Placeholder Content Image

Woman restrained and gagged on plane for "disruptive" behaviour

<p>A woman has been restrained and gagged on an international flight over her disruptive and abusive behaviour.</p> <p>Footage of the shocking moment the woman was restrained by cabin crew has been obtained by <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/woman-restrained-with-duct-tape-after-outburst-during-fiji-airways-flight/news-story/e088405a65c3d6ca889a0612e746702e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>, showing the flight attendants trying to contain the 69-year-old woman's actions. </p> <p>Police claim the woman was “intoxicated and causing a nuisance”, on the flight from San Francisco to Nadi, leading her to be arrested by Fiji police when the plane landed.</p> <p>A fellow passenger who filmed the altercation said airline staff were “forced to resort to restraining and taping the mouth” of the woman, whose comments were allegedly “racist and vulgar” in nature.</p> <p>The passenger explained that the situation unfolded about halfway into the 11-hour flight towards Nadi, after the woman started to “raise her voice” within the cabin.</p> <p>“It became known to crew and nearby passengers early into the incident that the woman was travelling with her husband, though they were sitting in different areas of the plane,” the witness, who was seated several rows away from the woman, claimed.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFL_vyMIQkH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFL_vyMIQkH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by news.com.au (@newscomauhq)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“The husband requested to be seated elsewhere when the woman started to raise her voice, and the altercation between the woman and crew started when the crew refused to tell the woman where he had been moved to.”</p> <p>The witness told <em>news.com.au</em> the woman “caused great distress to all nearby passengers and crew by screaming and yelling abuse” as well as “threatening and throwing objects such as cups at crew members”.</p> <p>“She had also slapped the hands of a flight attendant,” the witness claimed.</p> <p>In the footage, crew can be seen trying to tape the woman’s mouth shut when she refused to stop yelling abuse. </p> <p>“The other passengers were particularly upset by her overtly racist comments towards the Fijian crew members, with many calling out to the woman to be quiet and behave,” the witness recalled.</p> <p>“Parents with children onboard were clearly upset with the excessive vulgar language and swearing with many seen blocking the ears of their children.”</p> <p>“The crew forcibly moved the woman to the back of the plane but this didn’t stop the (passenger’s) abusive behaviour, which continued throughout the remainder of the flight,” the witness said.</p> <p><em>News.com.au</em> has confirmed the woman was charged by police in Fiji where she remains in custody awaiting a court appearance, while the airline also confirmed the incident is now the subject of a “legal investigation”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: news.com.au / Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Expert reveals how to cope with flight anxiety

<p dir="ltr">While thousands of Aussies travel by plane everyday, not everyone is so relaxed about air travel. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to recent Google data, searches for advice on flight anxiety are on the rise by more than 5000 per cent. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thankfully, there is help out there for those who struggle with anxious thoughts around flying. </p> <p dir="ltr">Researcher and neuroscientist Dr Brian Ramos from <a href="https://simplynootropics.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simply Nootropics</a> explained why some people are impacted more than others.</p> <p dir="ltr">"People's past experiences, personality traits, and levels of general anxiety all play a role in how intensely they experience flying anxiety, making some individuals more prone to it than others," he told <em><a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/how-to-get-over-flight-anxiety-before-holiday-expert-tips/72ff01bd-8245-4ba9-a440-8a5fa6fa74db">9Travel</a></em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to offer four ways to combat flight anxiety on your next trip. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Reframe your anxiety as excitement </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Ramos believes that by redefining the physical signs of anxiety as excitement for your holiday, you can fool your brain into thinking differently. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Reframing anxiety as excitement can trick your brain into receiving your nervous system's response more positively," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Both anxiety and excitement trigger similar physical responses, like a racing heart and butterflies, but the key difference lies in how we interpret them.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Instead of viewing these sensations as signs of danger, you can remind yourself they signal anticipation and energy."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Think about the facts </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Looking at your situation practically can help calm your anxious mind when on a plane, according to Dr Ramos. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Look around you - is anyone else freaking out? Aeroplanes are one of the safest modes of transportation," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Statistically, the odds of an accident are extremely low, with air travel being far safer than driving in a car - something we all do regularly and don't bat an eyelid at."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Keep yourself busy </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">By tapping into mindful activities can help push anxious thoughts to the back of your mind. </p> <p dir="ltr">As Brian says, "Distracting your mind with a good podcast or book is a great way to manage flight anxiety by redirecting your focus away from fear-inducing thoughts."</p> <p dir="ltr">"Engaging with a story or interesting conversation can keep your brain occupied.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Re-centre your brain if you feel yourself spiralling </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">"To calm an anxiety attack during a flight, first, focus on your breathing," Brian said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Practice deep, slow breaths; inhaling through your nose for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling through your mouth for four.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Second, ground yourself using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Finally, use positive self-talk."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

Placeholder Content Image

"A bit wonky": Miriam Margolyes rip into Australia

<p>Beloved British comedian and actress Miriam Margolyes has ripped into Australia, suggesting that the country has gone downhill in recent years.</p> <p>The 83-year-old has spent a lot of time Down Under as her partner of 50 years is Australian, and has always professed her love for the country. </p> <p>However, during a candid chat with Kyle and Jackie O, Margolyes - who is an Australian citizen -  said that Aussies have grown less polite in comparison to other countries. </p> <p>Jackie O asked Margolyes about how polite modern Australians are, to which she replied, “Oh, f**k darling, terrible.”</p> <p>“I love Australia, I think it’s a fabulous country,” she continued. “But I think it’s going a bit wonky at the moment, like the rest of the world. But no, I do care about it. And I am an Australian citizen. </p> <p>“I became a citizen because my partner is Australian, and I wanted to be ever closer to Australia.”</p> <p>The <span id="U843459980797gQF">Harry Potter</span> star, who is busy promoting her latest ABC series about New Zealand, went on to share that she’s grown to prefer it to Australia, admitting, “But now I think my allegiance has slipped slightly and gone to New Zealand.”</p> <p>Elsewhere in the interview, Miriam and Kyle clashed as Sandilands brought up Donald Trump, to which Margolyes insisted she didn't want to discuss American politics. </p> <p>“Oh, don’t tell me you’re one of these fools that don’t understand he’s going to bring greatness,” ranted Sandilands. “You’re not. Oh, you’ve been you’ve been twisted by the Whoopi Goldberg’s of the world. What a shame.”</p> <p>In an attempt to skip over any tension, Margolyes replied, “I wouldn’t mind being twisted by Whoopi Goldberg!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Steve Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Best travel destinations for 2025 revealed

