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Belinda Jackson

Belinda Jackson

Travel writer

From the Caucasus to Cairo, Melbourne-based journalist, broadcaster Belinda Jackson is drawn to curious alleyways, street-eat carts and pulling at the strands of culture and tradition. Having called Ireland, Egypt and the UK home, she has a soft spot for the wilds of the Middle East and Central Asia, scarves and carpets. And while luxury is lovely, some of the best stories of her 25 years on the road were found in a $20 guesthouse. Follow her on instagram @global_salsa

Luxury studio rooms overlooking the vines.

A country escape without leaving Melbourne’s city limits

A rural reset in Melbourne’s deep north – and without the crowds of the Yarra Valley? This is a one-stop shop of good wine, food and accommodation.

  • Belinda Jackson
Outback beach … Ormiston Gorge waterhole.

Australia’s spectacular outback is now much easier to do, in less time

You no longer need to quit your job or join the grey nomad convoys in order to experience the best of outback Australia.

  • Belinda Jackson
Rooftop at the Holiday Inn.

Famed budget hotel brand opens in Melbourne’s most central location

The well-oiled Holiday Inn hospitality machine and its super-smiley staff make this new city stay accessible and affordable.

  • Belinda Jackson
Why are tea drinkers neglected by hotels?

I didn’t want coffee, so my $1000-a-night resort gave me cheap tea bags

Hotels, restaurants and cafes will finesse the espresso, coo over the pour-over, obsess with the cold-press. Meanwhile, the rusted-on tea drinker is ignored.

  • Belinda Jackson
The old medina in Tunis, Tunisia,

I got lost in this ancient medina. It was magnificent

The alleyway hits a dead end. So does the next. And the next. Wandering deep into Tunis’ 7th-century medina and its souqs, I am lost. Blissfully lost.

  • Belinda Jackson
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Hotel Indigo

Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall welcomes two new hotels on the one site

In a new shopping precinct, “magic doors” reveal the two new properties.

  • Belinda Jackson
Cabin crew are delightful.

No entertainment, tiny seats, but I saved $700 on my long haul

No entertainment screens or power to charge your devices, but the crew are delightful and you can save a bundle with this budget carrier.

  • Belinda Jackson
The utterly picturesque village of Chenini.

The spectacular movie-star country that few Australians visit

It has played a starring role in some of the biggest movies of the past 30 years, but this fascinating country still flies under the radar.

  • Belinda Jackson
Render of Techo International Airport, Phnom Penh.

‘Landscrapers’ and record breakers: 10 stunning new buildings set to open

Some of the world’s most impressive new structures are set to open this year.

  • Belinda Jackson
A comfortable seat, despite a neighbouring man-spreader.

This long-haul economy class actually feels luxurious (well, almost)

Regularly named the world’s best airline, this carrier offers a top service that helps ease the pain of a long flight – even when seated next to a manspreader.

  • Belinda Jackson