How the Olympic Games can boost Queensland produce

Queensland should use the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games to showcase regional foods, an academic paper released this week says.

Mooloolaba prawns, Sunshine Coast macadamias and Granite Belt olive oil on the menu at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could create lasting value for local businesses and communities, a University of Queensland report says.

Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy from UQ’s Business School and Lead of the Innovation Pathways Program at Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) says in the the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper.

“Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games is far more than a catering challenge - we want to showcase Queensland’s clean, nutritious and distinctive produce,” Professor McColl‑Kennedy said.

“The Games are a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to highlight Australian innovation, strengthen supply chains and deliver a legacy for how food is produced, distributed and experienced.”

The report aims to capitalise on bolstered tourist numbers.

As well as expected peaks in domestic tourism to the Brisbane 2032 Games, the white paper recommended identifying food trends among consumers and making Australian produce the star of the meals.

“We could use Queensland-caught seafood on sushi and serve mezze platters with Emerald’s chickpeas, an array of vegetables from the Lockyer Valley and native finger limes,” McColl-Kennedy said.

“Identifying food consumption trends is key to success, such as consumers being more health-conscious and wanting to know where the food is coming from.

“As well as food that tastes good, many consumers want personalised food experiences so a simple meal of freshly caught fish overlooking a river at sunset can be special.

“By planning early, Brisbane 2032 can balance innovation with ethics, personalise food experiences and build resilient systems for producers, consumers and communities long after the Games are over.”

The report recommends collaborations with Indigenous communities to support the production of native produce, as well as the broader agricultural industry to address worker shortages and resourcing challenges.

UQ vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO said Brisbane 2032 gave Australia a powerful platform to build long-term sustainable partnerships across government, industry and the education sector that would define the legacy of the Games.

“Universities are home to some of Queensland’s best thinkers and problem solvers - in areas as diverse as food systems, health science, urban planning and sustainability,” Professor Terry said.

“With the right investment and coordination, decisions made now can deliver a stronger, more resilient food system that delivers benefits for regional development and industry capability well beyond 2032.”

The white paper is intended to inform industry stakeholders, policymakers and Games planners as preparations for Brisbane 2032 continue.

Read the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper on the FaBA website.

Upmarket butcher to be a Crown Melbourne drawcard

You used to visit the butcher to pick up some lamb chops and a couple of sausages.

Today, a visit to a luxury butcher can be a travel attraction and a day out.

Victor Churchill, the Sydney operation once described by the late Anthony Bourdain as “the most beautiful butcher shop in the world”, is to open a bar and grill at the Crown Melbourne gambling and hotel emporium.

Anthony and Rebecca Puharich will open the new Victor Churchill concept at Crown Melbourne in mid-2027 with chef Monty Koludrovic as head of culinary - a fancy name for a pan handler.

“Victor Churchill has always been about more than just meat - it’s about storytelling, craft, and creating unforgettable moments,” said Anthony Puharich, CEO of Victor Churchill, in a media release.

“We’re thrilled to bring this philosophy to Crown Melbourne, where we can offer guests one of the most distinctive dining experiences in the country.

"This new venue will blend the heritage of Victor Churchill with the energy of a contemporary grill room, with every detail designed to feel bold, intimate and magnetic.”

The venue will overlook the Yarra.

Chef Koludrovic has experience at venues across Australia, the UK, and the United States, including Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, The Dorchester Hotel, and Hollywood’s The Living Room private club.

“Anthony and I have been close friends for almost twenty years, and I am thrilled to be coming home to Australia and to be working with the Puharich family on a project of this scale and significance, we really couldn’t script it any better," said Koludrovic.

"Victor Churchill has earned a reputation as one of our nation’s most premium butchers and luxury food destinations, and I look forward to contributing to that legacy come 2027.”

Bottom image: Kristoffer Paulsen

Are rail plans in the north of England finally on the right track?

Public transport in the UK can sometimes leave a bit to be desired but the government has just unveiled major rail plans aimed at unlocking billions of pounds in economic growth across the north-west England.

The plans include a brand-new rail line linking Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport.

