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
Alternative route to Japan offers great food and service – plus it’s cheaper
The economy seats might give off ’80s vibes, but the food, service and extraordinary baggage allowance make up for it.
- Belinda Jackson
Budget or luxury? Two ways to do a safari, put to the test
Safaris don’t all follow one playbook, which is why you can combine an affordable self-drive package with a splurge at a luxury camp.
- Belinda Jackson
- ★★★★
- Airport reviews
This dreary, dated airport has one major saving grace
It might not look very cool, but this airport is a winner when it comes to picking up souvenirs and gifts.
- Belinda Jackson
- Opinion
- My happy place
A week in near-darkness became my daughter’s last true childhood holiday
It’s below freezing, the sun rises at about 11am and is gone at 1.30pm, but this remains one of my most cherished trips.
- Belinda Jackson
Our experts’ 52 greatest money-saving travel tips
From which day of the week to book your flight to where to score a discounted high-end meal, our travel experts do the bargain hunting for you.
- Brian Johnston, Ute Junker, Ben Groundwater, Belinda Jackson and Michael Gebicki
My family has been coming to the same beach for 50 years. Now, everyone else is too
Each year, I see the same faces. Together, we are all building memories for the next generation at this Mornington Peninsula highlight.
- Belinda Jackson
- ★★★★
- Hotel reviews
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
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
- ★★★★
- Hotel reviews
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
- Opinion
- Foodie travel
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