurants, was in charge of establishing a more casual place called Ombra. Its focus was on drinks and snacks and culinary traditions - and now he's written a book called Ombra. It's a different style of cooking and of eating, and he tells Rita Erlich about it.

Seetu Kohli is a professional architect in India and the,daughter of a Kashmiri politician and her preference for ripped jeans has earned her a public rebuke from some traditionalists. In apparent clash of cultures and maybe gender, Seetu ttells Bridgett Leslie “freedom in fashion is important but you can’t avoid culture”

All the travel news you can use presented by news editorKirstie Bedford

Here's the l;latest from Travel Writers Radio broadcasting from Melbourne Australia to the world with a team of local and international re[porters, members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers/. To get in touch email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Suzanne Hart is our correspondent in Bali, which is paradise to many Australians, but ass an Aussie expat even Suzanne has to get away sometimes, so she’s grabbed her longboard and gone on a surfing safari to a resort in the Mentawi islands.. Meanwhile she explains that Bali continues to suffer from Coronavirus transmission as Indonesian nationals flock to Bali instead of foreign tourists.

: Ever so quietly a handful of expedition ships have been cruising Australia’s coastline carrying crew and passengers who have all been complying with Covid cruise safe plans. Travel writer Brad Crouch of the Adelaide Advertiser has just been on Coral Adventurer in South Australian waters, and told reporter Veronica Matheson it was wonderful to be back at sea. Photo: Coffin Bay bubbles and oysters at sea by Brad Crouch

: New York based Iranian chef, Nasrin Rejali has been featured in some of the most prestigious media outlets including the New York Times. Yet her story doesn’t have a glamorous start. She fled Iran with her two young children, travelling through Turkey until she crossed paths with a UN Refugee station who eventually helped her to go to the USA. She tells us her story of how cooking her ethnic cuisine for a company called EatOffBeat brought her to the spotlight.

Travel News ptrdrmtrf by our award-winning News Editor, Kirstie Bedford. Photo: Cradle Mountain Tasmania by Kirstie Bedford

\Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. Thr show is produced and presented by members of PALAT- the Professional Association of L:lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in touch, please email us" info@travelwritersradio.com

Our reporter Carolyne Jasinski certainly knows how to cross borders. She has just left South Australia again...this time for Tasmania and its isolated and rugged south west coast. It is a light plane ride to Melaleuca, which is really just an airstrip, then she boarded MV Odalisque for five days of spectacular cruising, excellent eating, informative guided walks and maybe the odd local beverage. She interviews ebveryone on the vessel and comes away with a great impression of this region that very few ever visit.

US born travel writer and author Elizabeth Heath has been on our show before reporting from Italy and on the news that the Italians had vetoed a shipment of COVID vaccine bound for Australia I thought I should call her up and see what the current COVID situation was over there. Because I suspected they needed the vaccine more than we did. Here’s what Elizabeth had to say. www.elizabethfheath.com

When cast members of A Taste of Ireland were bumped off their international flight it looked as if they might not make it to the opening night of the dance extravaganza in Sydney on St Patrick’s Day, March 17. But sweet talk by the Australian-based manager of the show Ceili Moore made it all happen. A World Irish dance champion Ceili, who is also lead dancer in A Taste of Ireland, told reporter Veronica Matheson, it was such a relief when the cast members finally boarded another flight.

It is our 7th birthday this week at Travel Writers Radio. We want to thank all our reporters past and present and also our listeners around Australia and around the world. It is also the first anniversary of Bridghett Leslie joining the team, so it is time for her annual review - we let you listen in, but who's reviewing whom?

In this week when we celebrate International Womens Day, Rita Erlich, who served for 15 years as co-editor of the Good Food Guide got to thinking about the marvelous women she met over the years both in the he kitchen and running some of n Melbourne’s best restaurants

At 87, Anti-Racism Activist Jane Elliot is still the pendulum who aims to shift racism out of the United States of America's psyche. Whilst her ambitions and teachings are outrageous to some, to others, she's their voice. Bridgett Leslie interviewed Jane about what International Women’s Day and feminism means to her

Following up on an interesting news announcement in Asia Pacific that Australia and New Zealand will get Trip Advisor Pluis, we invited our correspondent Ian Jarrett to comment on what it means for the consumer and the industry. Under Trip Advisor Plus subscribers will pay USD99 (or the Australian equivalent) a year to access special pricing to gain discounts of up top 40 per cent on hotel rooms. Kt will not cost hotels or B&Bs anything to join.

Our award-winning news editor Kirstie Bedford presents all the travel news you can use.. Travel Writers Radio is a production of PALAT 0 the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email us: info@travelwritersradio.com

Here is what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio for this week, March 10, 2021.

Graeme Kemlo photographed the chandelier from a specially marked spot in the foyer of this new Sydney hotel, then he asked travel editor and writer Helen Hayes how to describe it.

We invited a special guest on to the show tonight to talk about Sydney’s newest destination and its tallest hotel – Crown Towers.n Helen Hayes is one of Australia’s most respected travel writers and magazine editors and she recently spent some time at Crown. Apart from wanting to have Helen on the show for some time now, some of yuou will know that Graeme Kemlo has a potential conflict of interest regarding Crown Towers as his younger son is the hotel Gdneral Manager. And yes he has enjoyed staying there a couple of times, but in the interests of transparencu, we’re delighted to have Helen’s experience and her independent perspective. Photo Graeme Kemlo - Crown Towers from the Barangaroo ferry terminal

Analiese Gregory is one of the most talked about young chefs in Australia today, with a string of enviable kitchen credits, including The Ledbury (London), Michel Bras (France), Mugaritz (Spain) and Sydney’s Quay restaurant. On a whim in 2017 Analiese moved to a 110-year-old farmhouse in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, where she wrote How Wild Things Are, which is published by Hardie Grant Books this month. Analiese spoke to reporter Veronica Matheson about her life cooking, fishing and hunting at the bottom of the world.

Texas native Brian Montgomery and his wife Brenda were looking for a retirement home on a nice beach. When they first visited Belize in 2013, inclement weather caused their tours to cancel, so they used their time instead to hunt for property. Starting with a retirement home, the Montgomerys gradually evolved their business to rental villas and then–at the end of 2019– to a full resort. When the pandemic hit, they continued to build their business. Here’s one story of a family hospitality business surviving and poised to thrive in the post-COVID era––and a glimpse at the special ‘Covid Concierge’ protocols guest will soon rely on. Sirenian Bay Resort and Villas in Placencia, Belize, and the Belize Gold Standard show us the way forward. Image: Trip Advisor.

We do mention the phrase business events occasionally here on the show because it is the highest yield sector of thr tourism industry and while there might be more leisure travellers out there, as a defined sector business events contributes more than 35Bbillion dollars to the Australian economy. Much of this flows directly to capital cities and to the service providers who make conventions, meetings, incentive programs and exhibitions run smoothly. Melbourne has been especially good at this. So we thought it fair to get an expert to explain why we leisure tourists should care, especially since this industry has been hit hard and is asking and receiving federal government financial support when JobKeeper finishes at the end of the month. Graeme Kemlo who has been covering this sector for more than two decades speaks with Dr Vanessa Findlay, chair of the peak body, Business Events Council of Australia.

It sounds like The Great Escape – two journalists went to work interstate, escaping COVID at the last minute and paying a high price for the priviledge in one way or another. Carolyne Jasinski and myself share our separate stories with a twist.. Photo: Editor-at-large Carolyne in her Maui RV fully equipped with a work pod, before she made a run for theSA border from the Yarra Valley.

Bridgett Leslie speaks with a chef who has probably spent more time in a galley at sea than a klitchen on land, particularly around the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Now she has her own TV cooking show, but she started out in Australia, then followed her heart to the Caribbean where she cooked a range of global dishes but her favourite turns out to be jerk – part of the Jamaican influence in the region. Bridgett asks about the main differences between a yacht chef and one on land.

All the travel news you can use presented by our award-winning news editor, Kirstie Bedford. Photo: 60thj anniversary gala

Here's what is on Travel Writers Radio for the week of March 4. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact please email us info at travelwritersradio.com

Presented by our award-winning news editor, Kirstie Bedford - this is Travel Writers Radio News. Image: Elaine and Luke Serdar_ Photog_Carly Ravenhall

Travel News witrh news editor Kirstie Bedford. Photo: Virgin Australia Pride Flight_Penny Tration and fellow VA crew 1 copy

One Twitter user changed a local Canadian Chinese restaurant’s popularity level for good recently. Kim Belair tweeted on January 10th 2021 Aunt Dai is her "favorite" Chinese restaurant in the city, both for its food and "extremely honest commentary" featured under each dish on the menu. Kim Belair's Twitter post highlighted four dishes from the restaurant: Cumin beef that he would "definitely recommend," a newly added beef satay that he "did NOT have chance to try" yet, sweet-and-spicy pork strips of which "he's not a huge fan," and orange beef that's "not THAT good." Within days, the post had garnered tens of thousands of likes and hundreds of shares and comments. Photo: Kim Belair - writer, narrative designer and co-founder of Sweet Baby Inc, a narrative development company based in Montreal.

A mid-morning moment in time where Melbourne traditionally meets "under the clocks" of Flinders Street Railway station. But where hundreds normally mingle, there's few and little traffic, although the Australian Open had started just down the road. This is the effect of COVID-safe, on many Melburnians who had to endure 112 days of lockdown last year. Looking towards this weekend, it is sad that many Valentine meetups have occurred in this iconic meeting place over the years, but this Feb 14 might have to be virtual. Happy Valentines Day to all the lovers out there from all of us at Travel Writers Radio. Photo: Graeme Kemlo

An online campaign and an industry survey have raised the plight of Victoria's events industry which it is said has about 96 per cent of workers on JobKeeper - the federal government's wage subsidy scheme which is due to end March 31. The campaign gained national prominence after former Labor leader Bill Shorton, now the member for Maribyrnong, raised it in parliament this week. His electorate has major event facilities incouding theFlemington racecourse where Australia's famous race, the Melbourne Cup, is run in November as part of a week-long carnival of racing.. We hear Bill Shiorton's speech, then Graeme Kemlo comments on the industry's economic contribution (35.7 billion annually) and the risk of business closures and job losses.

Graeme Kemlo spoke earlier this week with the CEO of Adelaide Convention Bureau, Damien Kitto, bout their annual event– Destination South Australia. As host of the event in Adelaide Damien said the response to the event was very strong and he expected the meetings and events industry would quickly return to meeting face to face in Adelaide in 2021/22 given it has been one of Australia’s safest States. And a state that has worked to grow its infrastructure, especially major 5-star hotels.

The tennis is on, live theatre is back, and so is live music. We're all waited a long time. Rita Erlich enjoyed a musical feast last week, at the second Bendigo Chamber Music Festival. She recommends music festivals in regional cities. Rita enjoyed Mendelson's Octet - a piece the composer wrote at the tender age of 16 years. Photo by Rita Erlich of the performance space, Ulumbarra Theatre bendigo, formerly a prison.

Carolyne Jasinski is prepared to ask the questions your typical wine snob would not utter in public, ""but that's my job" she sayd. Our roving reporter in an RV has been to McLaren Vale where she visits a winery in a church and the amazing tale of Samson Tall - the man, the winery and the wine, which turns into a lesson from winemaker Paul Wilson...and a lot of questions from our Carolyne. Photo by Carolyne Jasinski - Paul Wilson (he's tall too)

. If you've just finished school, you might take a gap year. But it's not age-related. Tony Wildman, who had worked in financial services for decades, decided it was time to take a year out. He and his partner planned to travel in that time. But the best-laid plans can lead to something even better. They spent three years away, and Tony wrote two novels. He spoke to Rita Erlich about it all. His novels are available at amazon and in Australia through Booktopia.

Hews from the world of Lifestyle and Travel presented by our award winning news editor, Kirstie Bedford. Travel Writers Radio is a production of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.

Here's what you'll hear in Travel Writers Radio for this week of February 10, 2021. From your hosts Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich, thanks for listening. You can contact us at info@travelwritersradio.com with your comments, requests or story ideas. Stay safe and have a great week.

