Mates around the world

Check luggage and arrival times before booking onward accommodation or connections.

Keep arrival day local and light, with a harbour walk and an early meal.

Confirm the operator's exact pickup point and arrival deadline before arranging transport.

Choose a lively, well-lit harbour or central area and let dinner lead into a short walk rather than another long sightseeing route. Check current venue hours and any waterfront events for your nights.

Choose this for a fun-vibe spot with friendly, welcoming service that reviewers say makes it a great place to settle in for an easy catch-up.

Decide first how many nights you want in each city, then fit road-trip stops into the remaining days.

Check the live snow report, road access and any entry or transport booking before committing to the day.

Choose one main attraction per day and leave space for a park, meal and nap rather than filling both days with tickets.

Choose a central Hobart base if you prefer guided outings and easy dinners; rent a car if remote wildlife stops and flexible timing are priorities. Four or five days are too short for a broad island loop.

Choose a restaurant whose menu and sitting time suit the children's ages, not just adult reviews.

Confirm the full menu is served on Sunday, not only bar snacks.

Use a multi-city search or ask the airline to price the stopover as part of one itinerary.

Choose a nearby Italian restaurant with a menu the runners already know they tolerate, and book ahead for the race weekend. A reliable, early dinner is more useful than chasing a famous venue across town.

For a warm dinner with friends, reviewers describe a cosy, welcoming atmosphere with staff who are friendly and attentive without being overbearing.

First confirm Lone Pine's current holiday opening and the exact Translink services for both directions. Christmas timetables can be sparse, so arrange a taxi fallback if the return connection is poor.

Ask the property about current works, hours and which side of the building faces them.

Pick each venue for a different experience and include a city or rest day between long animal outings.

Compare current guided-tour times and the walking or transport from your hotel. A well-timed guide can be more useful than rushing through both sites alone.

Alternate a central sightseeing day with a slower neighbourhood or ferry day. Eight or nine days give you room to revisit a favourite place instead of buying a packed tour every morning.

Start with a settled Melbourne base and group indoor and outdoor choices by area rather than changing hotels for every outing.

Confirm ferry, park access and vehicle requirements if planning independently.

Choose a hostel by its recent reviews, actual walk to transport and staffed holiday check-in. Confirm kitchen access and nearby food options because Christmas trading can be limited.

Request a written multi-day quote from a licensed driver or small tour operator for the actual route. Long intercity taxi journeys can cost far more than a local transfer, so compare private transport with a mix of tours and coaches.

Search by the actual building address and inspect the walk to your main sights and a useful rail or ferry stop. Confirm the kitchen equipment, laundry and total cleaning fees before comparing apartment prices.