The proposals, part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) program outline a new high-capacity route between Liverpool and Manchester, new stations at Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level, and faster, more reliable rail connections across northern England.

Great news for football fans and rugby league aficionados.

Officials say the investment is central to a broader strategy to raise productivity and living standards in the north, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Bringing the productivity of the region’s five largest cities up to the national average could add as much as £40 billion ($80 billion) a year to the UK economy, government estimates say.

But don't get too excited.

The Liverpool–Manchester line will form the backbone of NPR’s second phase, with construction expected to begin in the 2030s.

Earlier phases focus on upgrades between Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield, while a third phase will target faster connections between Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.

Alongside the new line, the government is considering improvements at Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations, as well as options for a major city-center regeneration project in partnership with the Liverpool City Region.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the plans mark a turning point after decades of underinvestment.

“For too long, the north has been held back by delay and indecision,” Alexander said. 

“This new era of investment will reignite growth across Liverpool and Manchester, strengthen Manchester Airport as the gateway to the north, and create new jobs and homes that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Image: Manchester Airport railway station

Aussies book ahead and want the best cabins, cruise data shows

Australians are taking a new approach to cruise holidays. 

New data from Cruise Guru reveals Aussies are booking bigger cabins, planning ahead and prioritising value. 

The new booking data released by Cruise Guru, one of Australia’s leading cruise specialists, has revealed major shifts in how cruise holidays are being planning and purchased. 

There is record demand for balcony cabins, signals that customers are planning further ahead and a renewed appetite for value-adds. 

Australians are continuing to book up, with balcony cabins now the most popular choice across all the  major cruise lines.

Cruise Guru booking data shows 48% of travellers booked balcony cabins and 11% booked suites in 2025, while inside cabin bookings were down across some cruise lines.

Cruise Guru CCO Michael Betteridge says this reflects a “quality over quantity” mindset.

“Aussies tend to love the fun and excitement of cruising but also want their own private sanctuary, views and the comfort that upgraded cabins offer," Betteridge says. 

"They see cruising as the best of both worlds and they’re willing to invest in that experience.”

Cruise Guru’s data shows a shift toward value-bundled fares.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from reactive buying to intentional planning," Betteridge says. "Customers are weighing total trip value, not just the headline price. Bundled inclusions succeed because they reduce decision fatigue and give travellers a sense of financial control over a trip that might be a year or more away.” 

Forward planning is also popular with an average lead time overall of around nine months. 

“While we have seen last-minute cruising demand, many itineraries are filled already," Cruise Guru reported. 

"We can see our Aussie clients planning more strategically. The desire to secure the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin is pushing bookings further out. Customers have learned that waiting may mean missing out.”

Contact 13 13 03 to learn more or visit www.cruiseguru.com.au.

Image: Giuseppe Anello, Scop.io

Air Canada gets it wrong. Again.

Air Canada is a classic case of a business without a contingency plan.

It consistently alienates its customers and when the blowback becomes fierce it then changes tack.

It was chaotic during Covid with lost bags and cancelled flights the norm. It was sadly under-prepared and passengers paid the price.

And now, after rorting its staff so they went on a five-day strike, Air Canada is again playing catch-up after leaving passengers stranded and refusing to pay their food and hotel costs.

Oops! But finally the airline realised the publicity it was getting was dire.

Suddenly Air Canada has announced “enhanced compensation” after several days of leaving thousands of travellers broke and anxious

The comedy capers airline will now cover ‘reasonable’ hotel costs, meals, ground transport and other related expenses for travellers who had cancelled or heavily delayed flights in the past week, news hub Travel Mole reported.

“We deeply apologise to all customers whose travel plans were disrupted, and we’re committed to making things right for all customers — particularly those who were stranded during their trip,” Air Canada EVP Mark Nasr said.

“Earlier this week, we put in place a special commitment to reimburse out-of-pocket transportation costs, including on other airlines, rail, ground or ferries. Today, we are taking another step forward to make things right.”

Air Canada said compensation claims must include receipts for travel and hotel expenses and can be submitted online.

About 500,000 passengers had their flight plans upended due to the strike which started last weekend.

