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

Latest Post

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.

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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.

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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.

Auckland, New Zealand | Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Updated

Auckland, New Zealand

Top 10 Things to Do in Auckland

New Zealand's largest city blends a modern buzz with island ease. Here are ten of the best things to do in Auckland, the City of Sails.

Jetboating on the Shotover River | Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Updated

Queenstown, New Zealand

Top 10 Adventures in New Zealand

New Zealand is an adventurer's paradise of mountains, fjords and wild coast. Here are ten of the best experiences for travelers seeking a little adventure.

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

  1. 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
  2. NFL 2026 Season Kicks Off in Melbourne, Australia: Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ersFrom Swain Destinations · 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
  3. Top 10 Things to Do in MelbourneFrom Swain Destinations · 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
  4. Australia’s MICHELIN Key Hotels: A New Benchmark for Luxury TravelFrom Swain Destinations · 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
  5. Barefoot Island Luxury Recognized by MICHELIN Keys🗝️From Swain Destinations · 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
  6. MICHELIN Key Hotels Across Australia, New Zealand & AfricaFrom Swain Destinations · 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
  7. MICHELIN Keys Shine a Spotlight on Exceptional Hotels in AfricaFrom Swain Destinations · 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
  8. A Century of Safari Legacy Renewed: Cottar's Unveils Luxe Modern RefurbishmentsFrom Swain Destinations · 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
  9. Hats Off to Luxury Lodges of AustraliaFrom Swain Destinations · 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
  10. Honeymoon in South Africa: A Complete GuideFrom Swain Destinations · South AfricaFew honeymoons combine city, wine country and safari as easily as South Africa. Here is how to plan a romantic journey, and when to go.Read the post
  11. Exclusive-Use Villas in AfricaFrom Swain Destinations · AfricaExclusive-use villas in Africa offer private and luxurious accommodations for the ultimate family or group safari. Guests have sole access to the entire…Read the post
  12. Family-Friendly Fun in QueenslandFrom Swain Destinations · AustraliaThere is heaps of family-friendly fun in Queensland. Whether you're as laid back as a koala or as lively as a kangaroo, there is plenty of relaxation…Read the post