The Sydney Morning Herald logo
The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement
Paul Marshall

Paul Marshall

Travel writer

Paul Marshall is a Sydney-based travel writer who left his heart on the Banana Pancake Trail. With more than 10 years’ experience in the film, television, and video game industries, he now writes about his former life as a digital nomad and is always plotting his next escape. Whether it’s cycling across Korea or living in a Japanese fishing village, he loves a little-known destination and an offbeat adventure.Connect via email.

Counter seating is common in Japan.

Solo traveller? There’s no better country for eating out than here

Too many times, I’ve been to countries where the solo diner is treated like something to be shoved in the corner.

  • Paul Marshall
If you’re going to travel on a scooter, make sure you wear a helmet.

I’ve been a backpacker for two decades. Here are 20 things I’ve learnt

Overnight buses are never worth it, hostels still suck, you always pack too much and the greatest luxury you’ll ever need is time.

  • Paul Marshall
Traversing a rice field in south Vietnam.

A ride through this stunning landscape is travel at its most rewarding

My odyssey through areas where tourists never venture might not be travel at its easiest, but if you’re willing to take it on you’ll find paradise, pure and simple.

  • Paul Marshall
Melbourne: I’d probably like it.

I have a confession: I’m a travel writer, but I’ve never been to Melbourne

I live just 90 minutes’ flight away in Sydney, but for some reason the call of overseas has always been stronger than heading south to our second-largest city.

  • Paul Marshall
A classic Thai street food market on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown neighbourhood.

Secrets of a stingy traveller: 10 things I’ve learnt about travel on a budget

The first secret about being a stingy traveller? You’ll have more fun. Here are my tips on how to get around, where to stay and what to eat that will save you a fortune.

  • Paul Marshall
Advertisement
Twins fans cheer during the Korean Series Game Five between LG Twins and KT Wiz at Jamsil Stadium.

You’ll cheer at this must-do event (and have no idea why)

The least interesting thing about this sporting event is what happens on the field.

  • Paul Marshall
A guidebook and a time when travel included spontaneous discoveries.

I thought guidebooks were dead. Then I picked up an old, second-hand one

I found a dog-eared Lonely Planet in a sleepy street library. It was from 2008, a year I spent the most formative months of my life in South-East Asia.

  • Paul Marshall
Jiufen sounds good on paper, but 20,000 other visitors have the same idea as you.

I visited the most overrated attraction in Asia’s most underrated country

I’m elbow deep in a crowd of a few hundred people when the regret starts to kick in.

  • Paul Marshall
Winning hearts through language – the Gwangjang Market in Seoul.

This easy travel trick made me a hit with the locals

You’ll be amazed at how the country opens up to you (and it doesn’t involve a drop of soju).

  • Paul Marshall
A beach in Chumphon: Not a lounge chair, umbrella or backpacker in sight.

My beach paradise is somewhere most tourists ignore as they pass through

I didn’t intend to come to this Thai town, but I missed my ferry. I discovered an incredible place most tourists never experience.

  • Paul Marshall