<p dir="ltr">For those setting their sights on travelling abroad in 2025, TripAdvisor has named their best destinations for holidays this year. </p> <p dir="ltr">The winners of the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-Destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tripadvisor</a> Travellers' Choice Awards were identified based on the quality and quantity of global Tripadvisor reviews specific to several award subcategories, from accommodation to restaurants. </p> <p dir="ltr">For 2025, London has been named the top destination in the world, taking the title from Dubai, which had held first place since 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">Commenting on the announcement, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said, “London is, without doubt, the best city in the world to visit, attracting millions of tourists every year who are amazed with everything that our great city has to offer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“With our unrivalled mix of cultural attractions, renowned food scene and a sporting calendar that cannot be beaten, I am delighted that Tripadvisor agrees that London is the top destination in the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dubai was bumped down to the third spot on the list, while the tropical paradise of Bali in Indonesia slid into second place. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the top 10 list of the most popular international destinations for 2025 below. </p> <p dir="ltr">1. London, UK</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Bali, Indonesia</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Dubai, UAE</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Sicily, Italy</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Paris, France</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Rome, Italy</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Hanoi, Vietnam</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Marrakech, Morocco</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Crete, Greece</p> <p dir="ltr">10. Bangkok, Thailand</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Government bails out Rex Airlines

<p>The federal government is set to take on Rex Airlines' $50 million debt in order to keep the company, that collapsed on June 30th 2024, servicing regional Australia. </p> <p>Rex has been struggling to stay afloat in the six months since the company entered voluntary administration, with Ernst and Young (EY) appointed administrators, putting a strain on domestic travel to regional areas. </p> <p>Transport Minister Catherine King and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced on Thursday that the government would acquire some of Rex's debt to prevent liquidation, which they said would harm regional and remote communities that rely on the carrier.</p> <p>"By acquiring the debt, the government will become the principal secured creditor and will seek to become a voting member of the Committee of Inspection," the ministers said in a joint statement.</p> <p>"Whilst the accelerated initial sale process undertaken by the administrators in mid-2024 did not find a suitable buyer for the airlines' regional operations, the government continues to work closely with the administrators through the extended convening period."</p> <p>"This makes clear the government's ongoing commitment to maintaining access to aviation services for regional and remote communities, and recognises the critical role of the Rex network to local economies."</p> <p>Ernst and Young has a just few months to secure Rex's commercial future after the Federal Court late last year granted an extension of the voluntary administration to June 30th 2025. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Despite decades of beach safety ads, at least 55 people have drowned in Australia this summer. It’s time to change tack

