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Michael Gebicki

Michael Gebicki

The Tripologist

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.

Some airlines will let you check in as much as 46 kilograms, even if you’re flying economy class.

Want to beat the luggage police? Choose the right airline

Some airlines will charge you if you’re a tiny bit over the weight limit. Others can be incredibly generous or have no weight limits at all.

  • Michael Gebicki
Takaragawa is a great starting point if you’re new to the onsen world.

We want to visit somewhere visually stunning in Japan. Where should we go?

We’re returning to Japan after three years and have four nights in Tokyo but have an additional six days to spend.

  • Michael Gebicki
If you are pulled up at the airport security screening, cooperation is key.

The common carry-on items that could get you in trouble at the airport

It’s not just powdered chocolate and hair-removal devices that could slow you down the next time you’re passing through airport security.

  • Michael Gebicki
Bath: elegant and refined.

Where should we escape to the country after two weeks in London?

Can you recommend two cities or towns in which to base ourselves, spending about five days in each?

  • Michael Gebicki
Qantas’ new A350-1000ULR, which will fly non-stop between Sydney and London, at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France.

Faster, longer, more comfortable flights by 2026? We’re still waiting

As Qantas delays the launch of its ultra-long-haul flights to London and New York yet again, here are some of the other air travel promises we’re still waiting to be delivered.

  • Michael Gebicki
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“Third places” are locations like piazzas, parks, city squares, markets and other places that locals meet.

How much can we see with seven days in Italy?

You don’t have enough time to take in more than a couple of cities and there are two obvious candidates.

  • Michael Gebicki
Michael Gebicki is currently leading a group of Australians on a food tour through Italy, including Bologna (pictured).

Six things I’ve learnt about Aussie travellers from being a tour guide

Good travellers aren’t defined by how many countries they’ve visited. The best kind bring openness, humour, patience and appetite to the road.

  • Michael Gebicki
Intramuros is Manila’s old town.

How should we spend a 24-hour layover in Manila?

My wife and I land in Manila in mid-June at 4pm and depart Manila for Sydney the next evening at 9.35pm.

  • Michael Gebicki
Rome’s Fiumicino Airport has temporarily paused using the EU’s new digital entry system due to problems processing passengers.

I had no issues with Europe’s disastrous new entry system – I skipped it

I wasn’t looking forward to landing in Rome last week, having heard reports of three-hour waits at immigration due to Europe’s botched rollout of its new digital entry system.

  • Michael Gebicki
A train running from Saigon to Hanoi in Vietnam is seen here traveling between the cities of Hue and Danang. iStock image for Traveller. Re-use permitted.

Is it possible to explore Vietnam by public transport?

Travelling through Vietnam on public transport is possible, but it requires diligent organisation.

  • Michael Gebicki