At the AIME2026 event last week in Melbourne, Graeme Kemlo spoke to General Manager of Nyaal Banyul, Rick Aylett about the upcoming openings of the convention centre on July 1.. Aylett says it will be transformational when Victoria;s second city gains the latest in events and conferencing ethnology in a dedicated building with an adjoining hotel. It will not only host business events but also community and cultural events.

Image: Artists impression of the Nyaal Banyul entrance and plaza.

From animal lover to Head Guide, Kim La Hanie loves her job at Marataba Safari Lodge in South Africa. She talks to Helen Hayes about her role, and the delights of Marataba.

Photo: Helen Hayes

Minneapolis resident and TWR correspondent, Kristin Henning updates us on the latest from her city where ICE agents have been swarming, have shot two US citizens dead and wounded a third. Now the agents are being investigated as video evidence throws doubt on the veracity of their stories. The scene is still tense, but Kris says the drawdown of ICE agents is underway.

Photo by Kristin Henning -Memorials in Ice for ICE Shooting Victims.

More information: travelpast50.com

Herself an expat American living in the Valencia province of Spain, our reporter Karin Avila has been interviewing expats from other countries to hear their stories of being a stranger in a strange land. Tonight Karin speaks with professional photographer from Northern Ireland, Peter Houston, who describes early family holidays where he took his five children "off the beaten track" for wonderful adventures. Often they would go where the road took them with little or no firm plans for accommodation.

Photo: Peter Houston -Disco Island off Greenland

In a travel industry career spanning 26 years and more than 60 countries, multiple times over, UK-based Italian Marco Rosa has recently created a company designed to represent some of the world’s "most hidden gems".

Together with German-born Alex Scasny, Marco founded Plateau International, which handpicks boutique hotels, exquisite island escapes, safari lodges, luxury cruise companies and many other fascinating attractions worth exploring beyond the crowds. Mike Smith caught up with him on his recent visit.

Photo: supplied

The latest marketing campaign from the Hawaiian islands declares "Hawaii Stays With You" and it's true. Graeme Kemlo spoke with Kris Phadungkiatipong at the recent AIME event in Melbourne. Whether for leisure or business events, including meetings and incentive programs, Hawaii has something for everyone, from memorable experiences to the unique Hawaiian culture. Kris gives us an update on Hawaii, particularly Maui, which suffered the devastating wildfires in August 2023 from which the local community is still healing. More information: MeetHawaii.com

A cautionary tale from our reporter Alistair Smith, who was born in Scotland but has lived in Australia as a citizen for decades. At the end of a European cruise he is taking later in the year, he has to transit his former birthplace (the UK) for less than 24 hours, but Australian passports are no longer welcome if you are born in the UK. You have to apply for a new passport from the British passports office. Not only red tape, but it can cost a pretty penny as Alistair explains to Graeme Kemlo

Photo: Alistair Smith

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Carolyne Jasinski continues her Africa West Coast Cruise. It includes stories of the slave trade and a visit to Takoradi, Ghana. Here at Elmina Castle Carolyne takes an evocative photo of the infamous Door of no Return, through which thousands of slaves walked not really knowing their fate.