Michael Gebicki

Michael Gebicki

Sydney-based writer and photographer, Michael Gebicki has been writing travel articles since 1982 and is Traveller's resident Tripologist.

When things really get steamy in the sauna, the Finns lash one another with birch branches.

What is a smoke sauna?

The Finns especially hold the tradition in high esteem.

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Why do pilots sit on the left in the cockpit?

There's a right and a left way of doing just about everything.

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Business class passengers get downgraded when airlines overbook.

The worst thing that can happen to business class passengers

Showing up at the check-in desk and finding out you've been downgraded is one of the worst things that can happen when you've booked a business class seat, but it happens.

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Choose your plane and seat carefully if you want the best chance of getting some sleep on your flight.

The best plane and seat for getting sleep on a flight

Put some prep work into your inflight experience and you'll cop some meaningful rest and arrive in better shape.

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The largest individual wave ever recorded was 29.1 metres high.

What's the story behind rogue waves?

The impact of a rogue wave can far exceed the maximum force that a vessel is built to withstand.

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Is it Burma or Myanmar? Why six countries changed their names

Cities, towns and even countries change their names – and the reasons why can be fascinating.

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Rock climbers at Verdon Gorge, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France.

Travel tips: What to do on a driving holiday around southern France

Any suggestions for a two-week driving holiday in France - with two keen rock climbers on board?

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The crowd rocks at the Festival Musicas do Mundo in Sines, Portugal.

The top 10 best world music festivals

Even those with the most eclectic of musical tastes can find something just for them at these festivals.

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Some tap water is not safe to drink and should be boiled.

Is it safe to drink tap water from your hotel room?

There are some places where you definitely don't want to drink water from the tap in your hotel room.

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Despite the potential for disaster, barely a week goes by without a delusional passenger trying to open an aircraft door.

Is it possible to open an aircraft door inflight?

Try to open a door and you risk being clobbered by a wine bottle.

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A plane coming in to land at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne.

Does Australia still spray incoming aircrafts with insecticide?

Remember those khaki-clad blokes who would meet every incoming international flight?

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The huge interior of the Boeing 747 jumbo jet gave airlines space to play with.

No such thing as business class: What flying use to be like

Once upon a time, when pilots wore sheepskin-trimmed leather jackets, there were no class divisions in passenger aircraft. Times have certainly changed.