Michael Gebicki

Michael Gebicki

Michael Gebicki

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

For the savvy traveller, TripAdvisor remains a valuable tool, at least when you're looking for a hotel.

Is TripAdvisor still useful?

Is TripAdvisor still king of the online travel review sites?

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Don't post photos of the Eiffel Tower at night on social media - it's copyrighted (though good luck enforcing it).

The bizarre things tourists aren't allowed to take photos of

The origins behind the ban on photographing the famous Sistine Chapel are surprising.

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In NSW, the Innkeepers Act limits liability to a maximum of $100 per person.

Can I be compensated for stolen property in a hotel?

That depends on the relevant law where the disappearance occurred.

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The flat seats were comfortable and enabled six hours' solid sleep.

Airline review: A business class that treats you like a grown-up

Polite and sensible because you're a grown-up, and that's the Swiss way.

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You can reach Mauritius in the Indian Ocean on a non-stop flight from Perth.

The strangest destinations you can fly to non-stop from Australia

There are also quite a few destinations on the non-stop list that you might not have thought of, or even heard of.

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The passenger sitting in the window seat decides whether or not they want their window shade open.

Can aircraft passengers be forced to close window shades?

Can aircraft passengers be forced to close window shades?

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This article contains a video

A general hardening towards immigration throughout the EU has made it harder for Australians to get Schengen visas.

It just got harder for Aussies to get visas for Europe

Getting a Schengen Visa just got tougher for Australians.

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It can take days or weeks for the balance to be restored to your credit card account.

Is there a smart strategy for hotel pre-authorisations?

Between $50 and $150 a night can be blocked from your account.

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Lock your bag even if you have nothing of value in your checked luggage.

Should I lock my suitcase when I fly?

Some do it religiously, others say "What's the point?

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<i>Copenhagen, Denmark on the Nyhavn Canal.</i>

Best places to visit in December

From spectacular natural wonders in New Zealand to the illuminated streets of Copenhagen, here are the best destinations to visit in December.

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Some guests find the opportunity irresistable.

The crazy things guests steal from hotel rooms

Bed linen and towels are common disappearances but when a guest pillages on a grand scale it quickly becomes legendary.

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How much should you tip in Europe? Or should you not tip at all?

The rules of tipping in Europe: What travellers need to know

To tip or not to tip? In Europe, the protocols of tipping vary from country to country.

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New York City. The US makes more money from tourism than any other country.

Revealed: The country that makes more money from tourists than any other

The country that makes the most money from tourism isn't the one that gets the most visitors.

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Qantas now flies non-stop from Perth to London in its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The future of non-stop flights: Five destinations we want direct flights to

There's a whole new list of destinations crying out for non-stop flights from Australia's capitals.

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It's worth getting travel insurance even if you're on a cruise.

Travel tips: Why you need insurance cover, even for cruising

A major appeal of cruising is the worry-free, no-hassle aspect. But things can and do go awry.

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