Venice to increase tourism charges as it cracks down on overcrowding

Engaged in a constant battle against tourism overcrowding, Venice will increase charges to day trip visitors in 2025.

The move follows a ‘successful’ trial this past summer, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The Italian city will nearly double the number of "peak tourism" days it charges tourists an entrance fee, the city’s mayor said.

The €5 fee is payable to enter the city as a day tripper on busy days between April and July. The fee is payable in advance but rises to €10 if booked fewer than four days before a visit.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the measure aims to spread out tourist visits to quieter off-season days "to give Venice the respect it deserves".

The fee was payable on 29 days in 2024, which were mostly weekends and public holidays. There will be 54 chargeable days from April 18 to July 27 in 2025:  every Friday through Sunday and every public holiday.

All day trip visitors over 14 years old must pay the fee.

The fee can be paid online and a QR code confirmation is generated which may be checked by inspectors within the city.

Travellers staying overnight with hotel or other accommodation bookings are exempt.

“Venice has gone from being the city most exposed to over-tourism, to being the city that is reacting to this phenomenon the earliest and most proactively,” said city councillor Simone Venturini.

Is AI the genie in the travel industry bottle?

If you do your travel research, planning and booking online then Artificial Intelligence may be lending you a hand, like it or not.

AI is providing data-driven insights and new tools for travellers, the Trip.com group said at this week's ITB Asia 2024 event, hosted at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Technology paves the way for the future of travel, the Trip.com group said with a special focus on AI-powered personalisation, data-driven insights, and new tools for travellers.

The company showcased how it is shaping travel experiences globally through technological solutions.

On the opening day of the conference, Han Feng (above), head of marketing at Trip.com Group, delivered a keynote titled Embracing the Digital Era: How Technology is Transforming the Future of Travel.

She emphasised how AI is beneficial in enhancing quality, increasing operational efficiency, and reaching diverse global audiences.

Feng highlighted how AI-powered digital ads and real-time insights have driven a 25% increase in impressions and a 42% improvement in return on investment (ROI) across global markets.

She also underscored the role of Trip.com's AI travel assistant, TripGenie, which has doubled the order conversion rate and improved user engagement, with travellers spending an average of over 20 minutes more on the app when interacting with this tool.

This powerful combination of AI-driven solutions has reshaped the way travellers discover and book their trips, she said.

Feng added:, "Our AI innovations are not only transforming the traveller experience but also driving operational efficiency at scale. AI-powered digital ads have resulted in a 30% increase in global ads performance, while AI-driven content and search functionalities provide personalised travel recommendations, catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers."

In a session titled Travel Innovation Toolkit: Essential Tools for Success in Building the Next Frontier of Travel Experiences, Ru Yi, assistant vice-president for International Markets (APAC) at Trip.com Group, emphasised how AI-powered tools are allowing the company to "capture" the needs of modern travellers.

In particular, Asia-Pacific travel has seen an impressive recovery, with tourism arrivals expected to reach 82% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.

Latest data showed significant growth in Asia to key markets, including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam, reflecting robust demand across the region.

"With the rapid recovery of the Asia-Pacific travel market, we are seeing a surge in demand for more customised and seamless travel experiences," she said. "Our AI-powered tool and contents, like TripGenie and Trip.Best, are helping us build the future of travel, providing travellers with intuitive, data-driven solutions tailored to their preferences and behaviours."

With proprietary tools like Trip.Best, which analyses over 100 million user reviews, Trip.com Group says it is at the forefront of delivering curated options for hotels, flights, and experiences. More than 70% of users rely on this AI-driven tool for travel decisions, with 65% directly influenced by its recommendations.

See www.trip.com.

Bollinger readying for 200th anniversary

Bollinger, one of the most famous names in Champagne, is gearing up for its 200th birthday celebrations.

Over the next few years, Champagne Bollinger will embark on a series of major projects that reflect its values and history - all leading up to its 200th anniversary in 2029.

The project includes the renovation of a historic site featuring a cathedral-like cellar overlooking the vines, and a new oenotourism hub designed to provide unique experiences at the heart of the Champagne region.