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>Australia is considered a nation of beach lovers. But with all this water surrounding us, drownings remain tragically common. At least <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/summer-drowning-toll">55 people have drowned</a> in waterways in Australia so far this summer, most of whom drowned at the beach. And the season’s not over.</p> <p>Every drowning is a tragedy, and Australia is nowhere near the federal-government supported <a href="https://www.watersafety.com.au/australian-water-safety-strategy/">goal of zero drownings</a>.</p> <p>Public health agencies are <a href="https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/australia-in-the-grip-of-a-disturbing-rise-in-summer-drownings/news-story/bf2b1595f36bb4b458b371b9fab4f7ed">concerned</a> about the drowning numbers. So how do we fix it? An important factor to consider is how beach safety messages are communicated.</p> <h2>Another season, another campaign</h2> <p>The peak water safety bodies in Australia, <a href="https://sls.com.au/">Surf Life Saving Australia</a> and <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/">Royal Life Saving Society – Australia</a>, work to reduce drownings in all Australian aquatic locations, from swimming pools to rivers to beaches.</p> <p>Their public safety campaigns aim to raise awareness of drowning and risks around the water. Australians are undoubtedly safer because of the work and advocacy of these organisations – but drowning numbers remain stubbornly high.</p> <p>Surf Life Saving Australia is running a new campaign this summer – <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">Stop, Look, Stay Alive</a> – featuring Australian-born actor and filmmaker Angus Sampson.</p> <p>This campaign is one of many in recent years urging Australians to stay safe near the water. Others include:</p> <ul> <li>the “swim between the flags” message</li> <li>the “<a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-australia-launches-new-summer-safety-campaign-give-an-f-about-the-flags/">give an F about the flags</a>” campaign</li> <li>the <a href="https://sls.com.au/slsa-draws-the-line-on-rips/">“think line”</a> campaign, which urges people to “stop, look and have a plan”</li> <li>the <a href="https://www.floattosurvive.au/">“float to survive”</a> campaign, which urges people to <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f7cf9fd8c3f251339c3dfa8/t/65ea851cbcbf287ede28cdc3/1709868332878/Float+to+Survive+Report.pdf">float if they’re in trouble in the water or stuck in a rip</a></li> <li>the <a href="https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/respect-the-river">“respect the river”</a> campaign.</li> </ul> <p>But the tragic number of drownings, particularly during summer, suggests not everyone is heeding the message. In fact, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Australian researchers in 2022 found</a> no evidence to suggest beach drowning deaths in Australia have reduced over the long term. This, the researchers said:</p> <blockquote> <p>rais[es] questions regarding the effectiveness of existing strategies designed to communicate messages and information about beach safety and hazards to the public.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Changing how we communicate</h2> <p><a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">According to Surf Life Saving Australia</a> the current Angus Sampson campaign aims to be:</p> <blockquote> <p>appealing to more Aussies, in particular men who continue to swim at unpatrolled locations and take unnecessary risks.</p> </blockquote> <p>As the <a href="https://sls.com.au/surf-life-saving-calls-in-hollywood-actor-angus-sampson-to-help-reach-men-at-high-risk-of-drowning/">organisation notes</a>, 86% of all drowning deaths on Australia’s coast last year were men.</p> <p>The campaign involves ads on television and online, as well as outdoor advertising. The decision to use a mix of platforms is wise.</p> <p>But the use of a TV and movie celebrity may not be effective. A <a href="https://archive.acrs.org.au/files/arsrpe/RS030057.pdf?utm">review looking at road safety campaigns</a>, for example, found limited evidence of celebrity effectiveness in improving safety outcomes.</p> <p>Could it be more effective to, for example, <a href="https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/38/2/daad034/7143327">use a TikTok star</a> who is hugely popular among young males?</p> <p>Research suggests using the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/28355245.2024.2350155">right platform</a> and “<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7501494">voices that matter</a>” offer benefits when delivering safety messages. This is in part due to the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17524032.2023.2237693">emotional connection</a> people form with these social media stars, which can result in behaviour change.</p> <p>When asked for evidence to show the current public messaging campaigns are working, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) told The Conversation:</p> <blockquote> <p>SLSA is committed to preventing drowning through holistic, evidence-based approaches, combining awareness programs like Stop Look Stay Alive with lifesaving services, in-person programs, and education. This summer alone, lifesavers have performed over <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">2,500 rescues and 700,000 preventative actions</a>.</p> <p>Despite population growth, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020023000961">coastal drowning has remained stable</a>. This summer, 32 coastal drownings have been reported, fewer than the <a href="https://sls.com.au/coastal-safety/sls-research/national-summer-coastal-drowning-data/">same period last year</a>. SLSA focuses on behaviour change through initiatives like beachpassport.org.au (with 21,000+ “passports” issued already!), and on-beach programs that have provided active community learning <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420924007040">opportunities</a>.</p> <p>It’s too early to comment on the broader effectiveness of Stop Look Stay Alive, however preliminary campaign results show positive impact and an evaluation will be conducted by <a href="https://www.beachsafetyresearch.com/">UNSW Beach Safety Research Group</a> later this year.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Rethinking ‘swim between the flags’</h2> <p>Many current beach messaging approaches, <a href="https://sls.com.au/1281-reasons-swim-flags/">including “swim between the flags”</a>, compel people to fit into what the system wants.</p> <p>But many beaches <a href="https://theconversation.com/australian-beachgoers-are-told-to-always-swim-between-the-flags-but-what-if-there-arent-any-220043">don’t have flags</a>. And not everyone stops or looks for flags, signs, or even the conditions before they go into the water.</p> <p>And studies show while most domestic beachgoers know to swim between the flags, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public">many choose not to</a> because, for example, people are located closer to beaches without flags or lifeguard patrols.</p> <p>What’s more, research suggests overseas visitors to Australia do not always understand <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925753522003058">what “swim between the flags” means</a> or terms often used on common beach safety <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">signage</a> such as “shore dump” and “shore break”. One 2021 <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753523003089">study</a> found 21% of international students perceived “always swim between the flags” to mean that beachgoers who don’t or can’t swim need to stay outside the flags.</p> <p>This shows that current strategies aren’t resonating with all beach users, and there’s a need to reassess beach safety messaging.</p> <h2>Changing tack</h2> <p>Other forms of public safety messaging should also be considered when trying to reduce drowning numbers in Australia.</p> <p>For example, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/hpja.785">people who have been caught in rip</a> might be encouraged to tell their stories publicly. Research into other areas of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10732748241237328">public health communication</a>, such as vaccines, suggest this can form the basis of an effective campaign.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434322000760#:%7E:text=However%2C%20there%20is%20no%20evidence,and%20hazards%20to%20the%20public.">Research also suggests</a> teaching beachgoers about coastal science can improve beach safety behaviour. For example, people can be taught about how rip currents work, using images of dye released into the water.</p> <p>Crucially, consensus is needed on which <a href="https://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(06)00231-3/abstract">key messages to prioritise</a>. Too much differing messaging <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8807320/?utm_source">may lead to message fatigue or confusion</a> about which message is most important to follow.</p> <p>Messaging on beach safety to date has surely prevented drowning. But the stubborn drowning toll highlights the need to evaluate what is not working. Clear and consistent messaging, using modern platforms and engaging influencers may help us to get to zero drownings sooner.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245747/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/samuel-cornell-1418374">Samuel Cornell</a>, PhD Candidate, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group + School of Population Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/despite-decades-of-beach-safety-ads-at-least-55-people-have-drowned-in-australia-this-summer-its-time-to-change-tack-245747">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

"Horrifying": Cruise passengers left reeling over "KKK cruise"

<p>Passengers onboard a P&amp;O Australia cruise have been left reeling after staff members emerged in costumes resembling the Ku Klux Klan during a themed event. </p> <p>According to the cruise liner, the disturbing incident occurred onboard the Pacific Explorer during a Christmas-themed voyage, when a staff fun day went wrong. </p> <p>One passenger captured the "horrifying" moment the crew donned what she described as "offensive KKK costumes".</p> <p>The crew were believed to be part of the ship's housekeeping staff, with one member pictured holding up a housekeeping sign.</p> <p>Dressed in white cloaks and white masks with pointed tops and eye-holes cut out - the same as those worn by the KKK - the crew members competed in a Christmas-themed 'sports battle day'.</p> <p>Passenger Terri told <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14306781/P-O-cruise-klu-klux-klan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a></em> that many were excited about the onboard event day, which was highly publicised throughout the ship in the days before. </p> <p>However, everything allegedly went "quiet" when the costumed staff emerged, as Terri instructed her husband to "get the camera" and document the shocking moment. </p> <p>"I (requested) a please explain and have received no response," Terri said. "This is not tolerated in this current environment and education is desperately needed."</p> <p>Terri also shared the video on of the moment on social media, recounting the incident. </p> <p>"There was a lot excitement then it all went quiet… the lack of judgement was astounding," she said.</p> <p>"Everyone was there, everyone gathered, it was advertised, there was a lot of noise and it went dead quiet, just silent."</p> <p>"A lady sitting in front of me, her jaw dropped she was like 'what the hell', everyone was like OMG - they were calling it the 'KKK cruise'."</p> <p>"They’d gone the whole way through this ship dressed as the KKK and paraded through the Lido deck in front of basically every passenger but it was only then when senior crew saw them and they took their hats off."</p> <p>"I spoke ... to one of the (housekeeping) staff - they were all male - and he told me 'we didn't think we didn’t anything wrong'. They didn't say they weren't dressed as the Ku Klux Klan when I asked them but I truly believe it was an innocent mistake."</p> <p>Terri said she expected senior ship crew to offer an apology or explanation but none was given. </p> <p>After the controversy, A P&amp;O Cruises Australia spokesperson clarified that the crew were dressed as "upside-down snow cones" and not as the Ku Klux Klan. </p> <p>"We regret if a recent incident on a Pacific Explorer cruise offended any guests," the spokesperson told <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>. </p> <p>"Several crew members dressed up as snow cones for a Christmas family event, not understanding how their costumes could be misconstrued. They were only in public view for a short time before management acted quickly and had them remove the costumes. The crew members were horrified and extremely apologetic when they learned of the distress their outfits could cause."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Daily Mail Australia</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Cruise line asks for travellers help with billion-dollar ship design

