Discover springtime in Seoul, South Korea
With typically sunny weather and a chance of seeing the already colourful city dotted with cherry blossoms, spring might just be the perfect time to explore Seoul. Whether you want to dive into the buzzing high streets for a taste of authentic Korean fried chicken, tteokbokke and kimchi, or venture further out to the glorious Gyeongbokgung Palace and ancient village of Bukchon Hanok, Seoul offers an adventure for everyone.
Travel Insider's top tip:
From sampling street food at the Gwangjang Market to admiring the view from Namsan Mountain, here are 25 ways to experience the best of Seoul.
How to get there:
Fly direct from Sydney to Seoul (Incheon) with Qantas or connect through Sydney from other major cities in Australia.
Pop a few corks in Marlborough, New Zealand
If you picture New Zealand as a fantastical world filled with epic landscapes and magical creatures, a visit to Marlborough will likely prove you right. Famous for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc, this secluded area of New Zealand’s South Island offers endless rolling vineyards, hidden bays, vast mountain backdrops and one of the most beautiful places in the world to spot whales, penguins, fur seals and more.
Travel Insider's top tips:
A couple of days is not enough time in Marlborough but these vineyards make a fine start. While Sauvignon Blanc is of course the star of the show, there are more than a few hidden gems you shouldn't miss.
How to get there:
Nelson is the nearest airport to Marlborough and can be connected via Wellington or Auckland on Jetstar New Zealand. Alternatively, fly to Christchurch or Queenstown from most major Australian cities on Qantas and then drive to the Marlborough region, approximately a 4-5 hours drive.
Go beach hopping in Goa, India
While India should be your first stop for deliciously spiced foods, colourful markets and fascinating culture, you might be surprised to know it could also offer the beach holiday of your dreams. Head to the west Indian state of Goa, and you’ll find a pristine stretch of coastline where every beach brings something unique. From party beaches pouring traditional ‘feni’ cocktails to yoga retreats with intimate drum circles, you’re welcome to hop around until you find your perfect paradise.
Travel Insider's top tip:
Palm-fringed beaches, a laid-back vibe with distinct hippie undertones and vibrant nightlife are just a few of the reasons why you need to visit Goa on your India trip.
How to get there:
Fly direct from Sydney to Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Melbourne to Delhi with Qantas and connect to Goa with our codeshare partner, IndiGo.
Explore high and low in New York, USA
Home to the Empire State, Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, you’d be forgiven for feeling like you’re in a real-life blockbuster as you stroll through Manhattan. Once you’ve seen all the ‘big ones', try a little of the local life and stop by Brooklyn’s outdoor food market, pop into a rooftop party near the High Line or soothe your soul in one of the city’s many underground jazz bars.
Travel Insider's top tips:
Want to relax at a spa after a busy day exploring the city that never sleeps? Or find the latest dining hotspots and pop-up bars? Whatever you’re looking for, find 26 new ways to experience New York.
How to get there:
Fly direct with Qantas to Los Angeles from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and connect with American Airlines to New York. Alternatively, fly from Sydney (via Auckland) to New York from June 2023.
Feel on top of the world in Freycinet, Tasmania
If you’ve heard of Freycinet, you’ll likely have heard of Wineglass Bay. Tasmania’s most picturesque beach lies fringed with lush green bushland at the base of an ensemble of pink granite mountains. You can hike your way to the beach itself or enjoy a glimpse of it from accessible lookout points but make sure you book into one of Freycinet’s luxurious lodges afterwards to really experience both sides of this dreamlike destination.
Travel Insider's top tips:
There's more to Tasmania’s east coast than Freycinet National Park. There are wineries and quaint towns, luxury accommodation and stunning lookouts. Plan ahead for the perfect weekend escape.
How to get there:
Freycinet is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Hobart or a 2 hour drive from Launceston. Fly direct with Qantas and Jetstar to Hobart or Launceston from most major Australian cities.
Slow down time in Tuscany, Italy
Gaze across the rolling hills, golden fields and lush green vineyards of Tuscany, take a deep breath and feel the world slow down around you. Hop on a bicycle and meander your way through hilltop villages lined with cypress trees as you sample some of the best cuisine in the world. Artisanal hand-made pasta, family-run wineries and juicy chargrilled steaks all await. Bellissima!
Travel Insider's top tip:
A trip to Tuscany wouldn't be complete without a visit to the region's capital - a living gallery of glorious Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture. Take a grand tour of Florence in 24 hours.
How to get there:
Fly direct from Sydney (via Perth) to Rome with Qantas or connect through Sydney from other major cities in Australia. Hire a car, approximately 2.5 hour drive north from Rome, stopping along the way to experience the stunning scenery and unique towns.
Dream big in Ningaloo, Western Australia
If you’re looking to escape the everyday, head to Ningaloo and you may feel like you’ve escaped to a different planet entirely. Here, the landscape offers a kaleidoscope of colours, from the Mars red sand to the sparkling blue ocean. Hire a van or some camping supplies and pitch up on the beach where you can wake up to the sound of the waves before plunging in to swim with turtles, dolphins and the gigantic, yet harmless, whale sharks.