Climate change is being blamed for the fact that the Fiji islands have been hit by three cyclones this season, the latest last Friday causing deaths, destruction of houses and boats, plus widespread flooding. Graeme Kemlo spoke with our correspondent Australian–born chef Lance Seeto, whose restaurant Kanu is near Nadi

Our well-travelled correspondent “Footloose” Carolyne Jasinski has had teamed up with our other Adelaide correspondent, Dianne Mattsson, known as “Foodbird” on yet another adventure, wining, dining and driving an RV. They describe it as the Riesling Trail through the Clare Valley in South Australia’s mid-north. They thought the RV was cramped until they tried a tony house verlooking a pink saltlake.

Australian bio-tech company, Ellume has just been awarded a 320 million Australian dollar contract by the United States government to supply 8.5 million rapid COVID home test kits. Under the deal they will also establish a US-based manufacturing facility capable of supplying half a million rapid COVID test kits a day to the United States. But will Australians get access to their homegrown COVID test kit? Graeme Kemlo reports.

After a year when so many restaurants have closed or repurposed, I was delighted to find a store that had repurposed as a restaurant. Andrew and Pam Kavanagh love barbecues, and they had a large store that sold all things barbecue, with a small cafe. They moved to smaller premises on a main street, and their focus is all things barbecue - high-end barbecues, seasonings, equipment. But this time they have added a restaurant where all the dishes (with one exception) are barbecued. I spoke to Andrew Kavanagh earlier.

Currently in India millions of farmers are protesting over laws enacted during a COVID shutdown by Prime Minister Modi. Bridgett Leslie speaks to a representative of the farmers, Manjinder SinghJatana to explain why the massive agriculture sector is protesting about a threat to their livelihoods. She also speaks to Abdul Sagir Khan a Lawyer by profession in High Court Rajasthan and Bombay High Court who was a politician and Government Minister but resigned in protest from Mr Modi’s BJP party.

In the second of her interviews on the farmers' protests across India, Bridgett Leslie speaks with Abdul Sagir Khan. Mr Khan is a former Modi Government minister who resigned. Farmers say laws enacted by Mr Modi threaten their livelihood.. Bridgett Leslie also spoke to farmers' representative, Manjinder Singh Jatana.

Here's what is on our show this week, presented by host Graeme Kemlo and co-host Rita |Erlich from Melbourne Australia.

We love a long weekend Downunder, especially an unofficial one, like this weekend. January 26 is Australia Day, and while that itrself is a contentious day for our first nations, and not a celebration at all, everybody takes the holiday. Except this year, when it falls on a Tuesday…and it seems as though the city and suburbs have been deserted for nearby holiday playgrounds like the Mornington Peninsula an hour south east of Melbourne. So our Worth 1000 Words image this weekend is from wine country. It was incredibly busy all four days of opur impromptu long weekend as a couple enjoying the view, the wine and the fine fare. Thanks for listening to Travel Writers Radio – we will be back on air next week with more informative and entertaining stories on food, wine, lifestyle experiences and travel. Meanwhile please stay safe and wear a mask for 100 days – we did and it worked.

Our US Correspondent Kristin Henning reports from Minneapolis about the latest developments on two fronts - the COVID-19 pandemic and its huge toll of American lives; and moves by the congress to impeach President Trump for a second timer, unless he eityher resigns or is declared unfit for office by the Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabiner. Phopto Krios Henning - Masks are compulsory in Minnesota but not across the border in the Dakotas.

LISA PEPIN is co-owner of the LES PASTRAS farm in the South of France with her husband, Johann. Her transition from big city life in America to sobering organic farm life has been a journey of humour and learning. In her interview with Bridgett Leslie, Lisa talks about her passion for the land and her new normal right now.Bio: American born, Lisa Pepin moved to the South of France in 2003 to take over the Pepin family vineyard with her husband, Johann. Leaving behind het job in public relations for fresh air, starry skies and organic farming, she’s never looked back.The 11 hectares produce a variety of crops. With a lot of heart for their land, Lisa’s used her creativity to inspire tourists to enjoy perfect pasture for Provençal charm. And she’s never without ideas. Even with the new normal that’s come over France. Lisa shares her experiences on the farm and advice for other farmers going through the same predicament.

Out with 2020 – in with 2021

As we all bid adieu to 2020 (and good riddance perhaps) we were proud to continue broadcasting Travel Writers Radio on FM radio in Melbourne, except for a few weeks where COVID-1`9 regulations prevented us using the station’s facilities. But we quickly pivoted our production and upped our quality to broadcast in HD audio from our homes using a special PC application. So we were able to ensure our team remained isolated and socially distanced as required during what was apparently the world’s harshest pandemic lockdown of 112 days. At the height of our pandemic Melbourne, a city of five million residents, had more than 770 daily infections and about 900 deaths. So we put about 45 two-hour episodes of Travel Writers Radio to air during 2020, covering some of the disasters 2020 wrought on our wide brown land – drought, devastating firestorms, then COVID – with reporting from local PALAT members as well as those in other states and internationally-based. This 90 hours of radio comprised six stories on average each week. Those 270 stories – almost all are archived on our SoundCloud site (https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio)n – required a further 12 hours a week to record, edit and produce to form the hosted weekly episodes you hear on FM radio, or as podcasts via SoundCloud. We haven’t tallied the number of hours our team has contributed over nearly seven years, but we have conducted about 2000 interviews in covering the lifestyle (food, wine/beverage, experiences) and travel (for leisure or business, destinations and business events) – part of our $A60 billion tourism industry. Travel Writers Radio returns in 2021. We’ re just gathering our collective breath to return to reporting whatever the new year brings from wherever it matters - from the impact of the ongoing pandemic on local or global tourism, the effect of Trumpism’s decline and the hopes of a Biden presidency, the impact of an increasingly interventionist China on our region and the world’s return to a new normal…whatever that is. Amongst the apparent gloom and doom we try hard to broadcast positive human interest stories to inform and to inspire you. We do welcome audience feedback by email: info@travelwritersradio.com Happy New Year…and thanks for listening.

Sharing the highs and lows of running an incentive travel business in Jakarta this year, Yento Chen talks about his crisis point and the idea that saved his company from going under. Yento Chen is the CEO of Destination Tour in Jakarta, a company he founded in 2015 specialising in events and incentive travel. Reporter Adelaine Ng

Travel News you can use presented by Kirstie Bedford. Photo supplied 0 Queensland wine trail

On behalf of all the team at PALAT, we want to thank you most sincerely for tuning into our show during this difficult year . In signing off for 2e look forward with great optimism to 2021 and we hope to have you tuned in to Travel Writers Radio. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Stay Safe behind a mask. Photo - a composite of some of our team members from Australia and abroad.

Lonely Planet, the iconic global brand stracvel guidebookstarted by Tony and Maureen wheeler here in Melbourne in 1973 has just been sold for the third time and Graeme Kemlo speaks to Chris Ziehir who has been with the company for 15 years and says the new owner. Red Ventures from Norrh Carolina, USA intend to revamp their famous blue travel guides , improve the digital offering and return to producing television shows., as Chris explains. Photo: cover of The Perfect Shot.

Our reporter in South Australia, Carolyne Jasinski took a whole day tour, which is not so unusual, except that this tour guide showied her places she had never been and introduced her to experts she’d never met and told her stories she loved to hear right there in her home town of Adelaide from its hills to its coast and the wine regions in between

The year 2020 has certainly unsettled the world as the Pademic continues to take its toll. A man who has seen the first hand effects of stress is Melbourne doctor and author Russ Harris whose first book, The Happiness Trap sold ona million copies. His latest book is The Reality Slap and it is designed to provide practical ways for those affected by major events in their life. We cover lifestyle and wellness as a part of that so we felt that this might be a good time to share some ideas you can use to cope with and hopefully overcome stress.

Joseph Vargetto is the owner chef of Misterbianco restaurant in Kew. Misterbianco is actually a place in Sicily, where his parents were from, and their food habits were maintained when they came to Australia. Their influence - particularly his mother's influence - is part of his new book called Siciliano, published by Melbourne Books. He talks to Rita Erlich about the book and the stories behind it.. Photo: Joseph and Rita.

Rita Erlich has been thinking about the year that's nearly finished, and about the year to come. What she has observed is an air of optimism. Not just an air - the evidence is in the number of new restaurants opening in the heart of the city.

Last week Bridgett Leslie conducted an extensive interview on Instagram Live with one of our founding PALAT members, Kirstie Bedford who, apart from being our radio news editor and presenter, is also the Editor of Luxury Escapes magazine. Kirstie talked about why she applied for the magazine editor’s position and what it takes to be a travel writer – any aspiring travel writers out there? Photo shows Bridgett Leslie (top) online with Kirstie Bedford.

Kristin Henning reports from Minneapolis on the Trump phenomenon – will he spoil Joe Biden’s party? Will he actually leave the White House of his own volition? ; will he be back in four years? And can he actually pardon himself?. Photo: Kristin Henning - sign in an apartment building in St Paul Minnesota, As reported in the New York Times today (Dec 14), "since January, at least 1 in 15 people who live in Minnesota have been infected, and at least 1 in 1,252 have died." Minnesota has had mask policies and certain business closures in place since the spring. However, it is surrounded by states with no such policies. Ultimately, the country-wide cases blur all state lines.

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio Dec 16, 2020 - our last live show for the year. Look out for our best of shows over the summer break here in Australia. And thanks for listening.

And finally tonight Graeme Kemlo has a great local story about a keen young gardener, 23 from Bayside who decided she wanted to bring a little sunshine to our lives. So she packaged up and hand-delivered small bags of sunflower seeds into letterboxes. declared a Sunflower Festival and hoped we would plant “these beaacons of optimism, goodness and happiness” to flower by the end of summer 2021. Graeme spoke to Phoebe Thorburn. If you like this idea and would like to support Phoebe in some way send us an email - info@travelwritersradio.com

: In Tropical North Queensland, which includes the region around Port Douglas and the Daintree rainforest, they are embarking on an ambitious program to collect, transport and story all the hard corals of the Great Barrier Reef and other world reefs to store them in a living museum. Like a seed bank the three stage project is designed to ensure the survival of the species which faces problems from coral bleaching to weather events caused by climate change. Graeme Kemlo speaks with the CEO of Tourism Port Douglas and the Daintree, Tara Bennett.

Our Singapore correspondent Lauren Arena talks to Graeme Kemlo about her experience there under COVID-19 and its impact on a staycation she enjoyed last weekend at the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel – the one that looks like a giant set of cricket stumps. Image: Lauren Arena

Bridgett Leslie interviews African-born chef , Christian Abegan who lives and works as a culinary consultant in Paris and wants ro bring the richness of African food to a wider audience. But this award-winning chef is also an opera singer, with a deep creamy baritone voice - something he readily shares in the kitchen, with Bridgett and with our audience.

Kirstie Bedford Presents Travel Writers Radio News for Dec 9 2020.

Image of Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain Tasmania by Kirstie Bedford

Our resident wine expert Tyson Stelzer is back to help us with celebratory times – and don’t we need a bit of that after a year like we’ve endured - and Tyson also provides his usual tips on some of the best value wines available in Australia now. He chats with Graeme Kemlo

: One of the great success stories in Australian horticulture has been olives. Olives and their oil have been the great growth industry over the past 20 years. What's so special about Australian extra virgin olive oil? What's the difference between extra virgin and the rest? What's cold pressed? And is olive oil safe for cooking? Rita Erlich speaks with Rob McGavin, the CEO and co-founder of Boundary Bend, whose best known brand is the top-selling Cobram Estate.

Australian based Richard Weatherly is recognized as one of the world’s finest bird painters, and his aptly named book A Brush with Birds has just been published by Hardie Grant. Richard talked to reporter Veronica Matheson about the book and the birds he has observed around the world.

Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio for December 9, 2020. The show is produced and presented by our international team at PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. For more information email us: info@travelwritersradio.com Thanks for listening.

We want to recognise four recently published non-fiction books we received – a Russian cookbook, a Jewish centenarians memoir, a posthumous anthology from a travel writer and food critic, plus a book largely concerned with fathers and their sons co-authored by a television host and his son…hopefully something for everyone: Beyond the North Wind by Darra Goldstein, published by Ten Speed Press.; The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku, published by Macmillan; Far and Away by A.A. Gill, published by Hachette Australia; and Like Father Like Son: A Family Story by Michael Parkinson and Mike Parkinson, published by Hodder & Stoughton.

