Nina Karnikowski

Nina Karnikowski is a travel writer focused on sustainability, and the author of two books including Go Lightly: How to Travel Without Hurting the Planet.

Good Weekend

Why I’m not apologising for my child-free life after a trip to Nepal

A milestone-birthday trip to a remote region of Nepal reveals traditional ways of life – and some unexpected truths.

1 month ago
Nina Karnikowski

Latest

Getting to gorgeous areas of Indonesia, such as Gili Lawa Darat in East Nusa Tenggara, is becoming easier.

Indonesia

Forget Bali. Indonesia has 17,000 islands – here are 10 of the best

For decades, many Australian travellers have treated Indonesia as though it begins and ends with Bali. It’s time to move on.

February 1, 2026
Nina Karnikowski

New South Wales

One of the east coast’s wildest treks just got a lot easier

A new offering takes the hard part out of a long-dreamed-of adventure with friends.

November 25, 2025
Nina Karnikowski

Asia

What the travel brochures omit about ‘the world’s happiest nation’

Bhutan is often sold as a real-life Shangri-La. But what’s life really like beyond the postcard?

June 21, 2025
Nina Karnikowski

Savvy traveller

Want to take an extended holiday? Here’s what you need to do first

Careful planning can help make spending a longer time away from home carefree.

June 15, 2025
Nina Karnikowski

Ghami has the feel of a living lost city.

Central Asia

Once forbidden to foreigners, this remote place is now accessible

A new road will bring trade, and tourists, to the remote village of Ghami – a place that currently has the feel of a lost city.

May 10, 2025
Nina Karnikowski

Kopan Monastery hosts 3000 visitors each year seeking spiritual guidence.

Opinion
Kathmandu

I left this retreat ‘reborn’. All I did was focus on one scary thing

We’ve heard whispers about this meditation since the start of the retreat, and been primed for the 40 minutes we’ll spend “focusing on our own impermanence”.