Tim Richards
Travel writer
Tim Richards fell into travel writing after living and teaching in Egypt and Poland. He’s a light packing obsessive, and is especially drawn to the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Follow him on Instagram @aerohaveno
- Opinion
- My happy place
Stuck in a northern tropical city, my workday routine became a dream
After breakfast at a cafe, I’d work a few hours at the local library before heading to the lagoon for a swim. It wasn’t long before I started wondering if I could live here.
- Tim Richards
- Opinion
- Train journeys
No air-con, no food, dire toilets: This is not one of Europe’s dream trains
This is not one of Europe’s sleek high-speed services. After 10 hours on board, I’m in no hurry to try it again – but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy some aspects of it.
- Tim Richards
- Opinion
- Train journeys
Travelling solo is, ironically, the least lonely way to travel
There is something about travelling as a couple that creates an insulated environment. Travelling solo is a great way to start talking to strangers.
- Tim Richards
- ★★★★½
- Train journeys
This modern railway hub is a European architectural marvel
Germany’s Berlin Hauptbahnhof is an ultra-modern station, well-equipped with food and services within a sleek multi-level structure.
- Tim Richards
Make the most of free trains: 10 of the best trips to take from Melbourne
In an era of soaring petrol prices and free rail travel, nothing beats taking the train.
- Tim Richards
- ★★★★
- Train journeys
An overnight train between two great European cities saves on a hotel (and flight)
Both a flashback to a glamorous past and a fresh new approach to rail travel, the European Sleeper is a welcome alternative to flying.
- Tim Richards
The other Angkor: A village that time forgot
As a murderous regime devastated most of Cambodia, one village managed to remain intact.
- Tim Richards
- ★★★★
- Train journeys
Britain’s most beautiful train station is an impressive survivor
This busy gateway to Europe is housed within a beautiful building from the golden age of rail travel.
- Tim Richards
The spirit of Vietnam bursts into life along the Mekong
During a cruise on the Mekong River, an excursion proves nourishing in more ways than one.
- Tim Richards
A perfect home away from home on the Mekong
Vietnam and Cambodia may be countries bristling with energy, but serenity abounds when you swap the rails for the river.
- Tim Richards