Travel Safety and Security Updates
Authorities in London have launched a new public awareness campaign to combat a rising wave of phone thefts. Dubbed "Mind the Grab," the initiative cleverly plays on the city's famous Underground warning, "Mind the Gap." To alert pedestrians, bright purple markings have been painted on pavements in high-risk areas such as Oxford Street.
The campaign specifically advises people to step away from the kerb while using their mobile devices or, better yet, to put them away entirely. This precaution is aimed at thwarting thieves who typically operate from e-bikes or scooters. As an additional safety measure, using a phone lanyard or a sturdy wrist strap is highly recommended to prevent snatch-and-grab incidents.
New Flight Routes and Airport Advisory
For Australian travellers dreaming of an Indian Ocean getaway, Air Mauritius has added an extra direct flight from Perth. This additional service will operate from December 4, 2025, to January 29, 2026, bringing the total to three weekly flights every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
The journey to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport typically takes under nine hours aboard an Airbus A330-900neo. However, readers should note that aircraft changes can occur, potentially affecting flight duration.
Closer to home, Virgin Australia is warning passengers of significant delays at Perth Airport. Major construction work to expand terminal facilities and build a new multistorey carpark is causing traffic congestion around Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The airline strongly advises travellers to add at least 30 minutes to their travel time during peak periods to ensure they reach their flights on time.
In other flight news, Qantas's new direct service between Perth and Johannesburg, commencing December 5, originates from Auckland. This effectively creates a new direct flight path between Perth and New Zealand for connecting travellers.
Unique Travel Experiences and Trends
For those seeking unusual attractions, England's Alnwick Garden offers a truly unique experience. For about $15 for an adult day ticket, visitors can gain access to The Poison Garden, a separate area housing around 100 toxic, intoxicating, and narcotic plants. Access is restricted to guided tours, and visitors are strictly prohibited from smelling, touching, or tasting any specimens.
On the culinary front, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is introducing innovation to fine dining at sea with a new vegetarian caviar menu. Available in the redesigned Pearls restaurant aboard the Europa, the menu features 15 dishes created using a spherification technique. This process encapsulates flavours like yuzu and chilli pepper in thin gel membranes, creating plant-based spheres that burst with flavour, mimicking traditional caviar.
Meanwhile, river cruise company Viking is promoting an economical 12-day Paris to the Swiss Alps itinerary. Priced from $6595 per person, the offer includes free flights up to $5000 per couple for bookings made before December 1, 2025. The journey includes stops at historic towns like Trier, a former capital of the Roman Empire.
Finally, as the year draws to a close, research from Roy Morgan highlights that Australian workers have a staggering 209 million days of annual leave due. There has never been a better time to start planning that well-deserved holiday.
