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Swain Travel Journal

Stories, field notes, and posts from the road.

A living archive of destination insight, first-person dispatches, and the details that shape thoughtful travel.

Read Latest PostsPlan With Swain
Deep Creek National Park, Fleurieu Peninsula

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Fresh from the journal

qualia, Great Barrier Reef

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Australia

Luxury Travel in Australia: A Complete Guide

Luxury travel in Australia is about choosing the right destinations at the right time of year. From the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback to celebrated wine regions and luxury lodges, here's how Australia's finest experiences fit together.

A mountain gorilla resting in dense green foliage in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park

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Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Land of a Thousand Hills

Ian's first-person dispatch from Rwanda explores gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorilla conservation, and the people of the land of a thousand hills.

Melbourne | Photo Credit: Tourism Victoria

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Melbourne, Australia

Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne blends laneway culture, world-class coffee, sport and wine country within easy reach. Ten of the best things to do in Victoria's capital, from trams and markets to the Great Ocean Road.

Recently Updated

Worth another look

qualia, Great Barrier Reef

Updated

Australia

Luxury Travel in Australia: A Complete Guide

Luxury travel in Australia is about choosing the right destinations at the right time of year. From the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback to celebrated wine regions and luxury lodges, here's how Australia's finest experiences fit together.

Linda and Ian Swain sip cocktails on their first couple's trip to Tahiti.

Updated

French Polynesia

Tahiti: Forever Favorite

Tahiti holds its place at the top of my list of favorite destinations for Couples, Celebrations and Families. Learn why it is the ideal place for your next trip.

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AfricaAustraliaCity & Destination GuidesCruisesCulture & HistoryDiving & SnorkelingFamily TravelFood & WineGolfHoneymoons & RomanceIslands & BeachesLuxury Lodges & Resorts

Archive

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Read the latest travel writing, destination notes, and first-person dispatches from the Swain team.

  1. One Journey, Two Countries: Planning an Australia & New Zealand VacationFrom Swain Destinations Team · Australia & New ZealandCombining Australia and New Zealand on one trip is the classic long-haul journey. Here is how to route it, how long it takes, and when to go.Read the post
  2. Luxury Travel in New Zealand: A Complete GuideFrom Swain Destinations Team · New ZealandLuxury travel in New Zealand has a way of slowing you down. Few destinations pair such extraordinary landscapes with such intimate places to stay. Read the post
  3. Luxury Travel in Australia: A Complete GuideFrom Swain Destinations Team · AustraliaLuxury travel in Australia is about choosing the right destinations at the right time of year. From the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback to celebrated wine regions and luxury lodges, here's how Australia's finest experiences fit together.Read the post
  4. The Land of a Thousand HillsFrom Ian Swain · Volcanoes National Park, RwandaIan's first-person dispatch from Rwanda explores gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorilla conservation, and the people of the land of a thousand hills.Read the post
  5. NFL 2026 Season Kicks Off in Melbourne, Australia: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ersFrom Swain Destinations Team · AustraliaIn a historic moment for global sports, the National Football League is heading Down Under. For the first time ever, a regular season game will be played in…Read the post
  6. Top 10 Things to Do in MelbourneFrom Swain Destinations Team · Melbourne, AustraliaMelbourne blends laneway culture, world-class coffee, sport and wine country within easy reach. Ten of the best things to do in Victoria's capital, from trams and markets to the Great Ocean Road.Read the post
  7. Australia’s MICHELIN Key Hotels: A New Benchmark for Luxury TravelFrom Swain Destinations Team · AustraliaThe arrival of MICHELIN Keys in Australia marks a defining moment for the country’s luxury hospitality scene. From iconic urban retreats to extraordinary…Read the post
  8. Barefoot Island Luxury Recognized by MICHELIN Keys🗝️From Swain Destinations Team · French PolynesiaThe South Pacific’s most extraordinary island escapes are in the global spotlight with the introduction of the MICHELIN Keys. This prestigious distinction…Read the post
  9. MICHELIN Key Hotels Across Australia, New Zealand & AfricaFrom Swain Destinations Team · New ZealandIn 2025 MICHELIN awarded its first hotel Keys across Oceania and Africa. Here is what the distinction means and the standout properties in Swain's regions.Read the post
  10. MICHELIN Keys Shine a Spotlight on Exceptional Hotels in AfricaFrom Swain Destinations Team · AfricaHospitality in Africa has reached an exciting new milestone with the inaugural selection of MICHELIN Key Awards. Designed to celebrate outstanding stays…Read the post
  11. A Century of Safari Legacy Renewed: Cottar's Unveils Luxe Modern RefurbishmentsFrom Swain Destinations Team · KenyaCongratulations to Cottar's Safaris on their newly unveiled refurbishments at the multi-award-winning Cottar's 1920s Camp and Cottar's Bush Villa . Rooted in…Read the post
  12. Hats Off to Luxury Lodges of AustraliaFrom Swain Destinations Team · AustraliaCongratulations to Luxury Lodges of Australia on 15 years of connecting travelers to experiential luxury in Australia's wilderness, reefs, outback, desert…Read the post