A quick, easy Thai escape that won't blow your savings or your leave
Staying there: Explorar Koh Samui has a range of accommodation options, including beachfront villas and villas with outside spa baths. Entry-level Deluxe rooms start from about $195 a night. explorarhotels.com
Explore more: For Koh Samui tours, see pelago.com
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The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Solo travel is booming - and these are the hottest destinations right now
Almost nine in 10 (or 87 per cent) Australians are planning to embark on a solo trip in the next 12 months, according to a new report by budget international carrier Scoot. New Zealand, Japan and Singapore are the top three destinations in the Asia-Pacific that solo travellers from Down Under are keen to explore, followed by Thailand, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and - in a tie in the 10th spot - South Korea and India. The trend is showing up domestically, too. Reflections Holidays, which operates 40 holiday parks in coastal and inland NSW, has recorded a 21 per cent year-on-year rise in bookings by solo travellers, with solo women explorers - many in their 40s and 50s - leading the way.
West Australian
30-07-2025
- West Australian
Scooting to Vienna on a budget
There's a new option for travellers looking for an alternative, cheaper way to fly to Europe. Scoot last month launched its first flight between Singapore and Vienna, flying three times a week with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. From Perth, it's a comfortable five hours to Singapore on the 6.25pm flight, landing in Singapore just before midnight with a short three-hour layover. We board the inaugural flight at 3am, landing in Vienna just over 11 hours later (after a special onboard performance of classical music by the T'ang Quartet) at about 9am local time. And while it's a budget airline — there are no screens, you have to pay for wifi and water and pre-order meals — our advice is to book Scoot Plus (the airline's version of premium economy) with its spacious leather seats. Scoot chief operating officer Ng Chee Keong says the route opens up opportunities for travellers from the Asia-Pacific to explore Eastern Europe and vice versa. Flights connect to other cities via short flights or train. 'We hope that this new connection helps to bridge cultures and inspire more customers to explore new destinations and create memorable travel experiences,' he says. Vienna Tourist Board chief executive Norbert Kettner says Vienna is the 'heartland of European history'. It also has a centuries-old musical heritage and was home to composers Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms. And until earlier this year, Vienna held the mantle for the world's most liveable city. 'Vienna is the fifth biggest city in the European community and one of the youngest cities,' Mr Kettner says. 'And, of course, you have the great combination of what we call northern European efficiency and southern European lifestyle.' After arriving in Vienna we check into the impeccable Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel. From the moment we walk in, the hotel screams luxury. It is also a perfect location for exploring, being on the edge of the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard built in the mid 1800s that surrounds the city's historic centre and its most famous landmarks. Rebel Tours owner Basti Knobl tells us it replaced the fortress that once surrounded the city and soon became where the rich and noble built their palaces. From the hotel, Basti takes us to the city's ninth district (Vienna is broken up into 23 districts, each with different traits) which is known by locals as 'little Paris'. It also has a rich Jewish history, with this district home to the city's biggest Jewish population before, in 1938, thousands were forced out of their homes by the Nazi regime. The devastating aftermath is still evident today. At points, Basti tells us to look up at the buildings, the architecture makes it obvious where the original buildings were firebombed and destroyed. The next day, we visit the Heidi Horten Collection — a private gallery which houses works from the likes of Pablo Picasso to Andy Warhol. The Wien Museum is next on the agenda, which provides an immersive way to learn about the city's history from its imperial heritage to modern life. And you can't visit Vienna without a taste of its famous Wiener schnitzel. We have ours at Skopik & Lohn in the second district, and it melts in the mouth. Our night rounds off with a visit to Votive Church to see Light of Creation, which is a 30-minute light show accompanied by classical music — a feast for the ears and eyes. The Belvedere Museum is a must. It's home to Gustav Klimt's famous painting The Kiss, painted in the early 1900s and depicting a couple in a golden embrace. The art and history inside the museum is breathtaking, and the grounds are just as beautiful, walking through them makes you feel as though you're in a scene from Bridgerton. The weather in early June was quite warm, and we took public transport or walked everywhere. It is surprisingly easy and stress-free for a visitor to navigate. The public transport system is so efficient most residents opt to pay an annual fee to take the tram, train or subway rather than own a car because it's easier, cheaper — and faster. It is soon time for a spot of shopping, and our personal guide Lucie takes us behind the scenes of the imperial shops that have been the choice for the royals for generations. First stop is R Scheer & Sohne, where seven generations have been making shoes for kings and kaisers since 1860. The shoemakers only make bespoke shoes — your first pair will set you back €10,000 ($17,930). Next, we visit one of the oldest jewellers in Vienna, A.E Kochert. The family has been creating beautiful jewels for more than 200 years, particularly for the royals. We are taken upstairs to view the most exquisite and delicate array of tiaras and jewellery once belonging to regal owners which have found their way back to the Kochert collection. Their most famous design is the Sisi Stars, which were commissioned by Empress Elisabeth. Originally, 27 of the stars were made for Sisi to wear in her hair, but could also be worn as a necklace, broach or in a tiara. The design is so iconic it is still ordered today — some paying up to €400,000 ($717,166) for a piece. At J & L Lobmeyr, we are shown the most exquisite glassware. We also learn it was where the first ever martini glass was designed — along with the first ever electric chandelier. To finish our four days in Vienna, we are treated to a hike through the vineyards, which are found within the city limits. They are accessible via public transport, and wine expert Caroline Derler tells us it's a popular outing for young people and families on a summer's night after work or on the weekend. After a walk taking in the scenic view of the city, we enjoy a spread of cheese with local wine sitting with friends among the vines. Cheers to that. + Shannon Hampton was a guest of Scoot and Austria Tourism. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication. Scoot economy return flights from Perth to Vienna connect in Singapore. As a guide to prices, economy is from $954 return in August. In September it is from $860 return. In November it is from $883. Scoot Plus in September 2025 is from $1405 return. Economy seats in Scoot's twin-aisle Dreamliner have a seat width of 45cm and a seat pitch of 78cm (that's from one point on the seat to the same point on the seat in front). Scoot Plus seats are 55cm wide and have a pitch of 96cm. Scoot Plus includes 15kg of cabin baggage and 30kg of checked baggage.
