Rob McFarland
Travel writer
After abandoning a sensible career in IT, Rob McFarland now divides his time between Sydney, the US and Europe. He's won six writing awards and regularly runs workshops for aspiring writers. Follow his travels on Instagram @mctraveller
Secrets of the happiest country on Earth
What is happiness? One country appears to have figured it out, having topped the World Happiness Report rankings for the past eight years. Clearly, they’re doing something right.
- Rob McFarland
Forget Copenhagen, this affordable foodie city flies under the radar
Helsinki doesn’t get the gourmet acclaim of its neighbours, but you can find exceptional food here at relatively affordable prices.
- Rob McFarland
The underrated US city with a ‘mini Grand Canyon’ and few tourists
Grand Junction offers unrivalled access to three of Colorado’s most dramatic wildernesses.
- Rob McFarland
A ‘miracle’ jet lag cure was developed for Navy SEALS. I tried it out
Using a combination of supplements, light–blocking glasses and a customised app, Flykitt claims to prevent jet lag in 93 per cent of travellers.
- Rob McFarland
We found the hidden must-eat hotspots of this Asian megacity
Go where few tourists dare on this tour of Seoul’s backstreet gourmet gems.
- Rob McFarland
The 25 cities and towns that should be on your travel radar in 2026
From grand openings to sporting spectacles, Traveller’s experts name the global destinations set to burst with energy and celebration.
- Katrina Lobley and Rob McFarland
New Yorkers recommend flying over this state. Here’s why you shouldn’t
It might just be America’s most-maligned state, but Nebraska and its biggest city are full of surprises.
- Rob McFarland
Built to keep people out, transformed castle now the UK’s most welcoming
A five-year renovation has transformed an 11th-century castle into the UK’s most accessible heritage attraction.
- Rob McFarland
One of Europe’s prettiest capitals is also one of the quirkiest
Beyond its cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture and photogenic setting, this Slovenian city is full of quirky attractions.
- Rob McFarland
I try America’s most beginner-friendly (yet thrilling) rafting trip
A two-day trip on Montana’s Flathead River is the ideal introduction to overnight rafting. Even a five-year-old could do it.
- Rob McFarland