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Sue Williams

Sue Williams

Contributing writer

Sue Williams is a Sydney-based freelance travel writer, author and journalist who's filed for newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations around the world.Connect via email.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple, with its multi-tiered shrine, and Lake Bratan, is famed Balinese landmark.

The fabulous side of Bali still waiting to be discovered

Bali offers untold depth for the thinking traveller. But how many of us go deeper? These six experts live on the island and reckon we could do a lot better.

  • Sue Williams
Laneway street art in the medina of Fes in Morocco.

Google Maps won’t help you find your way through this ancient maze

Don’t rely on your sense of direction when entering this labyrinth – hire someone who can help you find your way back.

  • Sue Williams
In the fjords on the MS Rotterdam.

Cruise line’s new ship is a leap forward in luxury

You’ll rarely queue for anything on this ship that hits the sweet spot – it never feels too big, or too small.

  • Sue Williams
The seats are in a 2-3-2 layout.

Whoever designed these business class seats should never work again

Business class should feel like an indulgent, comfortable treat. By no stretch of the imagination could this be considered as such.

  • Sue Williams
Beijing was freezing and many people – including tourists – were sick when I met Emilio.

Making new friends overseas can be great – or go totally wrong

I met him in China and visited him in Mexico. Then his brother asked when the wedding was going to be.

  • Sue Williams
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Kristiansand in southern Norway.

The gloriously eccentric museum that reveals Norway’s strange past

Where in the world did women use potatoes to make themselves look sexy to potential suitors?

  • Sue Williams
The Independence Monument in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Where to go in 2026, according to the experts

Travel industry experts spill the secrets on the hottest destinations, must-do adventures, personal wish-lists and biggest trends shaping travel in 2026.

  • Sue Williams
The XPT pulls into Dubbo station.

NSW train is past the use-by date, but at least offers nice views

What’s the difference between my first class carriage and economy? “You get a better class of passenger on first class,” says the attendant.

  • Sue Williams
Entertainment options are limited.

This airline’s reputation for service is bad, and it lives up to it

Even in premium economy, it’s hard to get a flight attendant to bring me a drink – and I only want water.

  • Sue Williams
Watching the northern lights in Lapland from a glass igloo.

The 10 best cold-weather holiday destinations (plus five of the worst)

These icy yet spectacular destinations become more magical in winter, offering a perfect excuse if you want to escape hot weather.

  • Sue Williams