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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

– 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 ..read more

-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 ..read more