Victoria’s best internationally known tourist attraction is its Great Ocean Road. It draws up to 8 million visitors in a good year, but the tourism operators down there are suffering not only from COVID lockdown, but also from the bushfires of early this year. Graeme Kemlo spoke to the general manager of Great Ocean Road Tourism, Liz Price about the road to recovery, the lack of international visitors and their hope to develop more interstate visits to the region. Photo: Graeme Kemlo

Reporter Carolyne Jasinski who has been travelling while the rest of us could not, has suddenly found herself caught up in the Adelaide lockdown, but recently she decided to check out the readiness of one city hotel for the pandemic. So she checked in to get a close look at their Operation Deep Clean.

All the news that you can use from Travel Writers Radio presented by News Editor Kirstie Bedford.. Image: QANTAS, 100 years-old this month, began in a small way in Queensland.

We follow Dave Pell's Nerxt Draft - an email newsletter and an iOS app for iPhone and iPad. As an online commentator his writing is pithy, often witty andright on on the money. We particularly liked his post this week about the truth and consequences of COVID denial, as seen through the eyes of a nurse who works in a COVID warn in a South Dakota hospital. Meanwhile the USA has just passed 250,000 deaths from COVID. We acknowledge Dave's words and thoughts here and suggest you subscribe...unless you're in denial.

Melburnians are well used to lockdown protocol, which includes social distancing, But we have not seen such high-brow social distancing like this where you get to wait in line behind one of these red velvet ropes. Obviously lining up for a croissant or a croque monsieur at one of Flavours’ French patisseries in Melbourne has been turned into a VIP experience. Photo - Graeme Kemlo. Check out our images at - www.soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio Search for #Worth1000Words

Bridgett Leslie speaks to Rawl Annandsingh who has developed a smartphone app, Travel Meet Eat, which is described as being ‘an online community where members can match, connect & share with travel-foodies worldwide and then break bread together in real life’.

Bridgett Leslie speaks with a chef and culinary consultant from France about the Christmas dishes he expects to see on French tables this festive season. Some dialogue is in French.

Here's what's cominh up on Travel Writers Radio tonight - November 18, 2020. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Tfavel Writers.

Fifty years in any career is a good innings, but Graeme Kemlo’s guest this week not only put in the long years perfecting his job as a polar filmmaker both producing and shooting the Arctic and Antarctic, but he did it in the dead of winter and in temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius. He was the first cameraman to film an Emperor Penguin chuick hatching and also the usually secretive handover routine of a young chick from father to mother penguin out on the icefield. That is this week’s special long-form interview In Conversation with Max Quinn. His book, Max Quinn 0 A Life of Extremes is just published by Exisle.

Ewen Bell is our photography expert here at Travel Writers Radio and usually he leads tours in Australia and offshore as a mentor to keen amateur photographers looking to improve their skills behind all types of cameras. He tells Graeme Kemlo how he has pivoted during the COVID lockdown here to produce a cookbook featuring food from the Arctic. Ewen tells how you can obtain a discounted copy of this e-book with hundreds of photos to accompany the recipes he and wife Shelly have gathered over numerous trips beyond the Arctic Circle, the last in March 2020. More details search "Cabin Fever Cookbook"

UPDATE Kristin Henning reports that accoprding to the Associated Press, jey dates are: All disputes over the counts in each state must be complete by Dec. 8. Members of the Electoral College vote on Dec. 14. The U.S. House and Senate hold a joint session on Jan. 6, 2021, to count the electoral votes in each state.

All the travel news you can use, presented by Travel Writers Radio News Editor Kirstie Bedford.

Our US reporter Kristin Henning is based in Minneapolis Minnesota where she spied this sign of the times on a suburban front lawn.

Each year Bendigo in central Victoria hosts a wine festival, but this year COVID intervened and the event has gone virtual. But you can still access some of the great wines of this region as local winemaker and President of the Bendigo Winegrowers Association Wes Vines explains to Rita Erlich.

This is NAIDOC Week and we want to acknowledge the theme of this week for 2020 – Always Was, Always Will Be, which refers to our fiorst nations, the Aboroginal and Toprrest Strait Islander People who have inhabited this land for more than 65,000 years – they were our first first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists. Among those artists a man who stood tall was Dr G Yunupingu, the most commercially successful Australian Aboroginal musician at the time of his death. Here is his pure voice with Delta Goodren in duet singing Bayini – this is the name given to the the first non-Aboriginal visitors to the Arnhem Land coast are referred to as Bayini.

Shanane Davis is passionate about the preservation and revival of historic Indian arts and connoisseurship. Cherishing the tradition of material cultural education, she has revived 46 different sophisticated Indian art mediums over the past decade. Her education centre Olkaan Nishtah in India is a budding centre for students, scholars and art collectors. Bridgett Leslie spoke to her recently.

We're marking the end of the First World War today. Its impacts were enormous - here in Australia, throughout Europe. And in France, here so many battles were fought, there were particular battles in Champagne, where the city of Reims was bombed almost to oblivion. Its rebuilding has made it a city of interest for those who care for the architecture of the 1920s. But today, Rita Erlich interviews the author of a novel that is set entirely during the First World War in Champagne. The novel is called The Champagne War, and its author is Fiona McIntosh.

Coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week...

Hail To The Chief traditionally introduces the President of the USA and we cross to Graeme Kemlo with the latest update from our US-born reporter Kristin Henning who is in Minneapolis Minnesota. Will it be President Trump or Vice-President Biden entering the room to that famous fanfare for the next four years.

Carolyne Jasinski has been interstate to Sunshine Coast in Queensland where she got to try three different types of accommodation from the coastline to the hinterland. Then she self-drove the region to be able to report on the best things to see and do. I spoke to her earlier. Image: Carolyne Jasinski

Reporter Graeme Kemlo spoke this week about Rottnest Island’s new multi-million dollar beachfront resort with Destination Perth CEO, Travey Cinavas-Prosser. The resorto[pened recently and is in huge demand with room rates of up to $800 for the best rooms at peak periods. Image: Tracey Cinavas Prosser

Travel Writer Fiona Harper posted some images on her social media lamenting the fact that Dunk Island, once a very popular five star resort in the Coral Sea, lies in ruins after being twice hit by cyclones. Set within a 1000 hectare rainforest national park, the resort still stands but its buildings were unroofed and ndows smashed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011. As a tourism asset it deserves to be brought back to its former glory. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Fiona earlier.

Our award-winning news editor at Travel Writers Radio, Kirstie Bedford presents all the Travel News.

Tonight we introduce our feature interview series In Conversation with Alice Zaslavsky. Alice is a food figure about town, known for her infectious enthusiasm and her ability to encourage people of all ages to cook and taste. She has a new book out: In Praise of Veg. It's big, bold, and informative. A bit like Alice herself, as Rita Erlich found when they talked about the book, about Alice's experiences on Masterchef, and about what she would do if she were national minister for food.

Prof Ganesh Bagler of IIIT Delhi is the pioneer of Computational Gastronomy, the emerging data science that blends food with artificial intelligence. Trailblazing research from his lab include the study of food, flavors, nutrition, and health. Prof. Bagler has an audacious dream of transforming the global food landscape…is the artificial intelligent chef next on his agenda? Bridgett Leslie speaks to him from Delhi.

Celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita regularly hosts culinary tours overseas, but this year COVID-19 has halted those tours and he remains Queensland-based at his cool Noosa Beach House restaurant. Peter tells reporterVeronica Matheson that for now he will focus on Australian travel, beginning with a tour to Tasmania in March.

Here's what's on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by the team at PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and TYravel Writers

These circles have been multiplying around Melbourne’s parks in recent weeks as reporter Veronica Matheson explains.

Australia’s Coral Coast boasts the world’s longest fringing coral reef, but many people might struggle to say where exactly it is in Australia. It is not in Queensland, but two hours north of Perth. The region has 1100 km of beaches, deserts and the famous Ningaloo reef where you can swim with whale sharks. CEO of the region is David O’Malley who is looking to put the Coral Coast Highway on the map as a world class road trip, like Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Business is booming right now as evidenced by the fact that here’s not a caravan or RV available in Western Australia until well into 2021. David spoke with Graeme Kemlo

Graeme Kemlo has fond memories of Norfolk Island with its rich history as a penal colony and the place where Pitcairn islanders settled after the Mutiny on the Bounty. And until our international borders open this is one place you can go that is overseas – 1600 km off the mainland - it is duty free and you pay no GST, yet you don’t even need a passport. Graeme spoke to the island’s Administrator, Eric Hutchinson. Image Kingston historic penal settlement.

The annual Ubud Writers Festival in Bali starts October 29 but it's going to look very different this year, as you might imagine. No one's flying in because of the pandemic but there have been some upsides. Australian Janet DeNeefe is the festival's founder and curator. She spoke to Adelaine Ng, who began by asking if she considered cancelling the festival this year. To register for the event go to www.ubudwritersfestival.com Listen to Adelaine's full interview on her podcast Upon Arrival.

PALAT member Kirstie Bedford presents Travel Writers Radio News. Image: Rideau Canal in Ottawa - largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world and it's celebrating 50 years this year.

We felt we needed to take the temperature and feel the pulse of the USA as it runs down to election day next Tuesday, so firstly Bridgett Leslie spoke again to American anti-racism educator, 87 year-old Jane Elliott who didn’t mince words when Bridget asked about the role of race in the election. And Graeme Kemlo spoke with our New York correspondent, Phil Brown, an Aussie expat to get his take on the Big Apple’s reaction to the election. As someone who cannot vote his comments were interesting. Phil then went to [photograph nearby lines of voters, explaining: "The line started snaking up and down in a park which took about an hour to clear, and then went for another 4 blocks which took about another hour and a half according to some punters I spoke to on the way out."

We asked Jane Elliott, 87 year-old American anti-racism educator, and NYC resident & Aussie Expat Phil Brown for their comments on the run-up to next Tuesday's national election with long queues already forming to vote early in many cities. What role with race and the pandemic play? Will the polls be wrong again or will Donald Trump get a second term in the top job? Photo by Phil Brown - the sticker she is wearing says she has voted. as others wait in long lines.

Bridgett Leslie speaks with a Chilean marine biologist, Marie Cecilia Godoy Ampuero. She is not only passionate about maintaining a sustainable fishing industry for her country but wants to empower fisherwomen and women gatherers, but says she has to overcome Chile’s machismo culture. First we hear in Spanish from Fisherwoman Irene Subiabre who explains that in her Patagonian village of El Manzano everyone lives off the sea. She says her father taught her when she was young how to fish for shellfish, seaweed, conger eels and more.

During her recent visit to outback South Australia, Carolyne Jasinski met Ellen Litchfield who is a vet but also has created a business selling special lamp sausages from Dorpa sheep which do very well grazing her family’s huge property holdings out the back of Maree. Photo by Carolyne Jasinski

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.To get in contact with us email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Graeme Kemlo has been speaking to Victoria’s regional tourism organisations about the impact on them of the Coronavirus. And in particular he talked to Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, both largely semi-rural areas that adjoin greater Melbourne to the north east and the south east – both have been locked down the same as Melbourne for more than 100 days. Both have asked to be exempted from the suburban lockdown. Both have failed. Graeme speaks to Fake Hendricksen who represents Yarra Valley and works for Rochford Wines, and Angela Cleland is on the Mornington Peninsula. Both are Board members of Business Events Victoria. Image: a widely recognised tourist promotion - Greater Melbourne shown in gray includes Yarra Valley to the east and Mornington Peninsula to the sough.

Carolyne Jasinski is up for a chat, whether in the middle of the outback, the Maree main street, or around the campfire. Continuing her reporting from outback South Australia this week she sits around a campfire for a Q&A session at Wilporinna station with hosts Gordon and Lynn Litchfield and Rotarian Doug Layng is asking some questions about changes over the past 60 years and the charity for isolated children and parents. And then there's the 7 million rabbits.

Whether it was just good timing or a post-COVID response to passenger demand for slow travel and small ships, the world’s newest cruise line, Tradewind Voyages, will launch next May the largest square-rigged sailing ship in the world, Golden Horizon, accommodating just 272 guests. Our reporter Ian Jarrett speaks with Craig Bowen MD of small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, exclusive launch partner of Golden Horizon which makes her inaugural world voyage in August, 2021, including a circumnavigation of Australia in December 2021.

The latest news on food, wine, lifestyle and travel from the team at PALAT, produced and presented by Kirstie Bedford. Photo shows model in Qantas gear.

