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Flip Byrnes

Flip Byrnes

Writer

Flip Byrnes, who specialises in adventure and off the beaten track travel, is both Sydney and Europe-based and loves unearthing unsung travel gems.

Turkish Airlines economy cabin.

New player on flights to Europe gets top marks in economy (almost)

Great value fares, courteous staff and amenity packs for economy passengers. There’s only one thing I can complain about on this flight.

  • Flip Byrnes
The entrance of the Armerun Hotel in Šibenik in Croatia.

I found the best hotel in Croatia’s less-crowded hotspot

You’ve probably never heard of this town, or hotel, but you’ll be glad you chose it over busier Split or Dubrovnik.

  • Flip Byrnes
Privacy wings make the seat feel enclosed … Cathay Pacific’s new premium economy seats.

This airline’s ‘next level’ premium economy is more like business-lite

While all eyes are on Cathay Pacific’s business-class Aria Suites, my money is on premium economy for the design details and value.

  • Flip Byrnes
My points flight with United was cheap, with a case of serious mid-air regret.

I tested three cheap(er) ways to fly to Europe; here’s my verdict

Too good to be true? It probably is. I tried the three cheapest ways to fly to Europe. Each comes with a cost, but there’s a clear winner.

  • Flip Byrnes
Cathay Pacific’s all-new flat-bed Aria Suite business class is now available on the Sydney to Hong Kong route.

Could this be the new world’s best business class? A resounding yes

Standing ovation, gold medal – this cloud-like flat bed with quilted topper and fluffy 400-thread-count duvet is a sky cocoon.

  • Flip Byrnes
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Cabin.

Downgrade me, please: I flew all the way to Europe on a budget airline

You can fly to Europe for just over $1000 return, though I opted to upgrade – and the two legs were vastly different.

  • Flip Byrnes
A silver lining: Frankfurt Airport Railway Station.

Europe’s biggest buzzkill airport has football pitch-sized wastelands

This major European hub may be as big as an intergalactic shopping mall, but it’s without the fun stuff.

  • Flip Byrnes
A ferry disgorging its passengers.

Chaos and stress: How to cope with Greek island ferries

The ferry rear lowers like a whale’s yawning mouth, purging streams of people and cars out into the baking sun.

  • Flip Byrnes
Bee man

Six of the best experiences in the Greek Cyclades Islands

Blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses – these are the calling cards of the Cyclades, but delve deeper for local, transformative experiences.

  • Flip Byrnes
The question isn’t why would you take the Eurostar, but why wouldn’t you?

When it comes to planes v trains, the Eurostar wins the gold medal

The question isn’t why take the Eurostar between Paris and London, but why wouldn’t you?

  • Flip Byrnes