Opinion
Michael Gebicki is Traveller’s expert Tripologist. Each week he tackles the thorny issues in travel as well as answering your questions. Got a question for the Tripologist? Email tripologist@traveller.com.au
I am planning a July 2028 family catch up for a group of about 20, ages six to 74. Children and grandchildren will be joining us from the UK, US, France, Melbourne and Darwin. I need warm, accessible accommodation ideally with an accessible pool. I am thinking of Broome, but an overseas destination is an option, preferably a short direct flight from Melbourne and not difficult to access from all the other locations.
E. Fitzgerald, Camberwell, Vic
Broome is difficult to access for your long-haul international travellers. Flights from Perth, the closest international gateway, are expensive, as is accommodation in Broome. The main attraction in the immediate vicinity is the rugged, sun-scorched and incredibly beautiful Kimberley region, but that’s not to everyone’s taste.
One location that works well for such get-togethers is Sri Lanka. You can get there on a one-stop flight from Melbourne and two stops from the other spots where your family members are located and there’s plenty to like about Sri Lanka. It’s compact yet the island has great beaches, misty tea plantations, rice paddies, Buddhist temples and historic complexes, national parks with wild elephant and leopard, a lively culture, great food and accommodation prices are competitive.
I am booked on a Mediterranean cruise that includes a stop in Gibraltar. My father was born in England and emigrated to Australia. Will I need to acquire a British passport to be able to join a shore excursion, since Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory? If I don’t get a British passport and travel on my Australian passport will I be denied entry?
K. Wade, Ringwood, Vic
At the moment, it appears that Australians with a British parent can enter Gibraltar on their Australian passport provided they have an Electronic Travel Authorisation. However, this could change at the time of your visit, bringing Gibraltar into line with UK entry requirements. In that case, a British citizen, which would likely include you as a descendant of a British-born father, could only enter Gibraltar on a UK passport. It would be in your interests to cover all bases and apply for a UK passport well before your cruise.
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Can you suggest a resort or villa in southern Japan to accommodate eight adults and seven children ages between 3-12 for a 50th wedding anniversary celebration? Looking at either February/March or June/July and one family is travelling from Toronto.
L. Iacovangelo, Dondale, Vic
A resort is probably going to work better for your extended family, villa accommodation for a large family group is not widely available in Japan and catering could present problems. Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace is located in a beautiful area on the coast to the south of Nagoya. It’s quiet and relaxing, rooms at the Spanish-style resort are large by Japanese standards and the landscaped gardens include a pool.
However, Japan is a difficult choice for a large family group such as yours, with so many different ages and needs. Although the Miyako Resort does have non-Japanese guests, in general resort accommodation is tailored for the Japanese domestic market and the Japanese diet could present problems for younger members of your group especially. English is not widely understood outside the major cities, and even there it can be problematic.
In your case, I’d be more inclined to look for resort or villa accommodation in Thailand. Phuket is one option, and Twin Palms Surin Beach is an outstanding choice for a family, or Krabi, where the ShellSea Krabi or Lux Family Villas could deliver the holiday you’re looking for. One caution – June/July is wet and sticky in southern Thailand, February/March is a better slot.
We are intending to spend a month between July and September driving around Scotland. Any suggestions for an itinerary? We obviously need to avoid Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games and would be keen to visit an island or two.
J. Butler, Balaclava, Vic
A month in Scotland is perfect for a road trip and this anticlockwise loop begins in Edinburgh. Start your trip at the beginning of September and you’ll travel in quieter times, and miss the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2. Begin with three to four days in Edinburgh visiting the castle and Arthur’s Seat and walking the Royal Mile. Note the Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are scheduled for August 7-30, a great time to visit but expect crowds. Pick up your vehicle and drive to Aviemore at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. There’s plenty to keep you busy for a couple of days including the Strathspey Steam Railway and Rothiemurchus, 10,000 hectares of ancient Caledonian forest, lochs, rivers, glens, mountains and home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
Continue north to Inverness, “Gateway to the Highlands”, and visit nearby Loch Ness. Head north from here along the North Coast 500, a classic road trip known for its castles, sea stacks, sea-fretted beaches, lochs and Pictish trails, but it suffers from overtourism, another reason to travel in September. The concept of a 500-mile journey defies belief in tiny Scotland, yet the route weaves out and around the long fingers that reach into its sea and ice sculpted coastline to become a looping, swooping 830-kilometre adventure.
Expect to spend seven days on the drive, there is plenty to see and do and anything less feels rushed. At Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast, take the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye and spend at least three nights here. Drive inland to Fort William, along the southern shoreline of Loch Linnhe with a detour to Glencoe in its spectacular valley, continue to Oban and take the car ferry trip to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. The final leg of your journey takes you to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, from where Glasgow is just a short drive away. For accommodation, see the Visit Scotland website.
Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances
Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours to some of his favourite places. Connect via Instagram @michael_gebickiConnect via email.
