Owen Pike

Look for seasonal seafood and produce if that appeals, but check recent reviews and dietary options. Old restaurant names from a forum may have changed hands.

Choose a few walkable blocks near the places you will visit most, then compare the exact distance from the property door to transport and evening meals.

Check current airport services and city luggage or shipping shops before travelling to one. Confirm the bag dimensions, price and how long the work takes.

A lounge may have separate eligibility, booking and service hours. Confirm those directly rather than treating it as a guaranteed substitute for a public cafe or bar.

Choose places whose entire return route works by public transport, not just the first stop. A coast walk or historic town can give variety without a long coach day.

Arrive during confirmed market hours and allow time for food shopping or lunch. Individual traders can have different days and sell out early.

Ask a bank or licensed currency exchange whether the denominations you need are in stock before visiting. A quoted rate may not tell you which notes are available.

Pick a compact city activity that does not depend on a long transfer: a museum, Botanic Garden walk or market-area food stop can fit before dinner.

Use the full day for a city walk in the cooler hours and one indoor museum or gallery after lunch. Keep the two half-days light around check-in and departure.

Check the train-to-wharf walk and return timetable before booking. If a cruise is the priority, ask the operator about duration, boarding access and cancellation terms.

If you want varied landscapes every day, a land-based trip may suit you better. A houseboat works best when you enjoy quiet time on the water.

Check the market's official trading calendar for your exact dates. Standard market trading and individual trader opening days differ, especially around holidays.