Champagne Bollinger is based at 16 Rue Jules Lobet in Aÿ, the historic residence of wine icon Elisabeth Bollinger. 

It was founded on February 6, 1829, in Aÿ by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Levieux Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger.

In partnership with local stakeholders, Bollinger is also committed to making its vineyards more sustainable and preserving biodiversity.

This includes recycling 100% of its waste, reducing water consumption, and cutting down on waste production, all while enhancing the Maison’s property assets. It is envisioned the new wine tourism site will welcome 20,000 wine enthusiasts annually.



The Bollinger estate will be transformed into a luxurious 20-room retreat, complete with a restaurant nestled among the vines, a wellness centre, and a pool.

This space will offer guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Champagne experience. Visitors will be able to wander through the historic courtyard, where barrels rest before harvest, and explore exclusive tasting rooms and private dining areas.

Additionally, the new hub will feature event and seminar spaces, including meeting rooms and a grand reception hall to accommodate up to 200 guests.

A highlight of the renovations will be the creation of a floor-to-ceiling windowed cellar, with the capacity to hold 5,000 228-litre barrels.

By restoring and expanding their historic Cellier in Aÿ, Bollinger will boast the largest vinification capacity in wood in Champagne, a method that beautifully showcases the region’s finest Grands and Premiers Crus wines.

Planning can save travel angst - and save money

Travelling at the wrong time can add a whole lot of angst your day.

Pre-Christmas, school holiday and Monday mornings are all busier than usual periods at airports.

The team from the Truely Travel eSIM company says: "Understanding the details of holiday travel can save you time, money, and a lot of stress."

Their travel expert Alexandra Bowman says there are some key times when you should think carefully before booking your holiday trips.

Avoid Peak Travel Days: Timing is key for holiday travel. Book outside periods like Anzac Day and Christmas. Booking on these peak days can lead to higher costs and crowded airports. Instead, consider traveling on off-peak days like Christmas Day or the day after New Year to save money and stress.

Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Waiting until the last minute to book is another mistake. Many travellers believe they can find great deals, but often end up paying higher prices. The Expedia 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report shows that booking 25 days in advance can save travellers an average of 33%. 

Know Your Destination’s Peak Season: Understanding the peak season for your destination is crucial. Ski resorts during the holidays usually have higher prices and larger crowds, while places like Hawaii may be cheaper if visited a few weeks before Christmas.

Book in advance: Reserving flights and accommodations months ahead can secure better rates, as can choosing off-peak days: Flying midweek usually leads to lower fares and fewer people.

Exploring less popular destinations: Visiting lesser-known places can save money and reduce crowds.
Crowded destinations can make your trip stressful, turning relaxation into a hassle. 

Info from https://truely.com

Image: Jerome Quek, Scop.io

The new plan to rescue the Australian wine industry

A new plan to help lift the wine industry in Australia was unveiled today in Adelaide.

Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia have launched the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan at the Wine Industry Update 2024 conference.

Developed to support the sector’s recovery from a period of ongoing challenges, the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan aims to chart a clear path of action and to reflects "the sector’s resilience and commitment to forge a vibrant and prosperous future".

The Plan provides the framework for collaborative and co-ordinated action for the sector, as well as a roadmap for achieving the sector's goals and vision articulated in Vision 2050.

Australian Grape & Wine Chief Executive Officer Lee McLean said the Plan’s development is the result of extensive consultation across the entire sector.

“Grapegrowers, winemakers, exporters, industry associations, researchers, business and suppliers have shared their views, insights, aspirations, concerns and expectations on the challenges and opportunities for the sector,” McLean said.

“As a result, the Plan launched today, provides greater linkages to existing plans, such as Vision 2050, demonstrates stronger industry leadership, collaboration and coordination, and provides practical action and guidance for all.”

The Plan provides the framework for collaboration and coordination among all sector players to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in Vision 2050. Six key themes shape the roadmap for sector success:Our place and product: consumers, customers and community; markets, sustainability, people, systems and infrastructure.

