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Brian Johnston

Brian Johnston

Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.

Chengdu has transformed, though it remains slower-paced than some other Chinese cities.

Three years in this city changed my life and my view of the world

When I arrived in Chengdu to teach English, I couldn’t speak Chinese. I’d never even tried Chinese food.

  • Brian Johnston

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Gibraltar and the Rock.

Port guide: Gibraltar

This tiny town wedged into the coast of Spain is a weird, anachronistic territory with a fabulous history, terrific views and one big rock.

  • Brian Johnston
Illustration: Greg Straight

Save your yen: How to travel Japan on a budget

Japan is already a good-value destination, but here are a few key tips on how to make your yen stretch even further.

  • Brian Johnston
The pool deck of Oceania Cruises' ship Insignia

How (and why) cruise lines are shifting to adults-only

Earlier this year, Oceania Cruises announced it was banning children on its ships in a move that really just rubber stamps reality.

  • Brian Johnston
A cruise on Carnival still costs about the same as cruises used to cost in the ’80s – with a lot more to offer than in those days.

Seeking an affordable holiday? Cruising is much cheaper than it used to be

We’ve all wondered many things about Titanic, but until now, it never crossed my mind to wonder what fares it charged its ill-fated passengers.

  • Brian Johnston
Colourful shops in Skagway.

Port Guide: Skagway, United States

Bordellos, bars and bad behaviour: one of Alaska’s most popular and atmospheric ports has quite the tale to tell.

  • Brian Johnston
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The old city of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Beyond cliches: The 25 new highlights of Europe

This small continent crams in so much that you can visit again and again and never grow tired.

  • Brian Johnston
European night trains are having a moment.

European sleeper trains cost more than flying. Are they worth it?

European night trains are having a moment as travellers seek to avoid airport queues, travel more sustainably, carry more baggage and avoid accommodation costs.

  • Brian Johnston
The average waiter in France isn’t necessarily aloof; they’re just leaving you in peace.

French waiters, Italian drivers: How to survive travel’s tricky bits

We face many classic challenges while on the road, from dealing with dodgy taxi drivers to adapting to American tip culture.

  • Brian Johnston
Explora sails by Santorini.

Get fit, feel better on a Mediterranean cruise. Yes, really

A week on a luxury cruise line suggests indolence and weight gain. But whose fault is that?

  • Brian Johnston