<p>If you've ever been on a cruise ship and had your opinions on what elements of the ship could be improved, now is your chance to have your say. </p> <p>Celebrity Cruises is giving travellers the opportunity to help design the cruise line's newest billion-dollar ship, Celebrity Xcel.</p> <p>In a first for the cruising industry, dedicated cruisers will assist in making key decisions across culinary, entertainment and interior design for the new ship. </p> <p>"We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this," Michael Scheiner, chief marketing and product officer of Celebrity Cruises, said.</p> <p>Open to anyone who wishes to have their say, the global community of travellers will test, try and vote on new experiences, through online polls and one-of-a-kind experiential in-person events.</p> <p>The Dream Makers community will have final say on design elements of the ship, such as textiles and interior design choices, as well as picking their favourite dining and beverage options to be served onboard. </p> <p>Plus, they get to provide input on headline shows, selecting playlists, and partake in selections to appoint pivotal entertainment positions onboard.</p> <p>"Celebrity Cruises is known for ground-breaking innovation in ship design and experiences unlike any other at sea," Michael said.</p> <p>"When Xcel launches guests won't have just found their happy place, they'll have helped us build it."</p> <p>Celebrity Xcel launches in November 2025 and will be the fifth ship in the cruise line's award-winning Edge Series.</p> <p>Those interested in joining Xcel Dream Makers to have their say on the new ship can learn more at <a title="" href="http://www.celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers</a>.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Celebrity Cruises</em></p>

Cruising

Placeholder Content Image

Travelling in 2025? Here’s how to become a ‘regenerative’ tourist

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/veselina-stoyanova-2260559">Veselina Stoyanova</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-birmingham-1138">University of Birmingham</a></em></p> <p>At the start of a new year, many of us contemplate resolutions aimed at self-improvement and a better lifestyle. It is also a time when many of us start thinking about holidays.</p> <p>But have you considered combining the two? Could 2025 be the year when you resolve to be a better traveller?</p> <p>For in 2024, many tourists were on the receiving end of a very loud and very clear message. In some of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, including Barcelona and Mallorca, there were <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/27/travel/why-europe-has-become-an-epicenter-for-anti-tourism-protests-this-summer/index.html">large protests</a> against the negative effects of mass tourism.</p> <p>Overcrowding, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160738319300817?via%3Dihub">environmental damage</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738321001420?via%3Dihub">unaffordable housing</a> and cultural erosion appear to have pushed communities to their limits. There are <a href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240925-the-summer-that-tourism-fell-apart">vocal demands</a> to make tourism <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738322001621#s0045">more sustainable</a>.</p> <p>So, perhaps it’s time for travellers to <a href="https://www.unwto.org/tourism-data/un-tourism-tourism-dashboard">shift towards</a> a more sensitive and responsible form of travel.</p> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14616688.2022.2044376#abstract">“Regenerative” tourism</a>, for example, aims to enhance the wellbeing of places and the people who live in them. Unlike mass tourism, which often strains resources and compromises residents’ <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21568316.2019.1599604">quality of life</a>, regenerative tourism is about giving back – by supporting local economies, preserving cultures and nurturing the environment.</p> <p>This means treating your holiday as more than a personal escape. Instead of just lying on a sun lounger, consider planting trees in a reforestation project or learning traditional crafts from local artisans and participating in cultural events.</p> <p>Depending on the location, there might be chances to join in <a href="https://www.volunteerworld.com/en/volunteer-abroad/voluntourism">community programmes</a> which help alleviate poverty or improve the lives of Indigenous communities. These actions can empower locals and help create a more inclusive environment.</p> <p>Wherever you go, you can seek out experiences which help to <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals">restore and sustain</a> the places you visit. Imagine, for instance, learning traditional Venetian glassblowing techniques as a way of supporting the artisans who keep this ancient craft alive in Italy.</p> <p>In rural Spain, you could support local communities in remote villages by staying in family-run guesthouses. Or in Bulgaria, you could join farm-to-table dining experiences and visit organic farms in the Thracian Valley to help promote local food production and <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/hunger/">food security</a>.</p> <p>There may be local events or workshops you can join, cooking classes you can take, or cultural festivals where you can interact with residents and appreciate their perspective.</p> <p>All of these – and countless other examples – are opportunities for travellers to make a contribution to the places they visit, leaving a positive impact. They also offer the traveller the chance to make personal connections and unforgettable memories – providing moments to engage directly with locals people, to ask questions and learn about local culture and history and community activities. Being a gracious guest promotes goodwill and strengthens the bond between travellers and locals.</p> <h2>Direction of travel</h2> <p>These connections also make holidays not merely about personal enjoyment, but about something deeper, with a positive affect on the places we visit.</p> <p>So as you browse the idyllic destinations you might decide to travel to in 2025, it’s worth asking yourself whether you want to be a passive tourist, or a regenerative traveller who combines a sense of curiosity with a sense of responsibility.</p> <p>Tourism in 2025 will be a big part of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211973617300922">many countries’ economies</a>, but not everyone is happy with the industry and its impact on the world. Yet, consumers can change its direction.</p> <p>The choices we make about our travel plans could mean the difference between a holiday that contributes to a legacy of positive change or one that perpetuates the social and environmental issues facing the planet and its people.</p> <p>As we look ahead, the question is not just where to travel on holiday, but how to travel. Perhaps 2025 could be the year that your adventures inspire transformation, creating a sustainable and inclusive future for tourism. It’s a resolution worth thinking about for years to come.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245719/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/veselina-stoyanova-2260559"><em>Veselina Stoyanova</em></a><em>, Associate Professor in Strategy &amp; International Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-birmingham-1138">University of Birmingham</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/travelling-in-2025-heres-how-to-become-a-regenerative-tourist-245719">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Tips