Here's the latest image in our series of still life under COVID... Kristin Henning visits a playground with her grand children

George Mavrothalassitis was born in Provence, trained in classical French cooking then in 1985 moved to mainland USA. In 1988 he flew to Honolulu and was told to enjoy the airplane food because he would not enjoy Her had just been hired as Executive chef for whet he says was the best hotel in Hawaii, The Halekulani. There was nothing wrong with the food in Hawaii, he said and shortly thereafter he founded the Hawaii Regional Cuisine with a group of top local chefs. In 2007 he left hotel kitchens and setup his own, using his nickname, Chef Mavro He won numerous awards for his degustation, including a coveted James Beard award. After 12 years of reinventing French classics he decided to move back to Provence, signed the restaurant over to his sous chef and put his Waikiki home on the market. Then COVID struck and he was stuck. Graeme Kemlo who has met and interviewed the chef before, wondered what happened then.

Bridgett Leslie speaks to Sanjay Thakute, who holds a Guinness World Record for establishing the highest elevation restaurant in the world. He was born in the Himalayas and decided on the pop-up restaurant as a way of bringing global attention to the food and culture of his birthplace.

Tom Guthrie and his wife Sara made their first Grampians vintage 25 years ago. But the region was well known a century earlier. It may still be difficult for many to visit the Grampians wineries, but the winemakers are doing their bit to make it easy to drink their wines. Tom Guthrie explains it all to Rita Erlich.

Here's what is coming up tonight on Travel Writers Radio which airs weekly on Melbourne's J_AIR 88FM. The show is produced and presented by the members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Contact us: info@travelwritersradio.com

Carolyne Jasinski has just been on the Corolla Capers a charity bush bash for owners of the little four cylinder cars not normally seen in off-road situations. But our reporter went along for a good cause and a good yarn to some of the outback folks in the north of South Australia where you measure your land holding in square kilometres not acres and Carolyne visits one that is the size of Belgium. She talks to Graeme Kemlo about the event, the cause and also catches up with some local idents. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

New York City pivots during pandemic to allow restaurants to offer pavement dining during the US Open last month/

Australia’s little penguins have become international superstars with millions of viewers tuning in nightly on YouTube and Facebook to watch the pint-sized birds emerge from the ocean at sunset and scurry home to burrows on Phillip Island, off the coast of Victoria. Phillip Island Nature Parks Roland Pick told reporter Veronica Matheson how the penguin parade has stolen the limelight and capture hearts around the world. Phito: Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Kangaroo Island suffered terribly from the summer bushfires losing 90 homes and farms, thousands of koalas and other native animals as fire scorched one third of the island. Then the tourism industry took another hit as rebuilding infrastructure was halted by the pandemic that also saw many staff leave the island for jobs on the mainland. But the locals have pulled together and a strategy for recovery is working so far with visitor numbers up 55 per cent on this time last year. Graeme Kemlo spoke recently with Mary-Lou Corcoran of Kangaroo Island Tourism. Photo SA Tourism

Our award-winning news editor Kirstie Bedford presents all the travel news you can use. Photo by Kirstie Bedford

Adam d'Sylva is best known as executive chef and co-owner of Coda and Tonka restaurants in the heart of Melbourne, and he's known as a food judge, too. He talks to Rita Erlich about judging a home cooks in lockdown competition for the food retailer Toscanos, and about breakfast, and about pivoting in lockdown.

In the second part of his interview with Douglas Ward author of the “bible” of cruising, his Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, Graeme Kemlo asks Douglas about his decision not to publish this year - the first time in 34 years there will be no guidebook. He also asks Douglas about about the future of cruising goven the pandemic's second wave, the need for global regulation and how cruise lines hire, pay and accommodate their crews. Photo supplied: Deep cleaning MSC Grandiosa

India is in the news lately for its rising COVID infection rate – almost the same total infections as USA, however it has only half the US deaths and that has been commented upon widely. Is food something to do with it? Vision Rescue was founded in 2004 in response to the needs of Mumbai’s street children. Vision Rescue’s Biju Thampy tells Bridgett Leslie that the organisation has served one million meals to those in need during COVID

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio this week of October 14, 2020. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professionalssociation of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Danielle Clode an Adelaide-based academic and writer of natural history books, has been researching Jeanne Barret for some time and now believes she may be the first woman to have circumnavigated the world. But this was in the 1760s when very few women went on expeditions and in the French Navy it was forbidden for a sailor to take a woman on board. But Jeanne Barret went to sea dressed as a man – the servant of famed botanist, Philbert Commerson sent by the King of France to research the plants of the southern hemisphere. Jeanne was very good at her job - and her disguise - and almost got away with it, but a Tahitian man knows a French woman when he sees one. Danielle explains the fascinating story to Graeme Kemlo.

Graeme Kemlo speaks with Douglas Ward author of the “bible” of cruising, his Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships. For the first year he is not publishing an edition for 2021 – the first time in 34 years it has not appeared as he explains the devastation wrought upon the industry by COVID-19, which in the case of the Ruby Princess was linked to 28 deaths and 700 infections. What is the future of the cruise industry? Photo supplied: Douglas Ward aboard MSC Grandiosa recently

Graeme JKemlo talks with Rosie Douglas of Tourism Tropical North Queensland on the state of tourism in the region where the Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, where the China market was its most lucrative visitor sector , but where new hotels continue to open. With some interstate borders open and the promise of the New Zealand travel bubble, there ks light at the end of the tunnel for this region that usually hosts 55,000 visitors at any one time, but currently has only 5000 to 6000, Rosie says.

All the travel news you can use produced by the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers (PALAT) and presented by our award-winning news editor, Kirstie Bedford.

People in Melbourne are still restricted. No more than 5km from home, and masks when out of doors. The statue in this inner suburban garden is an out-of-doors person, and so wears a mask. It is reassuring when people maintain their sense of humour. Check out our images at - www.soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio search for #Worth1000Words

Bridgett Leslie loves food and loves interviewing chefs from almost anywhere. So she wanted to speak with renowned street food chef Hawker Chan in Singapore since he had a Michelin Star and served the cheapest Michelin-rated meals anywhere. However he operated from a blacked out kitchen behind locked doors, and he didn’t speak English, so she organised a Mandarin translator and persuaded Chef Chan to take a break from service to speak to Travel Writers Radio via Zoom

Tyson Stelzer is our resident wine expert and is a multi-awatd winning wine communicator of the year. Recently he received an honour in being asked to be the editor of James Halliday’s Wine Companion as well as continuing his role as a member of his tasting team. Graeme Kemlo speaks to Tyson about this new role as well as some options for purchasing wines direct from the vineyard and recommends some new releases ready for spring drinking.

Nutritionist Samantha Gowing is encouraging chefs to unite gastronomy and nutrition. She is a Le Cordon Bleu teacher, Clinical Nutritionist and Author who has worked for more than 20 years with hotels, resorts and health retreats all over the world on improving their health and wellbeing. Rita Erlich talked with Sam about food as medicine and the apparent disconnect between restaurant food and nutrition. More information: www.foodhealthwealth.com

Here's what is on Travel Writers Radio this week in food, wine and travel stories. These stories from around the corner and around the world are brought to you by the members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in touch email: info@travelwritersradio.com Note: We have a new FM frequency - to listen to our radio show live on Wednesdays from 5pm - 7pm Melbourne time, set your dial to J-AIR 88FM in Melbourne. Thanks for listening.

I was doing a story about Phillip Island this week and I had no idea that this once sleepy retreat 140 km south east of Melbourne had so much of its tourism tied up in a group of little penguins that waddle up the beaches every night after dusk . Nor did I understand the international appeal of the Penguin Parade, or that they had spent over $58 million creating the foreshore experience centre and viewing platforms for 3000 people a night. I spoke with Destination Phillip Island’s Kim Storey who explained that the penguin economy had been hit hard by COVID and what it meant to the island.

Author Shona Riddell grew up in New Zealand near a lighthouse that was operated by the only woman to take on the demanding lightkeeper’s job. The story fascinated her so she went on around the world looking for other lighthouses where women had kept the watch and she ended up with a book full. Graeme Kemlo speaks to Shona about her new book Guiding Lights which is about a hard life that can be both heroic and sad.

One of our team, Adelaide Ng, is launching her own podcast this week and she speaks with Bridgett Leslie about what you can expect to learn from Upon Arrival https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/upon-arrival-events-incentives-with-adelaine-ng/id1532203458

|ll the Travel News you can use presented by award-winning news editor, Kirstie Bedford for the week September 30, 2020. Dend your news tips to info@travelwritersradioc.om

– The latest image we feature in our #Worth1000Words series is from our local correspondent, Suzanne Hart who was among the first to check out this tranquil e a tranquil scene from the brand new luxury resort, Raffles Bali, part of the Accor group. Raffles Bali, a sister property to Singapore’s famous grand dame, features authentixc Balinese culture and cuisine. Suzanne will have a full report and more images shortly.

• Our West Australian correspondent Ian Jarrett heard about research in Western Australia that indicated seagrass off Rottnest Island could save 810 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. The islands seagrass meadows impact climate change an d, in turn, tourism with its ability to absorb C)2 40 times faster than a tropical rainforest and capture the carbon for thousands of years. So Ian spoke to Joanna Pearce of Edith Cowan University about the impact of this research on tourism.

• We’ve been mis-pronouncing it for years I suspect – it is that Spanish dish Pie-ah, not pay-ella. And it originates in Valencia, the third largest city in Spain. There are even strict rules about what goes into the dish in Valencia and locals will quickly tell you a prawn should never be included. Graeme Kemlo speaks to Lara Dolden of Sea Saffron, a local guided tour company that offers unique experiences touring the old and new cities plus the authentic Pie-ah.

• There’s a trend brewing around our big population centres as the pandemic forces us into isolation, and it is the longing for clean air, open spaces, time out from the various Corona confines. And the evidence is growing that getting back to nature is the new black. Carolyne Jasinski, who, when she’s not reporting for Travel Writers Radio, is Editor At Large for The Wanderer, a magazine specialising in the RV market. Carolyne tells Graeme Kemlo about the latest figures on how many of us want to camp, glamp, or boondock.

Here's what's on the show this week. Travel Writers Radio is ptoduced and presented by PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.

If the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, you will be interested in Graeme Kemlo’s chat with Chad Blakely who offers a COVID-safe opportunity to you and your family, or a few friends to stay in his own home in Abisco, Swedish Lapland, which is within the aurora zone but surrounded by mountains that keep the skies clear and block light pollution. Photo: Chad Bkalely under the Northern Lights at Abisco.

With the reduction in COVID infections in Victoria, the State’s regional areas have been re-opened and fast out of the gates in the race for the tourist dollar to kickstart their local economy has been the Grampians. It is about three hour’s drive north west of Melbourne. We spoke to Grampians Tourism CEO, Mark Sleeman about their campaign to have visitors from anywhere in Victoria… anywhere that is, except locked-down Melbourne.

In the second part of his interview with Bridgett Leslie, author and musician, Rob Baker talks about the renowned musicians of Mali and music festivals in the desert that drew international attendees He chronicled it all in his book Toubab Tales.

Graeme Kemlo has been a specialist writer on ther Business Events sector for more thzn 20 years and this city – Melbourne - is one of the world’s best cities at running Business Events. It generates hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy. But what has happened since the Pandemic hit. Graeme checks in with the CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau, Julia Swanson

Here's what is coming up on Travel Writers Radio tonight - September 23, 2020. The show is produced and presented by the members of PALAT, the professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers.

They say ‘be careful what you wish for’…and Barcelona residents were among the first to tell tourists to stay away because they felt over-touristed. About 8.1 million tourists visited the city last year…qwell there are no no tourists in this great Spanish city now, no queues outside the Sagrada Familia. Now the locals are bemoaning the loss of billions of dollars in tourism revenue as a second wave of COVID-19 hits the country with 566,000 infections and almost 30,000 deaths. Graeme Kemlo speaks to UK-born a journalist and guide book author Esme Fox who has lived there for five years, about life under the pandemic/ Photo Graeme Kemlo - Gaudi rooftop Barcelona

In his book Toubab Tales, Rob Baker explains his fascination with the people and the culture of Mali where he worked as a musician learning the unique features of their music. He tells Bridgett Leslie he enjoyed this African country because it was was not only different from his native UK, but also quite distinct from other African nations.

On her trip aboard The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin reporter Carolyne Jasinski meets an ex stockman, Ted Dowsett who is as old as The Ghan itself (91 years). Ted, who left school and was a stockman on one of the Kidman stations by the age of 14, always loved riding the rails and reminisces on his long healthy life in the saddle and his secret to longevity.