Travel Insider's top tips:
Take your escape a step further and check into an eco-luxe 'bush camp' on the beach, with no wi-fi, no phone coverage, no TV or radio - just incredible outdoor activities, great food and a magical experience with nature.
How to get there:
Learmouth (Exmouth) is the nearest airport to Ningaloo. Fly direct with QantasLink from Perth to Exmouth (Learmonth) or with Qantas from Melbourne. Hire a car or arrange a transfer to Exmouth, taking approximately 30 minutes to arrive at this pristine region.
Live among giants in Santiago, Chile
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes mountain range, you’ll find the Chilean capital of Santiago. Here you can settle into a life where hillside picnics, wine tasting, and afternoons spent strolling through galleries are a part of everyday life. Head south a little way and discover a world of bike trails, vineyards and ultra-modern hotels dotted throughout the rugged wilderness that makes Santiago one of the most inviting cities in the world.
Travel Insider's top tips:
From vibrant street art to trendy cafés, and colourful day trips beyond the city limits, here are ten places to add to your to-visit list in and around the electric Chilean capital.
How to get there:
Fly direct from Sydney to Santiago with Qantas or connect through Sydney from other major cities in Australia.
See Mother Nature at her best on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
With acres of space dedicated to national parks and conservation areas, the Eyre Peninsula is a must-visit for anyone looking for pristine, untouched landscapes. Boasting scores of natural wonders, hiking trails and opportunities to see the local wildlife, you’ll need to remember to stop and refuel with some of the finest seafood you’ll ever taste.
Travel Insider's top tips:
Take the pondering out of your planning with our top recommendations for where to eat, drink and sleep, plus what to do in the water and on land with the best road trips and visits to beautiful national parks.
How to get there:
Port Lincoln is the nearest airport to the Eyre Peninsula. Fly direct with QantasLink from Adelaide to Port Lincoln on QantasLink or fly to Adelaide from most major Australian cities.
Enjoy nonstop nightlife in Tel Aviv, Israel
A mecca for sun-seekers and night owls alike, Tel Aviv offers 14 kilometres of glittering Mediterranean coastline that hosts a range of beachfront bars, bakeries and cafes. From sunrise to sunset, you can choose to laze in the heat, wander through Jaffa’s historic bazaars or join an intense game of ‘matkot’ (paddle ball). When night falls, you’ll be spoilt for choice with rooftop parties, underground clubs and lively dive bars.
Travel Insider's top tips:
There are so many places to visit and things to see in Tel Aviv that you can spend weeks exploring. We've rounded up five of the best things to do in this amazing city.
How to get there:
Fly to Bangkok on Qantas from most major Australian cities then connect to Tel Aviv on our codeshare partner, El Al Israel.
Stopover in paradise and explore Perth, Western Australia
Whether you’ve got a few hours or a couple of days, Perth always makes it worth your while. Watch the sun sink into the ocean from Cottesloe beach, spend a day taking selfies with quokkas on Rottnest Island or hop on a bus to the otherworldly Pinnacles desert and wave rock formations for a trip you’ll never forget.
Travel Insider's top tips:
From sipping cocktails on chic rooftop bars to kayaking through secret wetlands, make sure these 21 unmissable experiences are part of your Perth plan.
How to get there:
Fly direct with Qantas to Perth from most major Australian cities.
Hike the Dragon’s Back in Hong Kong
Hong Kong may be densely populated but as a tourist, it just means you’ll never run out of places to explore. Packed with cutting-edge galleries, traditional street markets, upmarket drinking districts and even the world’s longest outdoor escalator, you could spend days in the city without scratching the surface. If you’re looking for a more peaceful escape, hop over to Hong Kong Island to hike the Dragon’s Back trail and enjoy views of Big Wave Bay and Shek O Beach.
Travel Insider's top tips:
From hipster haunts to upmarket drinking districts, this is your guide to enjoying the territory's coolest neighbourhoods like a local.
How to get there:
Qantas is planning to recommence direct flights to Hong Kong in 2023 from Sydney and Melbourne.
Please ensure you check the latest government travel requirements before you travel.
Important information
Disclaimer: ^ Flights are subject to government and regulatory approval.
Disclaimer: + Seasonal service from 16 June - 6 October 2023.
Disclaimer: * Flight prices are per adult in Australian Dollars, based on payment at qantas.com by BPAY made 7 days or more before departure, POLi or Qantas issued UATP. For other payment options a percentage based fee applies, capped at a maximum per passenger of $22 for Domestic or $120 for International travel. Prices are not guaranteed until payment is made. Fares may not be available on all flights or days. Some flights are operated by partner or subsidiary airlines. Prices may fluctuate if taxes or foreign exchange rates change. Passengers booking Premium Economy may be seated in Economy on connecting flights. Check the fare rules for more details before booking. Inclusions vary between flights. All schedules subject to change, including last minute aircraft changes. QantasLink flights operated by Sunstate Airlines (Qld) Pty Ltd ABN 82 009 734 703, Eastern Australia Airlines Pty Ltd ABN 77 001 599 024, and National Jet Systems Pty Ltd ABN 11 008 279 203. Licence No per state: QLD - 407, NSW - 2TA000237, VIC - 30362, SA - TTA155, WA - 9TA52.