Placeholder Content Image

Big change for new buses after Hunter Valley crash

<p>Australian buses and coaches fitted with seatbelts will soon be required to have announcements reminding people to buckle up, following the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash that killed 10 people almost two years ago. </p> <p>On Tuesday, the federal government announced that the new rule will require these vehicles to include visual and audio alerts reminding passengers to buckle up, similar to those on airplanes. </p> <p>“Travelling by bus is one of the safest forms of transport in Australia, and these new audible and visual signage requirements will ensure this continues to be the case,” federal assistant Regional Development Minister Anthony Chisholm said.</p> <p>The government also announced it had closed a loophole where some buses with seats under 1m high were exempted from requiring seatbelts. </p> <p>Under the regulations, all new bus and coach models must comply by November 1, 2026, while existing models will need to make the changes by November 1, 2027.</p> <p>“These safety outcomes further improve what is generally regarded as the most stringent seatbelt rules for buses in the world,” Bus industry confederation chair Tony Hopkins said. </p> <p>“With seat belt usage currently as low as 7 per cent on some services, this provides a simple but powerful message that reminds bus passengers to fasten a seat belt.</p> <p>“After all, if a seat belt is provided in a bus it must be worn by law.”</p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>Mino Surkala / Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Top 10 must-do activities around the world in 2025

<p>Global travel brand <em>Time Out</em> has revealed their annual list of the best activities around the world. </p> <p>From a canoe trip in Australia to wildlife encounters in Singapore, here are the top 10 must-do activities and experiences around the world. </p> <p><strong>10. Take a micro cruise through the Arctic. </strong></p> <p>This year, Micro-cruise specialist Secret Atlas will be taking 12 passengers at a time through the Arctic, for a more "intimate, once-in-a-lifetime, eco-conscious trip". </p> <p>The cruise will take guests on a wildlife-spotting journey through Svalbard's lesser-known northern reaches, while the other cruise will sail past the icebergs in Northeast Greenland, including a visit to one of the most remote towns on earth. </p> <p>These trips, however, aren't cheap with prices starting at £15,500 (around AUD $30,500) for two weeks.</p> <p><strong>9. Explore the cross-border towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia</strong></p> <p>These three towns make up 2025's European Capital of Culture, with over 400 events to be held throughout the year, including a piano performance on a 200m-high bridge, as well as a food and wine event called Tastes Without Borders.</p> <p><strong>8. Go on a wildlife-spotting adventure in Singapore's new Rainforest Park </strong></p> <p>The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is opening its fifth zoological park, Rainforest Wild Asia, this year, with 10 different zones, as well as 29 different species of animals, perfect for a family outing. </p> <p><strong>7. Discover Vietnam by a vintage steam train</strong></p> <p>Time Out explained that two of the "beautifully restored vintage trains" date all the way back to the 60s, and will take passengers between "the central city of Da Nang and the former royal capital of Hue."</p> <p><strong>6. Visit the Musée Granet celebrating the father of post-impressionism</strong></p> <p>Aix-en-Provence in France is celebrating the life of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown, with the exhibition displaying almost 100 of Cèzanne’s works, as well as tours around the artist’s childhood home, former estate and art studio. </p> <p><strong>5. Visit the long-awaited Harlem's Studio Museum, New York</strong></p> <p>The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, was first opened 56 years ago, with an archive of almost 9,000 pieces from all kinds of creators. It was closed for construction almost seven years ago and will finally re-open in autumn. </p> <p><strong>4. Fly directly to Greenland </strong></p> <p>The grand opening of their brand-new international airport will make this stunning location <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">more accessible</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> for travellers wanting to view the Northern Lights and all of the territory's natural wonders. </span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">3. Visit the world's first museum telling stories of migration though art</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The Fenix museum in </span>Katendrecht, Rotterdam will open on May 16 and is the first museum telling stories of migration through art. </p> <p><strong>2. Walk, ride or cycle along Murray River, Australia</strong></p> <p>"The Murray River is the crowning jewel of Australia’s Echuca region," said <em>Time Out’s</em> Saffron Swire. </p> <p>With the opening of a new multisport adventure trail this year, cyclists, hikers and paddlers alike will get to enjoy the river in a new way. </p> <p><strong>1. Join a once-every-quarter-century spiritual celebration in Rome, Italy</strong></p> <p>Italy's capital will celebrate its spiritual Jubilee this year, a Catholic festivity that's held every 25 years, with Italy expert Rebecca Ann Hughes recommending the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, "which began in the 16th century and involves a 25km walk through the city and countryside between the major basilicas." </p> <p>Check out the full list <a href="http://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