“The breadth of the Australian grape and wine sector is its strength; from family-owned grapegrowers, commercial and premium winemakers, to vertically integrated businesses and corporates," says Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Cole.

"The strength of the Plan lies in our ability to share the load to optimise the opportunities ahead..

“But success is dependent on action: collaboration and shared responsibility, to learn from the past, acting on the challenges of today, to set the course for sector success."

The One Grape & Wine Sector Plan can be downloaded from agw.org.au or wineaustralia.com.

Image: Emanuele Lattarulo, Scop.io 

Bright future envisaged for historic Melbourne hotel site

Major changes are afoot for the historic InterContnental Hotel site on Collins Street, Melbourne.

With part of the building dating back to 1891, the hotel was originally know as the Menzies at Railto when it opened in 1984. 

It became part of the InterContinental group in 2008, and was extensively refurbished,[whilst not changing the heritage structures.

It is sometimes known as the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and is part of IHG Hotels group.

The Rialto Building is architecturally significant as one of the finest ‘boom style’ buildings in Melbourne and is an integral part of an exceptional group of late Victorian commercial buildings in Collins Street

Now owners Salter Brothers have announced the achievement of Heritage Victoria Permits with conditions and City of Melbourne support with recommended conditions for the department to consider, to revitalise the hotel.

The site renewal secures the long-term retention and conservation of the well-known Winfield and Rialto heritage buildings, and a new mixed-use development on the site comprising of retail, office, a luxury hotel and a club with meeting and conference spaces, the company said.

"Salter Brothers has worked collaboratively with Heritage Victoria to achieve a design that respects, conserves and evolves these beautiful heritage buildings into future Melbourne."

Commenting on the approval, Paul Salter said “I am incredibly proud of our team in achieving these approvals. I would like to thank Patrick Ness who led the Cox Architecture team and Nick Touzeau from Planning & Property Partners who advised on Heritage Victoria and planning permits.

“We are honoured to move forward with the preservation of the heritage Winfield and Rialto buildings and excited about the dynamic this project will bring to central Collins Street.

"Subject to consideration we look forward to receiving planning approval from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning”

Sydney gears up for New Year's Eve

There is nothing like being prepared.

The City of Sydney this week sent out a press release on its preparations for New Year's Eve.

That is fully four months away, but hey.

Apparently, Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations are coming back with a bang, with free access to many vantage points around the harbour and ticketing scrapped for all City of Sydney sites.

Restrictions introduced during the pandemic will be dropped, giving more people the opportunity to view and enjoy Sydney’s iconic celebrations.

The official New Year’s Eve website - sydneynewyearseve.com - has launched with details of all the City of Sydney’s vantage points, as well as key viewing locations extending from Cockatoo Island to Dover Heights and Manly.

The website includes details about each location’s entry points, opening and closing times, alcohol policy, capacity, food and beverage options and accessibility services.

More vantage points, location information road closures and transport details will be added to the website in the coming weeks.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the website and resources would help people to make a plan for the big night and explore the many ways to celebrate and watch the fireworks.

“Sydney New Year’s Eve is an iconic event and a wonderful celebration of our safe, harmonious and vibrant city,” Moore said.

"With Covid restrictions lifted and more parkland access available we anticipate there will be large crowds across the city keen to see the fireworks. I encourage everyone to check out sydneynewyearseve.com and plan ahead.

“Whether you’re watching at home or coming to join us along the foreshore, the event is a great way to reflect on the year past and look with hope to the year ahead. I hope locals and visitors alike enjoy the show!”

While the majority of sites around the harbour will be free, some will be ticketed to manage crowd numbers including the Cahill Expressway (which is balloted), Clark, Goat and Shark islands, Strickland Estate and Bradley’s Head (Mast Precinct, Athol Lawn, Amphitheatre).

Separate paid events around the harbour include at Taronga Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden’s Foundation & Friends NYE Picnic.

Ten vital tips to help make international air travel less painful

Everyone wants to travel internationally right now.

My advice. Hold your horses and be patient. Maybe wait a month or two.

