An Aussie favourite has made it to the world's 'healthiest' beaches list
Plus, here are the cruises 'making waves' around the world.
Famous Australian beach Manly in Sydney has been ranked as one of the world's healthiest by wellness website Health News. In order to create its Healthy Beach Index, the website homed in on 20 beaches that TripAdvisor ranked highly in 2024, then thoroughly examined their "wellness" suitability based on six key metrics that ranged from water quality and biodiversity to safety and air quality.
Anse Lazio in Seychelles - which Lonely Planet refers to as "quite possibly the world's most beautiful beach" - nabbed the top spot, followed by Playa Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, Siesta in Florida and Praia da Falesia in Portugal. Our own Manly came in fifth, making a splash. healthnews.com
Continental drift
Europe's popularity among Australian travellers is showing no signs of slowing down, according to Explore Worldwide. The travel company, which runs more than 350 small-group tours in more than 100 countries, is reporting a 62 per cent year-on-year surge in its Australian bookings to Europe in 2025.
No points for guessing the winner within the continent: the highest number of Australians are heading to Italy - a 60 per cent year-on-year increase. But there are a couple of surprises, too. Overall bookings to Turkey have increased by 183 per cent and Albania is also recording a surge of 107 per cent. exploreworldwide.com.au
Read more on Explore:
Making waves
Explora Journeys is giving travellers an opportunity to explore the Caribbean in the lap of luxury, with the imminent arrival of its vessels, Explora I and II, in the region from November. Key destinations will range from Willemstad in Curacao, where guests can snorkel the colourful reefs of Director's Bay, to Mexico, where cruisers can visit the ancient city of Uxmal. Meanwhile, Cruise Traveller is making journeys to the Arctic by Atlas Ocean Voyages accessible to Australians. The American tour operator specialises in yacht-based expeditions and has launched its 2026 Arctic program, with new ports and new pre-cruise hotel stays. explorajourneys.com; cruisetraveller.com.au
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