"Unfair" Australia Day ban sparks outrage

<p>A camping area in Bundeena has been slammed for making the "unfair" decision to ban boats and jet skis from Australia Day celebrations, with locals claiming they were left in the dark about the decision. </p> <p>The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will ban people from releasing their boats and jet skis from the access point at Bonnie Vale over the long weekend - the most popular time of the year to use the facility. </p> <p>The access point will be shut from 9pm on Friday, January 24 to 7am on Tuesday, January 28. </p> <p>Local Andrew Petty said he paid more than $300 for a camping holiday with his family and intended to take his kids fishing, but their plans have been derailed because of the ban. </p> <p>"We have one of the most beautiful waterways for all to use," he said. </p> <p>"We pay our boating licence, registration, fishing licence, national park entry fee, camping fee, and are denied access to the only ramp on that side of the Port Hacking."</p> <p>Petty added that he would have to drive more than an hour away to find another ramp to launch his boat, and believed he was paying the price for irresponsible jet ski users. </p> <p>"Maritime don't have the resources to prevent jet ski hooning so their alternative is to just force close the ramp and hire in traffic cops to police ramp access," he said. </p> <p>He believed that the ban was "unfair" because a lot of the traffic comes from jet ski users coming from the other side of Port Hacking. </p> <p>Another local called the move "another example of a government agency creating a problem instead of looking for more practical solutions." </p> <p>Locals also argued that the boat ramp offered a safe access point for leaving the isolated area in an emergency. </p> <p>The Port Hacking River is known for jet ski infringements in NSW and authorities claim they cause significant traffic congestion on nearby roads when the Royal National Park is full. </p> <p>They also said they hoped the closure would also improve safety for swimmers. </p> <p>"Public safety is always our number one priority and this temporary closure ensures Bonnie Vale remains a safer and more enjoyable space for all visitors over the long weekend," NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Royal area manager Brendon Neilly said.</p> <p>NSW Maritime officer Jay Ruming added that the state had recorded 1,700 jet-ski infringements in the past 12 months.</p> <p>"Our data tells us that jet skis are heavily over-represented in serious injury incidents. People involved in an accident on a jet ski have a 50 per cent likelihood they'll suffer a serious injury," he said. </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Airline forced to apologise over controversial tourism ad

<p>An airline has copped major backlash over a controversial tourism campaign that promotes their return flights to Paris.</p> <p>Pakistan International Airlines posted a photo of a plane flying at the Eiffel Tower on X as part of its campaign to mark the first flight from Islamabad to Paris after a safety ban was lifted.</p> <p>“Paris, we’re coming today,” the ad reads. </p> <p>The campaign has been viewed more than 21 million times, but after receiving thousands of negative comments, the airline was forced to issue an apology. </p> <p>Many social media users drew comparisons with the Al-Qaeda attacks on New York’s Twin Towers on September 11th 2001 when two planes were hijacked and flown into the skyscrapers, killing nearly 3,000 people.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/qUoNCyL385">pic.twitter.com/qUoNCyL385</a></p> <p>— PIA (@Official_PIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA/status/1877555588533485884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>“This advertisement is sickening to see. Please do better with your imagery,” an irate user wrote. “Do you not see the airplane heading for the Eiffel Tower? Do you not know what it will be perceived as?”</p> <p>Another wrote, “Who tf made this graphic to further ruin Pakistan’s image in the world,” while others questioned how the graphic was approved, adding, “Who thought this ad was a good idea?”</p> <p>“Is this (an) advertisement or threat?” another user asked.</p> <p>After being online for a week, the airline issued an apology saying it was “blown out of proportion”.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, this was blown out of proportion with connations and perceptions that were not intended,” PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told AFP.</p> <p>“It might have triggered some negative emotion, for which we truly apologise.” </p> <p>Despite the controversy, the ad remains on the airline's official X account.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Pakistan International Airlines</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

The most turbulent flights in the world revealed

<p dir="ltr">While many travellers have experienced a bumpy ride while on a plane, there are some routes that are rougher than others. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thanks to <a href="https://turbli.com/historical-data/most-turbulent-flight-routes-of-2024/">Turbli research</a>, the most turbulent flight routes in the world for 2025 have been announced for worried flyers to avoid when booking their holidays. </p> <p dir="ltr">All destinations are situated in just two continents and four countries, and all involve flying over high altitudes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Turbulence is measured in Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), which describes turbulence levels without regard to aircraft characteristics, meaning the same levels of turbulence may be experienced differently depending on the size and build of the aircraft.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dramatic changes in land altitude, particularly mountain ranges, create eddies, or swirls of disrupted airflow all create turbulence. </p> <p dir="ltr">With 0-20 on the EDR scale is considered light turbulence, these flight paths measure double digits in their levels of severity. </p> <p dir="ltr">Most of these destinations are located in South America, so if you’re particularly adverse to a bumpy flight, maybe take these stats into account before booking your next holiday. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the list of the 10 most turbulent flights in the world below. </p> <p dir="ltr">10. San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Santiago (Chile). 18.475 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Chengdu (China) to Xining (China). 18.482 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). 18.563 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Santa Cruz (Bolivia) to Santiago (Chile). 18.598 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Chengdu (China) to Lhasa (China). 18.644 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Kathmandu to Lhasa. 18.817 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">4. Mendoza (Argentina) to San Carlos de Bariloche. 19.252 average EDR. </p> <p dir="ltr">3. Mendoza to Salta (Argentina). 19.825 average EDR.</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Córdoba to Santiago. 20.214 average EDR</p> <p dir="ltr">1. Mendoza to Santiago. 24.684 average EDR.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

"Absolutely horrendous": Mother recalls the moment her daughter was attacked by a dog

