Traveller letters: Stressed staff, no service desks, four hours on hold - no winners here, Qantas

PURPLE PATCH

I recently went on a very brief escape to Grafton in northern NSW to see the jacaranda trees in bloom. I took the train to Moree, stayed there for one night and then continued by bus to Grafton for two nights before returning to Sydney by train. It was a most enjoyable trip, as it allowed me to glimpse parts of NSW I hadn't seen before and put a face on towns I had only heard of and which, incidentally, pleasantly surprised me. I realise that long bus and train journeys are not everyone's cup of tea, but they can be relaxing. And if you are travelling solo you will, for the time being, have two seats to yourself for that extra bit of comfort. I can certainly recommend exploring NSW by public transport.

Kirsten Walla, Vaucluse, NSW

DUST COVER

I recommend to Anthony Healy (Traveller Letters, November 14) and anyone else interested in outback cameleers, traders and Islam to read the marvellous book Australianama: The South Asian Odyssey in Australia by Samia Khatun. It tells the fascinating stories of these adventurous people from Afghanistan and South East Asia, their interactions with the local Indigenous communities and European settlers and the legacy they have left behind. A great travel companion book for trips to the outback.

Tmne Blair, Randwick, NSW

RATE EXPECTATIONS

In reply to hotelier Alan Smithee (Traveller Letters, November 7) about people "demanding rooms for unfair and unreasonable rates", perhaps Alan could reflect on the exorbitant room charges that apply to bookings in hotels when demand is high due to special occasions. These include New Year's Eve, holiday weekends and special cultural and sporting events. They certainly "take advantage" of these prime times. It seems he wants the law of supply and demand to be selective in his and his fellow hoteliers favour.

Rod Ralston, Clovelly, NSW

NAME GAME

One can't help but feel for Alan Smithee (Traveller Letters, November 7). After decades of involvement with some of the most troubled movie and television productions, he pivots his way into the path of COVID-19 - which wreaks the kind of career havoc that would have chastened even the most beleaguered director. He really must be wishing he was someone else right about now. (Google "Alan Smithee" if you're not already in on the joke).

Michael McIntosh, Little Bay, NSW

URBAN BUT NOT URBANE

Thank you to those defending hospitality in our rural and remote towns (Traveller Letters, November 7). During a stay in Broken Hill, NSW, I used the laundromat in the town, and started chatting to the worker there. I mentioned that I was born and spent my childhood in Broken Hill. Her response: "I knew you were from the country. City people come in and they don't even say hello, they are so rude."

Sandra Pertot, Diamond Beach, NSW

HIKE SOCIETY

I have enjoyed a few European holidays over the past five to six years during which I was fortunate enough to include walking parts of the various Caminos. The experience of walking has to be one of the most rewarding and relaxing things you can do when trying to wind down from the daily grind, and I haven't mentioned the joy of the scenery or the potential COVID-19 escape. My experiences were made perfect by Wandering the World who are now offering a range of walks around our own wonderful country - there's no better way to substitute my Euro travel than to do the same thing at home.

Paul Soanes, Doncaster, VIC

Send us your travel-related tips, opinions and experiences

Letters may be edited for space, legal or other reasons. Preference will be given to letters of 50-100 words or less. Include your full name and suburb. Email us at travellerletters@traveller.com.au

Keep your travel dreams alive! Share your most inspirational travel photos and stories with us on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #travelleraudream

See more: Traveller Letters