News.com.au
23-07-2025
- News.com.au
Aussie spots wild sign in popular European country
There's a running joke that an airport in one European country has a desk for people who have accidentally flown there instead of hopping on a flight to Australia. And, Austria plays into the bit well. Two years ago, an advertisement from an intercom system company played up the joke with a sign at Salzburg Airport. At gift shops, there are mugs and T-shirts with Australian kangaroo signs on them warning that you won't be able to find the national animal in the streets of Vienna. There's even an Australian pub in the country's capital city. But, while the country makes a joke out of it, there is a lot that the world would be missing out on if it bypassed Austria. I was lucky enough to visit Austria as part of Scoot's inaugural flight from Singapore to Vienna, and here is my list of must visits. Dürnstein If you're ever lucky enough to float along the Danube — a river that originates in Germany, before spanning through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Romania — then a stop in Dürnstein is a must. The tiny town that takes a whopping 20 minutes to walk around is a little haven in what is essentially wine country. It used to be a strategic fortress along the river. Now, it's a perfect spot for relaxation as a break from trawling along the river. There are two absolute standouts in the town — Stift Dürnstein and Hotel Schloss Dürnstein. Stift Dürnstein is an Abbey, and if coming from the river you are greeted with it looming over you with its beautiful blue clock tower. The chapel was first built in 1372, and over the years was brought into the monastery and officially became a parish in 1745. Eventually, the monastery was dissolved but the parish remains. It still holds weekly church services, and the entire building is in the baroque style. It is absolutely stunning, and worth a tour. It's also a lovely spot for some pictures over the river. It's essentially a time capsule and is a great way to learn a bit of the history of the town you're staying in. But, if you're looking for a more chill hideaway in the countryside, then you simply cannot go past the five-star Hotel Schloss Dürnstein. Formerly a castle, before it was purchased by the current owners, the hotel boasts room views over the river, two pools, a wine cellar that the family themselves created, and truly incredible food with the menu constantly updated by the season. While I was there, it was all about apricots and everything I tasted was sensational. As a guest of the hotel, we were treated to a private wine tasting. As someone who has done wine tastings in France, Italy and Australia, I have to say — Austrian wine may possibly be my new favourite. But the majority of Austrian wine doesn't make it out of the country (because clearly, they know they have the good stuff) so you have to venture to the European country to try it. Besides that, the town is just a beautiful little time capsule. The sweet shops are to die for, and if I'd stayed a little longer I would have stocked up on some fresh deli meats for a picnic by the river. Salzburg If you're a Sound Of Music fan, then Salzburg is a no-brainer stop for you. It's where the hit Julie Andrews movie was filmed and it's the 60th anniversary this year, so the city is pulling out all the stops in celebration of this. There are walking tours where you can visit filming locations, and even a bus tour that allows you to immerse yourself further. I am told on the bus tour, they even sing the songs. But, fair warning, a lot of locals aren't huge fans of the film as it is a Hollywood version of something many still remember witnessing. So, what are the highlights of the city? The food, obviously. Café Tomaselli was Mozart's favourite coffee house in Salzburg — although rumour has it he loved to complain about the quality of the coffee. As a coeliac, I couldn't indulge in the cakes (although they looked fabulous) so I treated myself to a spiked coffee and ice cream floating in prosecco. The building is simply gorgeous and it's a great place to sit and watch the world go by. Another highlight is Hotel Sacher, known for its Sacher cake. The cake is a chocolate sponge, coated in a chocolate glaze with apricot jam in the middle. If you want to combine music and food, another highlight for me personally was Edelweiss Cooking School. During the class, you learn how to make apple strudel and a pretzel before everyone sits down to enjoy a bowl of goulash and the baked goods — all while an opera singer performs. They even accommodated my dietaries with a gluten-free goulash and dessert, and it was all amazing. I am also a sucker for a walking tour, so I highly recommend it. It's a brilliant way to learn the layout of the city and learn about its history. On my walking tour, we got to see some of the beautiful universities, Mozart's birth place and the fabulous Mirabell Palace and Gardens. However, my favourite thing I saw in all of Austria was Schloss Hellbrunn — a palace built by Prince Archbishop of Salzburg Markus Sittikus in 1619. Sittikus suffered from melancholy, and built a frankly insane garden as part of the castle. It featured a table area where water would shoot from the chairs, and disturbing statues inspired by mythology. It also has the infamous gazebo from The Sound Of Music. Vienna Sadly, I didn't get to spend as much time in Vienna as I'd like. The city is filled with art galleries and museums that I would genuinely fly back for just to experience. But, from what I did see, I was hooked. If you want to get a bird's eye view of the city, drink cocktails and enjoy a delicious meal while you do, then 360° Ocean Sky is the place for you. The restaurant is built atop one of six former anti-aircraft gun towers left over in the city. It is one of the few reminders of World War II left in Austria and serves as a stark reminder of one of the darkest times in European history. Again, I highly recommend a walking tour of Vienna, and a stop at Schönbrunn Palace. The palace itself is beautiful — and potentially the home to one of the best carrot soups I've ever had. Overall, it was an opera performance that really won my heart. The visit exposed me to things I'd never experienced before, and that's the whole point of a holiday, isn't it?