<p>A distraught mother has recalled the terrifying moment her four-year-old daughter was mauled at a popular beach. </p> <p>Natalie was on holiday in Western Australia at a beach in Quindalup in the state’s south with her four children when the brutal attack occurred.</p> <p>Recalling the moment to the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-15/girl-survives-savage-rottweiler-dog-attack-dunsborough/104813116" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>, Natalie said her daughter Lucia was playing with her siblings in knee-deep water when the dog raced towards her, before lunging and taking hold of the little girl’s neck and shoulder.</p> <p>Once latched on, the animal dunked and dragged Lucia underwater and refused to let go. </p> <p>“I ran into the water to try to pull Lucia off,” Natalie told the public broadcaster.</p> <p>“However, the power and the strength of a dog of this breed and size, you’re powerless to do anything.”</p> <p>Natalie said by the time they unlocked the animal’s jaw and released Lucia, she was “bleeding heavily” and “listless”, adding, “Her neck, shoulder and back had big puncture wounds. She wasn’t even crying.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE3W9knBB8F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE3W9knBB8F/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ABC Perth (@abcperth)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“The ordeal was absolutely horrendous in every way,” she said, adding in an interview with <em><a title="7news.com.au" href="https://7news.com.au/news/mother-shares-dog-beach-warning-after-daughter-mauled-by-rottweiler-at-wa-beach-c-17392886" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="mother-shares-dog-beach-warning-after-daughter-mauled-by-rottweiler-at-wa-beach-c-17392886" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">7News</a></em> that the attack was “unprovoked” and “out-of-the-blue”.</p> <p>“He was very big, very strong. There was no way that we could control what was unfolding … your instinct as a mother is to remove your child from that situation, but you couldn’t,” she said.</p> <p>“He wasn’t stopping, he just kept biting her.”</p> <p>A bystander was quick to rush to the child's side and offer help, and while Natalie's eldest child called 000 and informed her mother that an ambulance as at least 30 minutes away, the mother decided to drive her daughter to the hospital herself. </p> <p>Soon after arriving, Lucia was flown to Perth Children’s Hospital and is now on the road to recovery after undergoing several surgeries. </p> <p>“It’s horrible to see your child to go through that. She’s this tiny, innocent little thing, and otherwise so happy,” Natalie said.</p> <p>“It was extremely traumatic, and I don’t want anyone else to go through that.”</p> <p>“She cannot be around our family pet now. She doesn’t want to go to the beach or be around dogs anymore,” Natalie told<a title="www.abc.net.au" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-15/girl-survives-savage-rottweiler-dog-attack-dunsborough/104813116"> the <em>ABC</em>.</a></p> <p>“That beach is where most of our family holiday memories are. It should be a safe place. It’s going to be a bit of a road to turn it back into that, from a place of fear.”</p> <p>According to local council, the City of Busselton, the attack happened on a beach where dogs are permitted off-lead. The rottweiler has now been “euthanised, and an investigation is currently underway.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

New road initiatives rolling out this year

<p>Several new road initiatives are set to be introduced this year, as government plans to trial out new technology in 2025. </p> <p>From wireless solar powered signs advising motorists of new hazards to in-road pods that collect data on traffic volume and speed, these initiatives will be trialled on regional roads as part of the NSW government's $5 million Smarter Highways program. </p> <p>Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the road, which will activate the Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environment Systems (SHAVES) to warn drivers about hazards. </p> <p>The system will have self-adaptive electronic signage which will be able to predict events and advise motorist, including bad weather and animals approaching the road. </p> <p>The signs will communicate with each other using localised radio communications. </p> <p>The NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said that the introduction of the technology aims to "reduce risky driving actions such as not driving to the conditions". </p> <p>They are also trialling a new in-road 4G traffic counter device which can detect and provide info on vehicle volumes, speeds,  road temperatures and system health among other information in real time. </p> <p>It is being trialled on the Great Western Highway at Kelso and the Newell Highway at Dubbo, with its use particularly important for the start and end of holidays and during special events. </p> <p>“The more information you can give to the motoring public about an incident early, the better,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told <em>Yahoo News</em>.</p> <p>“We’ve always said more needs to be done to alert people earlier when there is an incident. It gives them the time they need to make a judgement on whether they need to proceed along a different route, or delay their journey”.</p> <p>The NRMA supports the trials and introduction of the new technology, with Khoury saying: "the more we are relying on new technology to make our roads more efficient and safer, the better the outcome for the public.”</p> <p><strong>Here are the five Smarter Highways trials this year </strong></p> <p><strong>1.  Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)</strong>- Self-adaptive electronic signage able to predict events and advise motorists of hazards.</p> <p><strong>2. Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer</strong> - 4G powered devices in the road to provide data on traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other issues. </p> <p><strong>3. Rural Intersection Activated Warning System</strong> - Road sensors advise motorists through Variable Speed Limit signs of a slow and large vehicle entering from a side road.</p> <p><strong>4. Improved local area traffic management during major disruptions</strong></p> <p><strong>5. Permanent Congestion Management</strong> - Using radars and traffic signals to manage traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Govt</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Fruit and veg, exercise, frequent bloodletting and more tips on staying healthy from medieval travellers