Bahama-born chef (Ms) Sid Munroe trained to become a chef at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte, North Carolina, but credits a move to Marsh Harbour, Abaco in the Bahamas as the blossoming of her career. She as the head chef at Abaco Lodge; a bonefishing lodge, an experience that gave her a lot of room for creativity. A year ago this month the Bahamas and Abaco was almost wiped off the map by Hurricane Dorian. But the islands have come back and Sid remains passionate about the Bahamas and its food and culture.

Two years ago Graeme Kemlo spoke with Christian Coenen, a baker based on Queensland’s Gold Coast who continues a tradition of German company Herman Brot, that dates back 170 years. Christian specialises in bread that are much lower in carbohydrates, much higher in protein and are low GI. He has worked with Sydney University testing the suitability of his products for those with Diabetes Type 2. And he tells Graeme he has reversed his own diabetes eating his products. Now the business has expanded Australia-wide with bakers in all states and internationally into the Middle East. Photo: Christian (centre) celebrating 170 years of Herman Brot with his team

Secrets? Every family has one. That's the theme of a series that will go to air on SBS. Rita Erlich talks to Claire Forster, the series producer, about how difficult it is to uncover family secrets, how important it can be for a sense of identity, and how carefully it must be done. The first of the series deals with a Perth woman who found out she was born in Teresienstadt, the Nazi concentration camp. Photo: Noni Hazlehurst, series host.

Here's what's coming up on this week's episode of Travel Writers Radio produced and presented by PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. To get in contact, email: info@travelwritersradio.com

The latest image we feature in our #Worth1000Words series is from Rita Erlich” Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway which usually carries heavy traffic at all times of the day. The afternoon traffic builds from mid-afternoon, when this photograph was taken. Almost no one on the road, because there's almost nowhere to go during Melbourne's lockdown. Check out our images at - www.soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio search for #Worth1000Words

Walkley Award winning journalist Anthony Sharwood ditched his online journalism job saying he was “:fried” and he took a long walk in the Australian Alps then wrote a book. In his recent interview with Anthong Graeme asked him to reflect on journalism – here’s what he had to say, followed by Graeme’s interview with final year journalism student Jayaya Kinma Janaya from the Sunshine Coast on her hopes and dreams for a journalism career next year.

Last year our Adelaide team member Dianne Mattsson covered the Ubud Writers Festival in Ubud Bali, which was packed to hear Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, but this year it is a Coronavirus-driven ghost town as Dianne discovers when she checks in with festival organiser and Ubud hotelier, Ausdtralian Janet de Neefe, who does understand the need to control the virus currently i8nfecting more than 3000 people each day.

Reporter Carloyne Jasinski is on board The Ghan, the iconic train that has just returned to service between Adelaide and Darwin. Now heading south she speaks with Tom Borthwick whose job is to ensure guests maximise their experience on board and off-train excursions that are now being offered to passengers.

– Graeme Kemlo meets Christopher George a country teenager who used to get up at 2 am and ride his bicycle to work in a Victorian country bakery. But having seen Paris and tasted this patisserie on a holiday visit he decided he could do more in the kitchen. So four years ago he opened a very French patisserie in Black Rock, then another a couple of years later in Parkdale and now, amidst the worst pandemic in history, he has opened a third Flavours Patisserie in Beaumaris, around the corner from Graeme Kemlo. And, having been to Paris many times, Graeme is declaring their croissant and the café’s ambience the most authentic he has experienced outside of France.

Guy Grossi and his family of restaurants are a Melbourne institution so it was with mush sadness that when COVID-19 hit many Melbourne diners felt deprived of the opportunity to dine on the traditional Italian fare the Florentino restaurant had provided. So when Guy Grossi established Grossi A Case and offered the same meals as a take home option that it was not only good news for his restaurant and their staff, but for Melbourne diners. Rita Erlich spoke with him earlier this week.

Bridgett Leslie speaks to Chef Andrea Pinzon Banfield from Panama, who originally worked in a Michelin star restaurant then trained under trained under Celebrity Chef Patricia Miranda Allen and has now opened her own catering business Baran Blü, (which means plantain blossom in the Ngäbere dialect). Photo: Chef Andrea with plantain flowers.

Here's what's coming up on this week's episode of Travel Writers Radio, produced and presented by PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle And Travel Writers. We cover Lifestyle (food, wine beverages and experiences plis travel for business and leisure. To get in touch email: info@travelwritersradio.com

This is what Melbourne retail shopping looks like under COVID lockdown. The latest image we feature in our #Worth1000Words series is The Melbourne Retail Experience – I drove to Officeworks to find the usual carpark empty apart from a white marquee into which you must drive to Click & Collect your pre-chosen pre-paid purchase, then open the boot so there’s no human contact as they drop the item into your boot and you drive off – no browsing, except online. Check out our images at - www.soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio search for #Worth1000Words

Spare a thought for Brendan McClements, who took up the job of CEO at Visit Victoria at the time it became difficult, impossible, and then inadvisable to visit much of the state because of bushfires, then because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So how does he encourage us to know about Victorian businesses and attractions? He talked to Rita Erlich about the new initiative, Click for Vic. Go on-line and discover.

Our very mobile reporter, Carolyne Jasinski is back travelling again. This time on The Ghan, which has recommenced operations after five months of COVID shutdown. Carolyne reckons she is on a “COVID-safe corridor from Adelaide to Darwin”. She speaks to the Executive General Manager (Rail) for the train operator, Journey Beyond. Photo by Carolyne Jasinski - David Donald (L) at Marla with Tom Borthwick

• Last year James Ellsmoor established the Virtual Island Summit which for 2020 has attracted more than 100 island countries and up to 10,000 attendees who will meet all next week online for presentations and discussions on their future post-COVID. Critical discussions will centre on how they believe they can kick-start their economies, many of which are up to 90% dependent on tourism. You can join the Summit in and here is where you can register…it is free. www.virtualislandsummit.com

@Worth1000Words - Graeme Kemlo found the normally frenetic Southland Shopping Centre Melbourne almost deserted during a midweek visit.

Times are tough - just some sincere thoughts from the team to you. Stay safe. Be well.

Rita Erlich, who has a considerable library of cookbooks, is always interested in them. She says she's always keen to see new books, not only because of the recipes and what she might cook for dinner, but also because of what they say about the way we as a community want to cook and eat.

Our reporter Bridgett Leslie chats with Chilean Journalist, Dalma Diaz Pinto, founder of Gastronomia Patagonia, about the food of Patagonia and her work to help empower women.

There are five designated Blue Zones in the world where the local residents live longer than most. One of them is the island of Ikaria in Greece. And at least part of the reason for longevity – one local lived to 117 - is their reliance on the Mediterranean Diet. Graeme speaks to Greek food teacher and author, Meni Valle about her new book on the island that seems to have stopped time.

Here's what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio September 2, 2020. The show airs on FM radio in Melbourne and we then post each story to this SoundCloud site. The show is produced and presented by members of the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers (PALAT). Contact us: info@travelwritersradio.com

Graeme Kemlo interviews Walkley Award winning Australian journalist Anthony Sherwood who quit his job with an online news website and took off on Australia’s toughest hiking trail – solo. Only problem was this was Austra;oa's worst wildfire season and he was on the 660 km Australian Alps Walking Track from East Gippsland to Canberra and he went From Snow to Ash. Among the lessons he learned along the way before he had to be evacuated by helicopter was that the Australian Alps might be as fragile as the Great Barrier Reef.

Clive Scott is the longest serving hotel general manager in Melbourne, and probably in Australia. He's the gm of Sofitel, and in his tenure of 15 years he has not had to face the challenges that the industry is now facing. Rita Erlich spoke to him, and found that it's a long way from being all doom and gloom.

Matchmaking is still a popular concept, even in contemporary Indian society with its rising middle class. Bridgett Leslie speaks with Sociology Professor Parul Bhandari whose research covers family, marriage, gender, social class, and Indian cinema. The matchmaking theme, which is now the subject of a popular local TV reality show and Bridgett wonders if it still works in real life. 'Indian Matchmaking' was a popular Netflix series.

–The latest image we feature in our #Worth1000Words series is The Masked Man, whose requirement to be masked in public led to an opportunity for Phil Nikolarakos to become a mobile billboard for his Melbourne cafe Ora. Image: Rita Erlich

– Australia's national science research agency, CSIRO has produced its latest book on diet and lifestyle solutions. It is easy-to-follow, features evidence-based eating plans, exercise programs, nutritious recipes, shopping lists and guidance on healthy food choices – this time focusing on Diabetes Type 2. Graeme Kemlo speaks with Professor Grant Brinkworth about the lower carbohydrate / higher protein approach to help solve an epidemic affecting 1.7 million Australians and costs the Government $14.6 billion dollars a year.

Rebecca Forgasz is associate professor in the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University. Her field is community engagement and intercultural communication, so it's not surprising that when she heard about the University of Arizona's plans to document how Covid-19 was affecting Jewish life, she was into it. The restrictions around Covid-19 affect us all, individually, as families, and as communities. What's so different about Jewish family life? That's what this project will find out. Rita Erlich spoke to Rebecca Forgasz about it.

Lifestyle food, wine and travel stories from the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel writers. Coming to you from Meobourne, Australia and our team of writers from here and abroad. Stay safe, be well,

A newly released book which will fascinate Melbourne listeners who well recall the underworld drug wars here between 1998 and 2010, as depicted in the TV series Underbelly. That is one of six criminal cases that forensic anthropoligst Dr Xanthe Mallett analyses in her new book Reasonable Doubt. Graeme Kemlo spoke to her about the cases of legal injustice that she says have sent innocent men to jail, have cost lives and let some criminals go free. But she also dscusses the case of Lawyer X, the defence barrister we now know as Nicola Gobbo, Not only was she a defence barrister but simultaneously was the registered Victoria Police informant nu,ber 3838. – Xanthe believes there will be wide repercussions throughout the legal profession and the police force once a Royal Commission into the matter completes its inquiries late this year.

We check in with Victoria’s second largest city, Geelong, about an hour south west of Melbourne. It is home to a quarter million people, and gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road. Graeme Kemlo speaks to Mark Day Convention Bureau Manager at Business Events Geelong to discover how life and business is faring during this pandemic and how long before he expects they’ll to be hosting meetings again in his region.

Continuing our interview by Graeme Kemlo with former Sydney wine merchant adn expert in museum and rare wines, John Baker. John;s book, Stalin's Wine Cellar details the quest for the Holy Grail of wine by four Aussies from Sydney. They form a partnership to buy the contents of a wine cellar under a rundown State-owned winery in the former Soviet republic of Georgia for USD 1 million in cash, but believe it could be worth seven or eight times that amount, provided they can prove its provenance. The book had its worldwide release by publishers, Penguin Random House, this week and John Baker expects further developments in this incredible, but true story. Photo: John Baker outside Chateau d'Yquem in Bordeaux where in 2003 he took a 19th Century bottle from the Georgia cellars to be verified.

Graeme Kemlo interviews former Sydney wine merchant, John Baker who went on an incredible adventure in search of Stalin’s Wine Cellar, a collection of over 40,000 bottles of some of the oldest and best French wines that had previously been accumulated by Tsars Nicholas II and Alexander III and hidden in a little known winery cellar as Hitler advanced on Tbilisi, Georgia. This was the Wild West Boy’s Own Adventure with mysterious men in dark suits, swarthy characters toting handguns, subterfuge, some of the world’s rarest bottles of wine and one million US dollars cash. He tells Graeme it could all have been a giant hoax, but John Baker did find the cellars and, among other wines, managed to take a rare 1870-something Chateau d’Yquem from Tbilisi to the CEO and chief winemaker at Yquem in Bordeaux for authentication... but that’s another very funny twist in this true tale. The book co-authored by journalist Nick Place has just been published by Penguin Random House Australia.

Bridgett Leslie has been very busy reporting for us lately as well as holding down a full time job as a professional auditor in Sydney, so she is a little time-poor. Bridgett decided to try out a Hello Fresh meal kit and she speaks to Graeme Kemlo about what she ordered, what it cost for what she got and how it all worked out as a dinner for one.

