Mal Chenu
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Travel writer, copywriter. Low maintenance. Author of 'A Young Man's Guide to Getting Some', hilariously helpful advice for men (and women) of all ages.
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Articles by Mal Chenu
Are you a real bushie or just an outdoor wannabe? Here are four ways to tell
Explore Travel/Experiences/Adventure Wi-Fi, hot showers and a fridge-freezer: how tough are you really? You can call yourself a real bushie if you dare to go where roads don't - like to the edge of the Great Australian Bight. Picture by Getty Images Updated October 22 2026 - 5:09pm, first published 5:00pm Travellers choose different paths every day - on foot, by bike, in a car, or even metaphorically.
Teetotal travel is trending - but I'm raising a glass in protest
It's important to 'drink' in the full experience. If you didn't have an Aperol spritz in Venice, did you even go to Venice? Picture by Getty Images Teetotal travel is having a moment. Recent surveys show an increase in bookings and queries about sober sojourns, even at Contiki, which some may remember (or not) used to have a different reputation. Sobriety has certain merits, if taken in moderation.
Cold food and blocked views: why it's time to fix our selfie etiquette
Don't spoil the moment for fellow travellers. Here are six rules for being a good selfie-zen. Your perfect shot might just be a public nuisance. Picture by Getty Images If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Philosopher George Berkeley argued that without an ear and conscious brain to hear it, the sound does not actually exist as a sensory experience. Add a dash of narcissism and this brain bender can translate to the world of selfies.
Love to leave online reviews? Here's what they reveal about you
When you share and click "submit", the algorithms are watching. Travel operators regularly ask for reviews. Picture by Getty Images You've barely checked out of the hotel when you are prompted to review your stay. "Tell us about your experience at 'Casa del Clickbait'. Please rate us highly or giant snakes will eat our children. Thank you!" We are asked to review our flights, meals and bungee jumps. Look, if I survived these, they were fine.
Who needs culture, food and history? This is the best reason to travel
Sport has been a travel trigger since Odysseus played full-back for Ithaca on an extended overseas tour. Australian fans in Dallas this year watching a FIFA World Cup match. Picture by Getty Images I love sport. If it runs, jumps, kicks, catches, swings, swims, skis, revs or strokes a Kookaburra through the covers, I'm into it. And I'm prepared to travel far and wide to see it. Only fans have this level of passion (but don't Google that). Humans bond over sport.
Griswolds or Corleones? The truth about family holidays that no one tells you
Explore Travel/Experiences/Family Leave democracy at home when three or more generations are travelling together. Multigenerational family holidays are not always smooth sailing. Picture by Getty Images By Mal Chenu Heading off on holiday with three (or more) generations in tow sounds idyllic. Lazy, hazy days of relaxation and connection, of wine and roses, of lovely lasting memories and enhanced affection. At least that's what it looked like in the glossy brochure.
The Aussie traveller abroad: are we as loveable as we think we are?
In our own eyes we're adventurous, friendly and chill - but the rest of the world may not agree. Australians are loud, proud and love a good time. Picture by Getty Images Our travel self-image is adventurous, friendly and chill. Is that how the world sees us? Perpetually peripatetic, Aussies are the world's most prolific tourists, staying long and spending big wherever our planes, trains, automobiles and cruise ships carry us.
Polar plunges and shark swims: why travel makes even cautious people daredevils
Explore Travel/Experiences/Adventure From escaping your comfort zone to flat-out reckless, we are more valiant on vacation. Abseiling down a waterfall needs courage, which travel gives. Picture by Getty Images Updated July 23 2026 - 8:12am, first published 8:00am Courageous travel comes in many forms.
Life is short, travel bucket lists are long. Here's how to conquer yours
Life is short, travel bucket lists are long. Here's how to conquer yours Move from 'someday' to 'booked' in five simple steps. The Seychelles is on many a travellers' bucket list. Picture by Getty Images Step 2. Pick what you love Step 3. Exit your comfort zone Where would you go if you had six months to live? Fortunately, for most of us, this isn't the case, but deliberating along those lines certainly focuses the mind.
In a highly competitive field, who is the most annoying traveller?
From the Pompous Poser to the Sunlounge Monopoliser, travel 'personalities' come in all forms. The Photo Fanatic doesn't go on holidays. They curate them. Picture by Getty Images Hell is other people. So said Jean-Paul Sartre in his 1944 play, No Exit (Huis Clos). "Hell is other people" ("L'enfer, c'est les autres") is the play's most famous line, and readily translates into the world of travel.
How kookaburra wings in Florida changed my entire view on travel
We're all searching for the 'authentic'. But what if it's a fantasy? Authentic experiences can lie in the everyday rhythm of life, like a canoe in the Amazon. Picture by Shutterstock Years ago, I visited an Outback Steakhouse in Orlando, Florida. It had a friendly-looking kangaroo logo and promised meat, an irresistible combo to a hungry carnivorous Aussie in a strange, strange land.
These train stations are iconic travel destinations - where will you go first?
Explore Travel/Destinations/International One has American movie magic, the other is a British architectural landmark. Grand Central is full of romance (real and in the movies). Picture by Getty Images By Amy Cooper and Mal Chenu Both boast cinematic romance - from Grand Central's star-sprinkled Kissing Room in New York City to St Pancras's Gothic grandeur in London - but which iconic railway hub wins your heart? Our duelling experts help you decide.
Thredbo v Falls Creek: which Australian ski resort should you choose this winter?
Explore Travel/Destinations/Australia Steep drops or ski-in, ski-out? How to choose the right winter wonderland for your family. By Amy Cooper and Mal Chenu Both boast blockbuster alpine attractions - from Thredbo's vertical drops to Falls Creek's ski-in, ski-out village - but which winter wonderland should you visit? Our duelling experts help you decide.
Both Sydney and Melbourne have natural history museums - but which one's the best?
Explore Travel/Destinations/Australia Towering dino skeletons v taxidermied Phar Lap - which cultural institution will you visit first? Australian Museum. Picture: Destination NSW By Mal Chenu and Amy Cooper Both Australian Museum in Sydney and Melbourne Museum in the Victorian capital boast blockbuster attractions - from towering dino skeletons to taxidermied Phar Lap - but which city's museum deserves a spot on your bucket list? Our duelling experts make the case.
They are two of the most magical destinations in India - but which one's for you?
Explore Travel/Destinations/International Our duelling experts help you decide. A camel safari, just outside of Jaisalmer. Picture by Getty Images By Amy Cooper and Mal Chenu Both Jaisalmer and Udaipur are like living fairytales, but in this royal rumble, which storied city comes out on top? Our experts deliver their verdicts.
A resort in Fiji promised to fix my bad sleep - but did it actually work?
The hotel's Sweet Dreams Package says it delivers real results - here's my verdict. InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to investigate the Sweet Dreams Package currently on offer at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. Accept it? I'd happily swim there. I've never been a great sleeper. And these days, at this age, with a prostate the size of a coconut, uninterrupted slumber is as distant a memory as good knees and dark hair.
Tamworth's guitar v Armidale's gorges: which glorious NSW town will win you over?
Explore Travel/Destinations/Australia Our duelling experts help you decide. The Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth. Picture by Destination NSW By Amy Cooper and Mal Chenu Country music in Tamworth faces off with heritage charm of Armidale in this regional NSW showdown. Which "backyard" will you explore first? Our experts help you decide.
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