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/megan-cassidy-welch-2265245">Megan Cassidy-Welch</a></em></p> <p>Travellers have always faced health hazards when far from home. Medieval people were no exception. Pilgrims, crusaders and others <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/crusade-propaganda-and-ideology/425DB24A44F76AD40CE6A0CD113627D5">were warned</a> by preachers such as 13th century Jacques de Vitry of “dangers on land, dangers at sea, the dangers of thieves, the dangers of predators, the dangers of battles”.</p> <p>There were also dangers to health: disease, lack of good nutrition and water, injury, accident and poisoning. Medieval travellers were active and innovative in trying to prevent ill health while away.</p> <p>Although the adjective “medieval” continues to be used disparagingly to imply backwardness in medical and scientific knowledge, this history of preventive medicine shows us something different.</p> <h2>From good sleep to ‘good’ leeches</h2> <p>One especially interesting set of practical health care instructions for travellers is the <em>De regimine et via itineris et fine peregrinatium</em> (About the regimen and way of the journey for the traveller). The text was composed by Adam of Cremona in about 1227–28 for the German emperor Frederick II, who was about to set out on crusade.</p> <p>Unedited and <a href="https://archiv.ub.uni-marburg.de/ubfind/Record/urn:nbn:de:hebis:04-eb2020-0447/TOC#tabnav">surviving in a single manuscript</a>, Adam draws heavily on <a href="https://iep.utm.edu/avicenna-ibn-sina/">Ibn Sina’s</a> 11th century Canon of Medicine, used for medical teaching in medieval universities.</p> <p>Adam advised bloodletting (phlebotomy) should be performed prior to the emperor’s journey and then regularly throughout, depending on the “will and mood” of the stars.</p> <p>Bloodletting was central to medieval medical practice. It used leeches or sharp knife-like instruments to nick the vein and cause blood to drain from the body. It was performed both preventatively and, in the case of some medieval religious communities, periodically as part of monastic bodily regulation and discipline.</p> <p>Devoting some 25 chapters of his text to phlebotomy, Adam drew on the idea that bloodletting would regulate the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humorism">humours</a> (the four fluids thought to make up the body: blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm), evacuating “bad” ones and setting the body in balance to prepare for healthy travel.</p> <p>While the concept of the four humours has since been abandoned by modern medicine, bloodletting and “leech therapy” continue to be performed in some <a href="https://www.svhm.org.au/newsroom/news/medical-leech-therapy">medical settings</a> for specific purposes.</p> <p>Adam advised all travellers should be mindful of the instruments of bloodletting – especially leeches – while on the road. His writing included warnings to distinguish between leeches: good (round and shiny) and bad (black or blue in colour and found near fetid water).</p> <p>He also gave careful instruction on how to desalinate water, as well as advice about diet (as close as possible to the traveller’s home diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables), the importance of rest and adequate sleep, and the importance of regular bathing.</p> <p>Dysentery was a well known hazard of travel, especially for crusaders, and Adam’s guide reflected all travellers’ wish to avoid it by keeping the digestive system in balance.</p> <h2>Balancing body and spirit</h2> <p>Knowledge about water supplies was especially important for travellers.</p> <p><a href="https://www.routledge.com/Pilgrimage-to-Jerusalem-and-the-Holy-Land-1187-1291/Pringle/p/book/9781138107250?srsltid=AfmBOooE6jGCvBdtC2UYXgG96RwjAzt_iliVzYf-8dV7QZIuZs7NJqmB">One pilgrimage guide</a> informed travellers one of the best sources of water in the holy land was just outside Haifa, in modern-day Israel.</p> <p><a href="http://italicapress.com/index063.html">Theodoric’s Guide for the Holy Land</a> reminded travellers there was no water in Jerusalem other than the rainwater collected by inhabitants and stored in cisterns for daily use.</p> <p>Medieval travellers were also reminded to take particular care of their feet. In 1260, <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780198662624.001.0001/acref-9780198662624-e-5935?rskey=aEEXKs&amp;result=1">Vincent of Beauvais</a> gave instructions to travellers to use poultices (a dressing for wounds) made of oil, plants and quicksilver (mercury) to prevent and manage blisters – an all too frequent ailment experienced by pilgrims walking long distances.</p> <p>Adam of Cremona suggested travellers regulate their pace as they walked, especially on unfamiliar and rough roads.</p> <p>The overall benefit of exercise was generally understood. Preachers such as Jacques de Vitry told his congregations <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1468-229X.13238">movement made the body healthy</a> both physically and spiritually, so should be undertaken regularly before and during a journey.</p> <p>Different climates and environments meant encounters with dangerous fauna. The holy land was said to be home to poisonous serpents.</p> <p>Travellers took with them <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286847771_The_use_of_the_'Jericho_Tyrus'_in_theriac_A_case_study_in_the_history_of_the_exchanges_of_medical_knowledge_between_Western_Europe_and_the_Realm_of_Islam_in_the_middle_ages">theriac</a>, an antidote made in part from snake flesh in case of a bite. This would be ingested or smeared on the wound.</p> <p>Crocodiles in Egypt were also often mentioned as a hazard. There were no antidotes for an attack, but forewarning travellers with knowledge helped them to remain alert.</p> <p>Medieval travellers did not leave their fate entirely in God’s hands. Even the crusaders took precautionary measures to balance both bodily and spiritual health before and during their journeys.</p> <p>They confessed sins, sought blessings to protect their property and baggage and carried with them charms and amulets that were thought to ensure “the health of body and protection of the soul”, as <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1017/S0038713413000511">one 12th century Italian blessing</a> explained. This “divine prophylaxis” ran alongside more practical care of the physical body – a holistic view of health as corporeal and spiritual.</p> <p>The actions and remedies available to medieval pilgrims and other travellers may seem limited and perhaps dangerous to modern readers. But like all travellers, medieval people used the knowledge they had and tried hard to maintain good health in sometimes difficult conditions.</p> <p>The urge to remain well is a very human one, and its long medieval history reminds us that good health has always been carefully managed through prevention just as much as cure.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244638/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/megan-cassidy-welch-2265245">Megan Cassidy-Welch</a>, Professor of History and Dean of Research Strategy</em></p> <p><em>Image </em><em>credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/fruit-and-veg-exercise-frequent-bloodletting-and-more-tips-on-staying-healthy-from-medieval-travellers-244638">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

The astonishing reason Olympians are returning their Paris medals

<p>More than 100 medal-winning Olympic athletes are returning the medals they won at the 2024 Paris Games after claiming they have massively deteriorated. </p> <p>Despite being less than six months on from the Games, many of the medals have lost their lustre and appear much worse for wear, prompting many athletes to turn in the medals for a replacement. </p> <p>One such medallist is Aussie  BMX bronze medallist Natalya Diehm, who took to social media almost immediately after the Games to show just how tarnished the medal had become in a short period of time. </p> <p>“So once I won bronze, I had so many people ask to see a photo of it or that I should post a video on my stories so that everybody could see it and I didn’t because this literally started to happen day one of me having the medal and I guess I just wanted to keep it quiet for a little,” Diehm said in a video in October. </p> <p>“It’s unfortunate because the original bronze colour is so pretty."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA12gnkPrrL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA12gnkPrrL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Natalya Diehm OLY (@_natalyadiehm)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I’m not sure why this has happened to mine. I haven’t taken it out partying, it’s not from people touching it so much because this is a comparison to what a bronze medal should look like."</p> <p>“Mine is one of the worst to come out of the Olympics this year. I’m hoping I can get it fixed or replaced. But this is it up and close.”</p> <p><em>Nine News</em> reported that at least six more Aussie athletes aren't happy with the state of their medals, with French website <a title="www.lalettre.fr" href="https://www.lalettre.fr/fr/action-publique_operateurs-de-l-etat/2025/01/13/comment-la-monnaie-de-paris-est-tombee-du-podium-avec-ses-medailles-olympiques,110359982-gel"><em>La Lettre</em> </a>finding that there have been more than 100 replacement requests from Olympic and Paralympic athletes from across the world. </p> <p>The International Olympic Committee (IOC) told <em>AFP</em> that the damaged medals are set to be replaced with identical models. </p> <p>“The Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee is working closely with the Monnaie de Paris (the French state mint), the institution responsible for the manufacture and quality control of the medals, to assess any complaints about the medals and to understand the circumstances and cause of any damage,” the IOC said.</p> <p>“Defective medals will be systematically replaced by the Monnaie de Paris and engraved identically. The replacement process should begin in the coming weeks.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Our Partners