Our reporter Carolyne Jasinski from Adelaide South Australian rhas been travelling all around her State recently gathering stories for her magazine, The Wanderer, and also for us. Tonight she is starting a new series, entitled “Love It Like A Local” in which she speaks to people who are experts in travel, who live and breathe the regions they live in and are great ambassadors to both domestic and international visitors. She chats with Lee Prettejohn who own Barossa Boutique Wine Tours. Cities. Photo: Lee (R) with with Stuart Bourne of Soul Growers wines.

The latest on lifestyle and travel stories from the team at Travel Writers Radio for the week of August 12, 2020. Travel Writers Radio is an independent broadcast on FM radio in Melbourne,produced and presented by the members of PALAT - the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Please stay safe and Be Well.

Tasmania, our clean green state really is at the mercy of the airlines because even though there are no border closures with most of Australia, any tourists have to come through either Melbourne (which is locked down) or Sydney. But Marnie Craig, CEO of Business Events Tasmania believes that issue and a number of others will work well for the Apple Isle in the end. She told GraemeKemlo one benefit from COVID-19 was that Tasmania was seen as a safe destination and her office had so far fielded many inquiries from event organisers for both domestic and international corporate meetings and incentive programs in 2021.

New York correspondent, Phil Brown spoke to Graeme Kemlo, then sent us a typical street scene for our #Worth1000Words serie. It was , quite a different scene to last May when he shot the Naked Cowboy stood all alone in Times Square. In his scene this week the sidewalk cafes are very popular, people are out, yes...wearing a mask, and feeling more confident they have avoided a second wave., unlike a number of other US cities.

Paris-based reporter Vincent de Monicault says it would be a great time to visit the City of Light because there are no international visitors allowed, restaurants have reopened, street café;s are busy. And the only tourists are other Europeans and those from the regions of France. Pity we're in a lockdown. Photo: Graeme Kemlo

Graeme Kemlo speaks with PALAT member, Australian expat Phil Brown who reported for us in May when the Big Apple was a virtual ghost town. Since then they have flattened the curve and people are out and about, but still they must wear masks and observe social distancing however unlike Melbourne, New York cops are more likely to hand you a mask that a fine. Photo: Phil Brown. Gotham Portrait

Rita Erlich and Graeme Kemlo discuss a couple of issues ffecting the hospitality industry - first is an open letter that long-established Melbourne restaurateur Ronnie Di Stasio raised in a social media post about the state of our restaurant industry post-COVID; and the second is about truth in labelling of the seafood we eat here in Australia – an issue highlighted by the Seafood Industry highlighting that we have different food labelling requirements for fish sold at retail versus fish used in the food service industry. So we first wanted to listen to what Ronnie di Stasio wrote, so we recorded an audio version:

One of the growing themes in food and nutrition is the use of plant-based foods as an alternate to other forms of protein for health and sustainability. Bridgett Leslie interviews a Chef Patricia Miranda A;;en from Panama who has been named among the top 5o chefs in the world promoting ”plant forward” cooking. More: @cerrobrujo

Welcome to our 268th Episode of Travel Writers Radio produced and presented by the members of the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers(PALAT). Please enjoy the show.

A literary agent for 16 years, Yasmin set up her own publishing house, Three Hares Publishing in 2014. Yasmin strives to be at the cusp of change in a continuously evolving and fast-paced industry. Her agency, Kane Literary Agency, specialises in thought-provoking YA, children’s fiction and non fiction. She explains to Bridgett Leslie the best way to get your manuscript finished and accepted by a publisher.

Employing a the Shark Tank TV theme, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre ran an innovative business planning session this week. With the centre closed, staff and stakeholders working from home came together to discuss 12 ideas for future direction for the MCEC. CEO Peter King told Graeme Kemlo about the Shark Tank concept where all teams would have to pitch their ideas to three Melbourne identities – former Victorian Premier and MCEC chair, John Brumby, Melbourne Lord Mayor Cr Sally Capp and AFL star and local hotelier Luke Darcy. Update: Four ideas were chosen to move forward to the next stage. Image: Peter King.

Perth, Western Australia used to be known as the world’s most isolated capital city and they are probably quite happy to assume that title again as the State borders closed to anyone from the east coast hotspots 3400 Km away. Earlier I spoke to the chief executive of Destination Perth, Tracey Cinavas-Prosser about their current situation under COVID.

With South Australia remaining relatively COVID free, our reporter Carolyne Jasinski has made the most of her opportunities to travel within the State and this week she is back in the Riverland and spent three nights aboard the paddlewheeler Murray Princess cruising our largest and longest river. Carolyne spoke to captain Nick Sciancalepore. PhotoL Carolyne Jasinski - sunset from Murray Princess

The latest image to wear the Worth1000Words hashtag is another photo shot by Rita Erlich. Scopri is a busy Italian restaurant in Carlton that displays displays a sign of the times under Stage 4 lockdown – they prepare boxes of ingredients for diners to make up to two dinners – take away only. Check out our images at - www.soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio search for #Worth1000Words

Tyson Stelzer is our regular wine expert at Travel Writers Radio and very busy he is, running wine events and travelling overseas each year, but COVID-19 had him reinventing his business in a year in which the wine industry itself has suffered three major body blows – drought, bushfires and Coronavirus. He explains to Graeme Kemlo the state of the Australian industry, and he also offers his usual wine tip or two.

Lauren Aloiseof Devour Tours, based in Madrid, set out for Spain in 2009 thinking she’d use a position teaching English there to learn about Spanish food and culture…and then return to the United States. Instead, Lauren met and married a Spaniard. and also fell in love with his family’s cooking and the whole of Spanish cuisine, history, and culture. Her food tour company operates in eight European cities, but she tells Kristin Henning that during the Pandemic people in quarantine want to cook food, learn about food and find joy in sharing food stories., so her blog - spanishabores.com - has proved popular. Kris is at www.travelpast50.com

Among the many families who played a role in the European style established in Melbourne’s hospitality scene, was the Ress family whose Ress Oriental hotel is credited as the first to bring the French sidewalk café to the top of Collins Street - now known as 'the Paris End'. Rita Erlich speaks with Nicole Ress Silberberg about her hotelier family, especially her late father Leon. Nicole teaches French conversation in Melbourne and leads tours to Provence.

Welcome to the latest edition of Travel Writers Radio, a two-hour weekly radio broadcast from Australia, which we have sliced and diced into individual stories for your listening convenience. TWR is an independent not-for-profit program produced and presented by the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers (PALAT). To contact us email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Our US-born reporter Kristin Henning has so far been unable to take a special cruise she and photographer husband Tom Bartel signed up for this year– she hopes it will happen next year, but in the meanwhile she speaks with Gudmundur Kjartansson, CEO of Iceland ProTravel in anticipation of soon stepping aboard their expedition vessel Ocean Diamond on a special 10-day circumnavigation of Iceland.

With permission of the singer Arndis Halla., we present for streaming only, an Icelandic folk song, Vísur Vatnsenda-Rósu" which in English means Verses by Rosa of Vatnsendi. It sets the scene for Kristin Henning's upcoming story on circumnavigating Iceland.

: The latest image to wear the Worth1000Words hashtag is from PALAT member Carolyne Jasinski, just back from the Eyre Peninsula in western South Australia. This was the morning calm she captured and she hopes South Australia's COVID-safe bubble doesn't burst and ruin moments like these on Ceduna jetty on SA's Far West Coast. Photo: Carolyne Jasinski

Fight or Flight was our recent series of interviews by award-winning team member Kirstie Bedford. It focused on the response of various tourism and travel organisations to the COVID-19 Pandemic and their strategies for recovery. Graeme Kemlo spoke with Kirstie earlier about what we can learn from the past months she has spent talking with the industry’s senior leadership.

Graeme Kemlo who, as a reporter, has covered the business events sector of the travel industry for more than 20 years, knows the economic benefit that is provided to cities like Melbourne when they host major international and local business events – meetings, incentive programs conventions and exhibitions. When the Coronavirus hit Adelaide was set for a record year according to Convention Bureau CEO Damian Kitto who then had to find ways to save hundreds of millions of dollars that would be lost if the events were all cancelled – he tells Graeme how the team managed to save 90 per cent of the events.

Times Like These are tough times for a city such as Melbourne with its foodie culture disrupted by another Coronavirus lockdown. So how do restaurateurs like Jason Jones of the popular Entrecote eatery in South Yarra, Melbourne, maintain their business in the face of COVID-19. He chats with Rita Erlich.

Tonight on the show we have a range of interesting stories to hopefully entertain and inform, including our radio with pictures segment #Worth1000Words. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Thanks for sharing your time with usIf you would like to comment on any of our stories, or perhaps you have a story to tell, then feel free to get in touch via email: info@travelweritersradio.com.

Its Day One of compulsory mask wearing in Melbourne following a record increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday - putting that into perspective there were 484 new cases, still well below some other cities around the world. But we're in lockdown and risk a $200 fine if we are outside without a mask. NB: I wore a different mask to shoot this scene at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary where it seemed even the birdslife was self-isolating.

Our reporter Carolyne Jasinski just visited the western part of her home state, South Australia, which has fared well under restrictions to control the Coronavirus, so she has been able to travel out of Adelaide. Last week she was off sampling the delights of the Eyre Peninsula with David Doudle of Australian Coastal Safaris,

Bridgett Leslie live-streamed a chat with multi-award winning Jamaican chef, George Matthews. He knew from an early age that he wanted to be an executive chef, inspired by his mother and grandmother. He also found a mentor in Kingston, Jamaica chef Norma Shirley. George speaks with PALAT member Bridgett Leslie about his life, his cooking style, the secret to cooking jerk chicken and the overwhelming sense of achievement he felt cooking for US President Barack Obama.

The latest image in our #Worth1000Words is an ominous wintry morning in Melbourne with raindrops clinging to a winter rose. Image by Graeme Kemlo

First Places We're Going Post-COVID -Graeme Kemlo And Rita Erlich by Travel Writers Radio podcast produced by the Professional Associatioon of Lifestyle and TravelWriters (PALAT)

PALAT Members Carolyne Jasinski and Dianne Mattsson, both from Adelaide, launched themselves on an unsuspecting Riverland region in an RV last week…and friends rudely suggested it sounded like a Thelma and Louise buddy Road-trip similar to the iconic 1986 film with Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon. But unlike the actors, our pair did not drive a Thunderbird off one of the splendid local cliffs, but they did have a lot of fun and shared some great tips with Graeme Kemlo on the best local food, wine and destinations, including: -Viewpoint Cafe, Waikerie (behind the roadhouse https://www.facebook.com/ViewpointCafeWaikerie/ -Illalangi Gourmet store, on outskirts of Waikerie https://www.illalangi.com.au/ -Nippy's farmgate store and factory, Waikerie https://www.nippys.com.au/our-story/ -Swan Reach general store... nice people, good spot for supplies, simple toastie, simple ingredients, made with care https://www.facebook.com/Swan-Reach-General-Store-550137551824005/ -Renmark dining and gin-tasting option https://www.23rdstreetdistillery.com.au/ -Great bakery... try the beesting, best to share https://www.facebook.com/Paringa-Bakery-168714506573044/

Our Singapore correspondent, Lauren Arena reflectc the success of Singapore in tracking and tracing the city State's citizens as they go about their work during the Coronavirus pandemic.

: Kristin Henning is one half of our nomadic reporting team that sold the family home in Minneapolis and have been travelling as much as permitted ever since. Kris shares the view that this year in the US might be the year of the road trip as city residents are anxious to escape the COVID threat and breathe some fresh air in an isolated location, maybe a national park. She has some great safety tips for those taking to the highway, many of whom might be less experienced in the great outdoors – highly relevant for Australians too. Photo: Kristin Henning More information: www.travelpast50.com

Last week we heard from Aussie expat in Bali, Suzanne Hart, but over the past few days in Australia media reports have suggested up to 7000 Aussies were about to be booted out of Bali. Graeme Kemlo spoke to Suzanne earlier this week in an effort to spell out what’s really happening in one of Aystralia’s favourite playground and a place where the Australian dollar is an important contributor to the local visitor economy.

The 8th edition of Australia’s dictionary, the Macquarie is out this month and as a journalist it is obviously an interesting time to find out what new words have gained currency since the last edition. Graeme Kemlo found it especially pleasing not to be saddled with words from British, or American dictionaries, or even worse having to deal with an online dictionary of questionable parentage. So the chance to speak with Victoria Morgan, Senior Editor of our own colloquial dictionary was a real treat…and they’ve even captured the new Coronaviral lingo.

