oceania - The Best Time to Visit

Australia’s Most Famous Rock is Now Off-Limits Forever: The Story Behind Uluru’s Climbing Ban

August 26, 2025 by Ben

There are places and sites we’d love to visit but simply cannot. Sometimes they’ve vanished due to human folly or nature’s whims, but more often their access is no longer feasible because they’re now located in war zones or regions where tourism is strongly discouraged. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re completely closed off or that circumstances will never change, but still. Today we’re heading to the other side of the world to Australia, and more specifically to a place that, despite being a tourist destination for many years, has been permanently closed to the public for several years now. And … Read more

This Pacific Island Nation Could Vanish Within 25 Years

August 21, 2025 by Ben

You’ve certainly heard about climate change, but you probably haven’t heard of Tuvalu. Yet the two are intimately connected, as this Pacific archipelago could become the first nation to disappear due to climate change… Where is Tuvalu and what does it look like? It’s one of the smallest (9.9 square miles) and least populated (10,600 inhabitants) countries on Earth. Lost in the middle of the Pacific, northeast of Australia and New Caledonia, this former British territory gained independence in 1978 and remains one of the world’s least visited and known destinations. Though Tuvalu did have its moment of fame a … Read more

Why French Polynesia is Becoming the Cruise Industry’s Best-Kept Secret

August 15, 2025 by Ben

While cruise ships face growing resistance in port cities worldwide—with many destinations imposing hefty taxes or outright bans on massive vessels—there’s one paradise where cruising is not just welcome, but actively encouraged. A Focus on Quality Over Quantity When you’re an island or archipelago, especially one far from everything else, boats and cruising take on an entirely different meaning. French Polynesia perfectly exemplifies this approach, with its tourism sector, particularly cruising, set to reach record numbers this year. This isn’t entirely surprising when you consider that one-third of tourists visiting French Polynesia (264,000 in 2024) choose to explore the region … Read more

New Zealand to Charge Foreign Tourists for National Park Access Starting 2027

August 14, 2025 by Ben

While Auckland and the capital Wellington offer considerable tourist appeal, and Māori culture is certainly worth experiencing, New Zealand remains primarily a nature destination with diverse and spectacular landscapes. It’s a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks largely to the numerous national parks and reserves scattered across both main islands that make up the country. However, starting in 2027, entry to most of these natural spaces will become fee-based for foreign visitors, who number between 3.5 and 4 million annually. Between $12 and $24 per site Admittedly, New Zealand won’t be the first destination to implement such measures. Nevertheless, this … Read more

The World’s Only Capital-Free Nation

July 26, 2025 by Ben

Most countries proudly point to their capital city as a central pillar of their identity; some, like South Africa, even have more than one. Yet, there’s a unique exception in the world, a country that doesn’t have one : Nauru. Where is Nauru and What’s it Like? Nauru is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean, somewhat isolated between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii. It’s one of the world’s smallest countries, spanning just 21 square kilometres and home to a population of roughly 11,000. Originally inhabited by Micronesian and Melanesian peoples, Europeans discovered the island around 1798. Nauru’s history … Read more

Exploring Australia by Foot: Trekking Through the Heart of the Bush

June 16, 2025 by Ben

Australia offers trekking enthusiasts a variety of landscapes, from eucalyptus forests and rainforests to desert terrains and coastal trails. Stepping into the Australian bush provides an immersive journey through natural landscapes filled with wildlife sightings and quiet solitude. Here’s how to experience Australia’s wilderness on foot. Why Trekking in the Australian Bush Is Unlike Anywhere Else Australian trails are diverse. Walk beneath gum trees filled with birdsong or explore ancient rainforests with ferns and waterfalls. Desert trails offer vast skies and earthy colors, providing a calm and reflective journey. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, and sometimes even the … Read more