And if you really have to travel make sure you are super-prepared with every detail checked and re-checked.

And even if you've got everything right, still be prepared for ludicrous lines at ill-prepared airports, for for flights to be delayed or cancelled. 

And for it to take a couple of hours for your baggage to emerge at the other end if it makes it at all.

Certainly be prepared for your baggage to be delayed or lost (for a week if you are flying with Air Canada).

Also be aware it may be impossible to see a doctor overseas because on ongoing Covid demand. Like in Australia, appointments are as rare as hen's teeth. 

Expect trains to be full to the max with nowhere to put your luggage.

And for maskless morons to put your health at risk at every turn.

Apart from those issues, travel is back in a big way. It just depends on whether you want to risk sending your blood pressure sky high by dealing with the likes of the incompetents at Air Canada. and the fools running the airports at Heathrow, Toronto Pearson and Montreal Trudeau.

Oh. And paying double or triple for your over-booked flight than you would have paid pre-Covid.

Or being ripped off by avaricious airlines who have multiplied by dozens the number of frequent flyer points you need to get a "free" flight - that's the one you've maybe saved a decade to cash in.

If you do decide to brave the many obstacles and visit the rest of the world then here are some tips learned on my recent odyssey that included a dozen flights over five continents, half a dozen train journeys, four bus trips and six taxi journeys.

1. Make sure you allow more time than you think you could possibly need to check in. With flights over capacity it pays to make sure you have a boarding pass in your hand as soon as possible. Be first in line to avoid the risk of being bumped.

2. Do not trust connecting flights will actually operate. Be at the place from which you are flying internationally a day ahead. If your flight from Hobart, say, links with one to Asia and then Europe do not risk it being delayed or cancelled. There might not be another flight to your destination for two or three days and the airlines are less than helpful right now.

3. Confirm and re-confirm all your bookings on line. Hotels are over-booked as more and more people want to travel. Do not be the one turned away. But be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars a night on average accommodation. 

4. Pack all essentials in your hand luggage, and if at all possible travel with hand luggage only. Imagine being caught without your essential medication - pack prescriptions, too, just in case - and a spare pair of undies, for several days if your baggage goes missing.

5. Make sure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance. If things go wrong you want to be sure you will reimbursed for your ridiculously over-priced airport hotel and some clothes and toiletries to get you through the next few days.

6. Make sure you bring your own entertainment. Bring a book, games on your iPhone, anything to keep you occupied in the airports where you will be spending lots of hours; and in the air, where the airlines have jacked up the costs of in-flight wifi to ludicrous price levels.

7. Book every bus, train and accommodation choice online ahead of schedule. With everyone wanting to travel at the same time you might well find that bus between Venice and Ljubljana that you caught effortlessly a couple of years ago is now completely full for the next few days.

8. If you do have to check in luggage - probably essential if you are travelling for several weeks - then put a tracking device in your suitcase. It might help you locate your bag among the thousands piled up at Heathrow, or Montreal. Also take photos of every piece of baggage to help the airline track down your missing bag.  

9. Consider smaller airlines, which are likely to be more affordable than the big names, who are setting their own prices and getting them, such is the latent demand for travel.  

10. Be patient, be but be firm if your airline or hotel is jerking you around. A full-scale blow-up was the only reason Air Canada changed one of my delayed flights to an earlier one that was "full" - and actually had plenty of empty seats. Use social media pressure if necessary.

Or, perhaps, choose destinations closer to home that do not include transfers (which is where many bags go missing). Thai Airways from Australia to and from Bangkok is easy and relatively painless.

Whatever you do don't take wads of cash with you and expect to change it your destination. Banks are no longer keen, and airport exchange kiosks are an absolute trip-off.  

 
A survey this week showed Aussies are doing away with pre-planning and booking more spur-of-the-moment trips. Big mistake.

Research from Trafalgar, part of the wider The Travel Corporation group, revealed a 1,087% increase in bookings from April to June, compared to January to March this year.

With everyone keen to depart sooner rather than later, being fully prepared is the only way to guard against frustration and anger.

Or maybe just stay at home until the airlines get their acts together.