Bridgett Leslie interviews one half of the sister team that won a season of My Kitchen Rules with their as the Spice Queens. She speaks with Gracia Seger about their life in Indonesia, India and Australia and the influences on their cooking now that they have opened their restaurant, Makan in the Melbourne CBD.

Rita Erlich attended a dinner at Philippe Mouchel’s French restaurant in celebration of the truffle. The evening sounds absolutely fascinating and delicious as Rita details the food, the people and the ambience in her own inimitable way. Thks is the first of an occasional reflection by Ruita Erlich, doyenne of Medlbourne food writers, author and editor, in which she savours her city's restaurant scene past and present.

Your hosts Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich detail what's coming up on Travel Writers Radio tonight. Check out our latest food, wine and travel news from around the world. Travel Writers Radio is produced and presented by the members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers To get in touch with the team: info@travelwritersradio.com

Singapore took a different approach to many other countries when COVID hit, moving quickly to establish contact tracing and access control to parts of the city. It has recorded about 45,000 confirmed cases but only 26 deaths. Lauren Arena, a former colleague at micenet magazine now a magazine editor based in Singapore, explains the details of the City/State’s well-honed COVID strategy to Graeme Kemlo. Photo: Lauren Arens needs both a mask and a smartphone to enter a Singapore building.

– Love it or hate it, Bali has been a playground for Australians for decades now buoyed by sun surf and savings, and its economy is acutely dependent on Ausske visitors. Graeme Kemlo speaks to Australian business events identity Suzanne Hart (SHE) who has lived there for the past three years now that Bali is opening its doors this week to domestic Indonesian tourists with a plan to invite international visitors back by September. Photo: Suzanne Hart swaps meetings business for surfing

We continue to post iconic images from different parts of the world to illustrate communities under COVID-19. The hashtag for these is #Worth1000Words and tonight Rita has taken a photo of an unusual greeting at the entrance to her third generation local gteengrocer's – a sign of viral times

We recently brought you the story of Brazil’s devastating COVID-19 toll – now 1.6 million confirmed cases and 66,000 deaths with eye witnesses telling us there was little social distancing or isolation because the President Jair Bolsonaro, who this week tested positive to COVID-19, initially told everyone it was “just a little ‘flu.” But the indigenous tribes of the Amazonian part of Brazil are desperately trying to keep this deadly virus away from their jungle communities. Bridgett got an update from journalist, Fabio Pontes about the fate of the Ashaninka indigenous community last month. This week he told Bridgett about the The Yawanawa indigenous people who have relocated away from their village on the Gregório River, in the state of Acre. They have no immunity, but they have already had three confirmed COVID-19 cases but no deaths. Here is Fabio’s report read by Bridgett.

Fight or Flight is what we call our ongoing series of interviews by award-winning team member Kirstie Bedford on the response of various tourism and travel organisations to the COVID-19 Pandemic and their strategies for recovery. Tonight Kirstie speaks with Cameron Holland CEO of multi-national travel business Luxury Escapes.

– Travel Writer Danielle Norton took three 12 year-olds away for a short vacation to Victoria’s Gippsland Lakes, but it was how she got there that mattered – she rented an RV, probably the largest in the fleet, with six berths and all mod cons. It was a first for her and how did the kids like it…well you’ll have to listen to her chat with Graeme Kemlo to find out. Photo: Danielle and team Segway the 90-mile beach

Golda: A new restaurant in Prahran has been a long time in the planning. Rita Erlich says it's a good surprise that a restaurant opens at this difficult time. Golda serves Israeli food, which is the sort of amalgam of cuisines that Australia is known for. But Golda is a particular blend, since the influences or a restaurant come from Morocco, Bulgaria, Russia and Poland, and Iraq. Rita spoke with Adam Faigen and Rotem Papo, (pictured)

Tasha Powell is a food stylist and a writer who works with celebrity chefs and on culinary tours to ensure the product looks as good on the plate and in the cookbook as it obviously tastes. She spoke to Bridgett Leslie about how she became a food stylist and her approach to delivering a food styling project.

Welcomee to Travel Writers Radio if you are new to our show, and welcome back to those of you who tune in live at this time on a Wednesday to Melbourne’s J-AIR 87.8 FM. The show is produced and presented by members of PALAT, the Professional Association of Lifestyle and Travel Writers. Thanks for sharing your time with us. Your hosts are Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich. If you have a story to tell email us: info@travelwritersradio.com

If the thought of holidaying in perfect isolation on a private island, swimming with manta rays or whale sharks, sipping sunset cocktails on a sand bar in the Maldives appeals then this next story might be for you. Graeme Kemlo speaks to Giles Selves General Manager of Minor Hotels group’s Anantara cluster in the Maldives to find out what you get for your money and who is lining up to buy out the island when the international borders re-open later this year.

Worth1000Words - This latest image to wear the Worth1000Words hashtag illustrates the school holidays in one of New South Wales popular south coast tourist spots, Narooma – a great landscape shot with lots of social distancing taken by Grant Kemlo (yers, he's the son of our host Graeme) with his family.

Melbourne travel writer Danielle Norton is a former English teacher who harboured a secret desire to be a librarian. When she left teaching after 20 years, she took up travel writing, but still fulfilled her dream by setting up a bright red street library on her front fence…then she watched with delight at what happened. Danielle told her story to Graeme Kemlo.

Fight or Flight is our ongoing series of interviews by PALAT member and editor of Luxury Escapes Magazine, Kirstie Bedford on the response of various tourism and travel organisations to the COVID-19 Pandemic and their strategies for recovery. Tonight Kirstie speaks with the Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau, which has been largely responsible for Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s must successful business events cities. But what effect has COVID-19 had on the meetings industry given it is still effectively locked down.

Two weeks ago we mentioned a new development from Adelaide which it is said could save the wine industry many millions of dollars in lost sales due to counterfeit wines, mostly from China. Tonight Graeme Kemlo speaks with the French woman behind the eBottli solution to protect Australian premium wines with a combination of security technologies that will enable wine drinkers to point their smartphones at a bottle and see full details of the wine and its supply chain. Graeme spoke to Nathalie Taquet about eBottli.

Bridgett Leslie chats with MasterChef winner from 2016, Diana Chan who is working with charity OzHarvest which produces meals for those in need using donated ingredients and donations. www.ozharvest.org

Winter is the season for truffles, and we don't mean chocolate. Until this year, the restaurant industry has been the main market, but this year, as we know, things are different. This year, the home market is significant. Rita Erlich talks to Robert Perrone, who is doing home deliveries of truffles.

PALAT member Bridgett Leslie again takes us to a unique destination, a different foodie destination as she interviews Chef Chef Adrian Cumberbatch from Barbados. He’s an award winning Caribbean chef who grew up watching his mother and grandmother cook traditionally. Among celebrities he has cooked for are Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Tiger Woods and Lou Gossett Jr. Barbados is opening its borders later this month and Bridgett begins by asking what are the top two places to visit.

Here's what is coming up on this week's episode of Travel Writers Radio brought to you by PALAT, the Professional Associaytion of Lifestyle and Travel Writers on July 1, 2020. To contact us by email: info@travelwritersradio.com

Travel writer Sue Gough-Henly would normally be living in the south of France during our winter but she is stuck at her Sydney home due to the Coronavirus lockdown so she called her friend, Bordeaux businesswoman and city councillor, Florence Forzy-Raffard and continues her discussion from last week about the effect of COVID-19 upon her European neighbours.

Travel Writers Radio hosts Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich discuss travel and tourism practices beyond COVID-19. Will there be a new normal or a total reset? Will Overtourism continue to be a problem for some of the world's most popular cities, where it not only crowds famous landmarks, it drives up rents for local residents? Will Green Travel be the new Black or will slow travel, such as long distance trains, prove more popular than air travel with the ecologically-minded traveller? Will emerging destinations be the new 'go to'? So many questions, such little time... Photo Graeme Kemlo - Everything Gaudi is crowded in Barcelona

Last March when we aspoke to American-born travel writer Elizabeth Heath about living in Italy then the epicentre of the European COVID outbreak, not all the locals were adhering to the lockdown. Now, having lost a generation of Italians – mostly grandparents in the north of Italy, she says people are wearing masks and social distancing as the Coronavirus curve begins to flatten and it has dropped from Number 2 to number 9 in confirmed cases. Graeme Kemlo spoke again to Elizabeth this week to get an update and the good news is the borders to the EU are open and the locals in her village of Allerona remain cautiously optimistic.

Fight or Flight is what we call our ongoing series of interviews by award-winning team member Kirstie Bedford on the response of various tourism and travel organisations to the COVID-19 Pandemic and their strategies for recovery. Tonight Kirstie focuses on the impact of Coronavirus on expedition trains like The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, as well as expedition cruises and iconic urban experiences as she speaks with Journey Beyond COO Peter Egglestone about customer expectations.

The popular Cappuccino Strip in Fremantle, the port city near Perth, is usually buzzing with java, but on a recent visit and under COVID-19 social distancing regulations, our WA correspondent Ian Jarret found it almost deserted. #Worth1000Words

Last week Graeme Kemlo spoke with New Zealander, Elina Osborne (Ellen-ah Oz-born), about her very long hike along America’s Pacific Crest Trail. This was no walk in the park. It took 137 days through desert heat, rain, and 200 per cent of the usual snow that made the track vanish, which is why she says it is essential to keep your mobile phone charged. Tonight we learn that Elina’s brother was also on the thru-hike but despite an 11-day head-start, the competitive sister caught up and they crossed the finish line together just over the Canada border. Photo: Elina Osborne (bottom R)

American anti-racism educator, 87 year-old Jane Elliott who at 87 is still an activist known for her diversity lectures with the "Blue eyes–Brown eyes" exercise. She gave her first lecture about racism the day after Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. Bridgett Leslie recently conducted a live streaming discussion with her and this is an edited portion of that event in which she lays out her thesis that we are all one race. She comments on the alleged murder of Georg Floyd, the Black Lives Matter protests, the US President and the media.

Rita Erlich, who in a past life has judged eggs at the Royal Melbourne Agricultural Show, knows a great egg when she tastes one, but how do you tell the difference when you shop for them…the difference between caged hen’s eggs and open pasture eggs, and what about all the other descriptions of housing, like free range? Do they mean anything? Rita speaks with Kelvin Slade of Willow Zen eggs, who gives us three tips on what to look for on the carton before you buy. Photo: Willow Zen hens in open pasture (supplied)

Featured in the latest episode of Travel Writers Radio for this week of June 24, 2020, Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich provide a rundown of our stories. The show is reported and produced by the professional writers of PALAT (The Professional Association of Lifestyle And Travel Writers) based in Australia, North America, Europe and Asia. If you have an interesting story please email us: info@travelwritersradio.com And thanks for listening.

Usually at this time of year Cairns is enjoying its high season, due mainly to southerners arriving by air or road to winter in sunnier climes. However Tropical North Queensland this year is missing out – the airport carpark is empty, while parking lots of rental cars and RVs are overflowing with vehicle awaiting tne much delayed southern migration. Meanwhile with international flights banned the usual flood of international visitors who head out to the Great Barrier Reef have not arrived and the marinas are full of empty vessels going nowhere. Graeme Kemlo speaks with our reporter Fiona Harper about living and working in Cairns under COVID-19 restrictions..

Sue Gough-Henly normally leads an idyllic lifestyle as a travel writer who spends half the year in Australia and the other half in southern France where she and her husband own a property. However she is forced to stay here this winter until the international borders reopen, Sue speaks to a friend in France, Bordeaux businesswoman and city councillor, Florence Forzy-Raffard about life in France under COVID-19.

Award winning reporter Kirstie Bedford continues her series we call Flght or Flight in which she interviews the leaders of our tourism and hospitality industry about the impact of the Coronavurus on their destination, their business, staff and customers and their plans for recovery as the freeze on interstate movement continues to thaw and they begin to welcome visitors. Tonight she speaks with M\rk Thomson of Minor Hotels, which has 550 properties in the region including the luxury 5-star Anantara brand.

A release landed on our desk as we went to air proclaiming that the losses to winemakers globally from counterfeit wines would total $4.3 TRILLION by 2022, and China is a major instigator of fakes with 50 per cent of all wines over $35 being fake, the release said. Major Australian premium wines would be among them. An Adelaide company headed by French-born Natalie Taquet has developed eBottli, a high tech security suite designed to authenticate wine in bottles using multiple tracking and geolocation technologies. We were unable to speak to Ms Taquet before we went to air but we will seek an interview to provide listeners with further details ASAP.

Among the songs New Zealander Elina Osborne had ringing in her ears as she hiked 2650 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail were tunes from Les Miserables, Hamilton, and that one (I hear A Symphony) from Cody Fay. Elina is one of an increasing number of 20-omethings tackling this through -hike across desert, redwood forests, alpine wilderness, wading rivers, in heat rain and snow. And she did it for 137 days despite recurring ankle problems – and almost always with a smile. Graeme Kemlo just binge watched her You Tube channel, celebrated her success and then spoke to Elina her from Auckland. Photo: Elina Osborne celebrates the start and the finish.

Bridgett Leslie n has certainly delivered some exotic and interesting interviews to our program since she joined the team Tonight she speaks with Evi one half of the Greek Gastronomy couple Thanos and Evgenia who have developed a following for their online foodie presence – Thess del Food (Thessaloniki’s Delicious Food.). We trust you will still enjoy Bridgett’s chat with Evi. Photo: Thanos is holding a dessert called "Trigono Panoramatos" and Evi is holding a type of bread called "Koulouri Thessalonikis"

Headlands Distillery in Wollongong was born out of the dreams and different academic endeavours of four mates who determined to create a purely Australian spirit. They , using locally sourced ingredients incopuding New South Wales barley and native ingredients such as Illawarra Plum and the juniper-tasting berries of a coastal succulent known as boobialla. Now tyhey have won four international medals for their products. Graeme Kemlo speaks with one of the founders, Dean Martelozzo

Your hosts, Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich detail what's on our show for Episode 261 on June 17, 2020. To get in touch with us email: info@travelwritersradio.com And thanks for listening.

Fiona Harper comments: The Great Barrier Reef Drive covers approx. 150km between Cairns and Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland. It is one of Australia’s most popular scenic routes for travellers on their annual pilgrimage north to catch the warmth of tropical winters. With Queensland state borders closed to visitors and locals prevented from driving more than 100km from their homes, traffic on this iconic drive has dwindled to virtually nothing. Fiona's writing and photography can be found at Travel Play Live magazine, the only Australian travel and lifestyle magazine written entirely by women for women: wwwTravelPlayLive.com.au

Last week our reporter Carolyne Jasinski chatted with some of Kangaroo Island’s tourism operators who have had to overcome wildfires in summer then the Coronavirus lockdown. The island is now open to South Australian residents buit still awaits its first interstate visitors when those restrictions are lifted. Here she speaks with Dana Mitchell from Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park about the hundreds of koalas rescued, released back into the wild or still recovering from the firestorm. And Carolyne also speaks with tourism operators about COVID-19. Photo: Dana Mitchell by Carolyne Jasinski (c)

At Travel Writers Radio we’re storytellers and that means we’re interested in the things you do, the places you go, the way you travel and the unusual experiences along life’s road, or in this case, along life’s waterways. Graeme discovered a talented young Canadian woman, who bought her first sailboat as an 18 year-old – for just one dollar! But that is only half the story of this musician, singer, songwriter, videographer and sailor as she explains to Graeme this week from a canal in France. Photo: Maya and Aladino aboard Magic Carpet.

We are proud to present (for streaming only) the World Premiers on radio of Maya Eliza's Burn For Good. The track comes from a new collection of songs the multi-talented Canadian artist, Maya. She wrote, performed and produced the album from the belly of Magic Carpet, the rescued 28 ft. sailboat she and husband Aladino are sailing through the rivers and canals of France while under lockdown by the COVID-19 restrictions. Listen to Graeme Kemlo's interview with Maya, up next on SoundCloud Her songs will be available for purchase from online music stores. More information: sailingmagiccarpet.com

Fight or Flight is what we call our ongoing series of interviews by award-winning team member Kirstie Bedford on the response of various tourism and travel organisations to the COVID-19 Pandemic and their strategies for recovery. This week Kirstie interviews Tourism New Zealand’s GM for Australia, Andrew Waddel.

With all that has been happening around the world so far in 2020, there are suggestions it is time to slow down, focus on family and community, maybe even push the reset button for a new world order.. Bridgett Leslie has turned to a man with experience in the protest movement, He is with South African [political scientist, Kiru Naidoo whose forebears were among the southern Indian indentured workers sent to labour in the colonial plantations of Natal in the 18th Century. Kiru Naidoo has chronicled the freedom struggles in South Africa including a 24 year stay by Mahatma Gandhi and his passive resistance movement. Bridgett asks him about the current Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis.

Among the Tweets that passed before his eyes recently was one from a young American woman in Tel Aviv who was thrilled to have a story accepted by a magazine. Remembering the feeling when his byline was first published in a metropolitan newspaper Graeme decided to approach the woman to be interviewed on the show. She readily agreed, however the story turned out to be quite different to the one Graeme expected…different in a good way as it unfolds in this chat with Emily Judds from small-town Nebraska.

-Chris Lucas is a respected local Melbourne restaurateur whose popular ChinChin eateries in Melbourne and Sydney have now reopened to diners subject to COVID social distancing requirements. Chris told Rita Erlich last week that his business had quickly gone from Hero to zero when COVID-19 struck and everything was locked down. Tonight he talks to Rita about the steps to recovery

Tonight on Travel Writers Radio, Graeme and Rita introduce the stories our reporters have gathered over the past week. Although we are based in Melbourne Australia, we cover stories about lifestyle and travel experiences from around the world. To comment on any of our stories, or to tell us your story email: info (at) travelwritersradio.com

The latest image to wear the #Worth1000Words hashtag is by our reporter Carolyne Jasinski fresh from Kangaroo Island South Australia where she discovered that Green is the new black. Here she explains the iconic image

PALAT Team member Phil Brown, an Aussie expat living in New York took a series of photographs of the Big Apple under COVID, and virtually devoid of people. Here is the Naked Cowboy who usually entertains a sizeable audience in Times Square, but has only one in the audience today.

Worth1000Words

This year marks 250 years since the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, so there's a lot of his music being heard this year. Most people know about the symphonies and piano concertos, but for pianists, the challenge is in the piano sonatas. There are 32 of them, and very few pianists will play all of them, Ian Munro has risen to the challenge, and he is nearly at the end of this exceptional achievement. Mopre information: www.melbournedigitalconcerthall.com

Bridgett Leslie has found an important story in the middle of the Brazilian Amazon, tracking down a journalist and, in turn, he tracked down Francisco Piyako the chief of the indigenous people known as the Ashaninka. They live in Rio Amônia (Amonia River) on Indigenous Lands, in Acre state western Brazil... That’s over 3200 lm from the Sao Paulo epicenter, but it is clear the tribal Chief was aware very early about the pandemic and moved to phyysically isolate and protect his people as his father and grandfather traditionally had done. He describes it this interview with Journalist Fabio Pontes, which we have had translated from Portuguese.

Kristin Henning continues her interview with Craig and Caroline Makepeace, Australians who have been travelling for about 20 years, built a strong social media following and now live in USA where they’ve got green cards. But they are also in a State that has lockdown and Kristin continues her interview with the family in Raleigh North Carolina by asking about the impact of COVID-19.

Fight or Flight is what we call our ongoing series of interviews by award-winning team member Kirstie Bedford on the response of various tourism and travel organisations to the COVID-19 Pandemic and how they see the future – Kirstie speaks with Sue Badyari CEO of World Expeditions in Melbourne..

They were open, and then they weren't. And now they are, sort of. Restaurants have had a strange life in the last few months. Rita Erlich spoke to Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas this week, just a day after some of the Lucas restaurants had reopened, about what it's been like.

Carolyne Jasinski, an Adelaide-based PALAT member has previously reported for us from Kangaroo Island. Last week she returned to the scene of devastating New Year fire storms and the Coronavirus lockdown to see how the locals were coping. Here Carolyne speaks with KI Odyssey guides Nikki Redman and Gaylene Ingram plus Dana Mitchell from KI Wildlife Park.

About 200 km south of Bangkok is the gentle seaside town of Hua Hin, where Thai Kings retreat to their Summer Palace and it is consequently a more respectful, quieter place than the vibrant Thai capital. Here Chiva-Som health resort was established 25 years ago. It is internationally known for its 10-day wellness programs. Graeme Kemlo spoke to resident nutritionist and naturopath, Renee Grandi about foods she says boost immunity.

Jane Iver was born in Britain but has spent many years living in Singapore as both child and adult. She clearly she loves the culture and especially the food. Bridgett Leslie spoke to Jan e about her tours around the island State, which include specialty food tours of the broad range of available cuisines.

Your Travel Writers Radio hosts, Graeme Kemlo and Rita Erlich introduce the stories covered on this week's show. Please check out the stories that follow on SoundCloud, And also spend a minute to look at our new feature #Worth1000Words - it is radio with pictures as we use the talents of our reporting team to bring you a series of poignant images of life under the coronavirus. Thanks for listening and please stay safe.

Journalist Kristin Henning described how she and husband Tom cycled down into their hometown of Minneapolis to take a photo we had requested of a poignant moment in time. Originally the brief was for this to be a COVID-19 related shot, but arriving at the floral and graphic tributes downtown for George Floyd who died in the custody of four white policemen -one of whom has since been charged with murder - this was the image they chose to capture. Photo (c) Tom Bartel

While we as travel writers may be effectively still in lockdown there are still adventurous singles, couples, even families out there on the ocean waves. Take the Whitakers for example – a family of six who gave up life in Dallas Texas for the Ocean. Father Keith describes it as his mid-life crisis when in 60 days he sold the house, quit his businesses in oil pipelines and aviation and bought a mono-hull yacht. Later he traded up to a 58 ft six cabin catamaran, inspired by Aussie sailing couple Riley and Elayna (Sailing La Vagabonde). Now Keith says he and wife Renee will never live on terra-firma again as the ocean provides a “wonderful life”. Keith and family can be found on You Tube as Sailing Zatara.

Here’s a travel story that gets to the essence of travel, even when the experiences are right in your home area or otherwise impacted by the pandemic. PALAT member Kristin Henning, speaks with Caroline and Craig Makepeace. The Australian couple has been traveling for the better part of 20 years, and manage the award-winning blog called YTravelblog.com. Their recent projects include a major RV road trip across America with their two daughters. Since getting green cards in the US last fall, and entering the coronavirus era, their current travel world involves online schooling, a focus on travel closer to home, a new podcast, and the launch of a new website, ThisisRaleigh.com. Craig and Caroline spoke with Kristin from their home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Further information is at Kristin’s site: www.travelpast50.com and The Makepeace family blog: YTravelblog.com

Kirstie Bedford continues her series, Fight or Flight for Travel Writers Radio, in which leaders in the travel and tourism sector respond to questions about their confidence, their action plans and their view of the new normal. Tonight Kirstie speaks with Simon Westaway of the Australian Tourism Industry Council, the peak body representing thousands of mostly small busineeses in travel and tourism.

Professional photographer Fabiolla Loureiro has made a name for herself elevating street-style shooting to fine art, but her latest images from Sao Paulo illustrate the sad story of the country’s rise to become second only to USA in positive cases of COVID-19. Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro, in ignoring the virus calling it “a little flu” appears to have spurred many of the population to ignore social distancing and isolation in a country that loves to party, as Fabiolla tells Graeme Kemlo. Updated Photo (C) Fabiolla Loureiro. shows lack of sopcial distancing and masks as Pro-Bolsonaro protestors take to the streets of Sao Paulo www.fabiollaloureiro.com

International Tea Day last week was a UN initiative to promote the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty. Bridgett Leslie speaks with Nigel Jordan of the family owned Twigs Naturals teas in Trinidad and Tobago, which produces unique flavoured teas including garlic tea and others without tannins.

Here's what's coming up tonight on Travel Writers Radio - your reliable source of stories on lifestyle and travel. The show is produced every week here in Melbourne Australia and is initially broadcasg on FM as a two hour program from 5pm to 7pm Australian Eastern time. If you would like to contact us email: info@travelwritersradio.com

– Kirrily Schwarz is a freelance journalist and travel writer from a small country town in Victoria, Australia. Her main interest is adventure travel - she loves opportunities to spend time outdoors and explore the world’s natural wonders. In fact she was about to go and live in Alaska for a year when she found herself locked down in Victoria. Bridgett Leslie spoke to Kirrily about a story she wrote on escape.com.au about the future of travel – so what’s her new normal?