easyJet unveils new cheap flight options from the UK to Europe

One of the thrilling surprises for Australians visiting the UK is the ready availability of flights to exotic destinations for the cost a rail trip back home. 

There may be all sorts of restrictions; the extras can pile up and some of the flights leave from secondary airports. But there are some real bargains to be had if you have a sense of adventure. 

EasyJet - one of the leading budget airlines - has just unveiled two new routes for summer 2026 from the UK to Germany and Italy. 

Seats now on sale to Naples from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and to Munich from London Southend. 

The Naples flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays from August 3, while easyJet’s new flight to Munich will start on September 17, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays and starting ahead of Oktoberfest. 

EasyJet holidays has also launched packages to both cities with flights and accommodation included. 

“We are really pleased to be launching even more new routes and package holidays," said  Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager. 

"By continuing to grow our network, we are providing even greater choice and connectivity from across the UK.” 

As of today, easyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond. 

The airline also recently announced new routes from across eight UK airports including new connections to Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Malta. 

Worth checking out. Just don't expect any frills. 

Michelin turns its beady eyes to wine

First it was restaurants. Then hotels. Now Michelin is turning its hand to rating wines. 

The Michelin Guide this week announced plans to introduce a three-tier ‘Grapes’ system to rate wine producers. 

Burgundy and Bordeaux (how very predictable) will be the first regions to be assessed in 2026. 

Michelin has unveiled a new global distinction for wine, expanding the Guide’s long-established expertise in gastronomy into vineyard assessments for the first time. 

The new system, called the Michelin Grapes, will award one, two or three Grapes to wine estates, alongside a “Selected” category for producers chosen for regular review. 

Described as "a new benchmark for wine lovers", Michelin says the move offers wine enthusiasts a trusted reference point for discovering producers worldwide. 

The Grapes will evaluate estates using five criteria: agronomy, technical mastery, identity, balance and consistency across vintages. All assessments will be carried out by a team of professional wine inspectors employed by the Michelin Group. 

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director for the Michelin Guide, told reporters: “After having oriented wine-lovers towards the finest tables in more than 70 destinations and to the world’s most elegant hotels, the Michelin Guide is delighted to open a new chapter with the world of wine. 

"This new reference is designed for both the curious amateur and the most ardent expert.” 

He added that the distinction rewards “the people who are building the most demanding vineyards around the world.” 

Three Grapes will recognise “exceptional producers” whose wines can be relied upon “whatever the vintage”. Two Grapes will go to “excellent producers” that stand out within their peer group and region, while one Grape highlights “very good producers” crafting wines of character, particularly in strong vintages. 

The “Selected” category identifies dependable producers chosen for continued review. 

The inspectors are described as "seasoned professionals", including former sommeliers, specialised critics and production experts, selected for their ability to apply the methodology “with rigour and integrity”. 

To be honest I couldn't give a damn what these instant experts say. They will need to earn respect over the several years.   

Image: Ben Donath, Scop.io

Asia leading the way in the changing tourism space

Asia is at the forefront of emerging travel trends for 2026 and beyond, leading travel platform Agoda reports. 

“The travel landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace – and Asia is at the forefront of emerging trends," says the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook report.

"Our research finds that change is fuelled by emerging markets, new destinations, tech innovations, streamlined visa processes, expanded flight routes, improved tourism infrastructure, and more," says Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern. 

"With so many moving parts, 2026 feels like the beginning of  a new era in travel."

Based on survey and industry insights, the report identifies key insights poised to shape the travel industry in 2026. 

Efforts to reduce friction in travel are evident across Asia, in air travel infrastructure, visa policies, and digital finance, paving the way for increased intra-regional and international tourism. 

Airlines in the Asia Pacific region are scheduled to take delivery of an estimated 615 new aircraft in 2026. Additionally, AI innovation is driving the convergence of travel services, with travellers increasingly expecting the technology to provide travel inspiration and enhance the booking process.

Respondents in Agoda's survey stated that price remains a crucial factor for travelers when selecting accommodation, with savvy consumers seeking great deals that enable them to enjoy more experiences and visit more destinations. 

Secondary destinations continue to gain popularity as travellers look for authentic and immersive cultural experiences. 

Experiential travel, including concerts and food trips, is becoming mainstream, with travellers prioritising memorable experiences over simply visiting destinations.

The 2026 Travel Outlook Report by Agoda can be downloaded via https://ago-da.co/2026-report.

Image: Priyanka Juneja, Scop.io 

One of the world's most famous pizzerias opens in Sydney

One of the most famous pizzerias is opening its first outlet in Sydney. 

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, the 155-year-old Naples institution featured in the Julia Roberts film Eat Pray Love, opening its first Australian doors this week. 

Da Michele now has more than 80 locations worldwide and aims to bring "an authentic piece of Naples to Sydney’s dining scene", its media release proclaims. 

“Sydney, the wait for true pizza is finally over,” says Da Michele representative Giuseppe Costagliola, who has a bit of confidence about him. 

“For years, Australians have travelled to Naples for the real deal, or have been eating overpriced fakes. Now, we’ve brought the same ingredients and craftsmanship to Australia, so locals can experience the real pizza that started it all.”

Since 1870, the Naples Da Michele has been "widely regarded as the global benchmark for true pizza, and still family-owned by the founder’s descendants".

Every element, from imported Italian tomatoes and Agerola Fiordilatte cheese, to specialist equipment and tools, has been sourced from Naples. 

“Many pizzerias claim to serve ‘Neapolitan style,’ but no others can live up to the original,” says cocky Costagliola.

“We’ve brought everything from our hometown: the oven, the artisans, the vitality of Naples, so that every bite can transport you there in an instant.” 

Prices are a surprise. Da Michele has pizzas costing from $18. 

“When it comes to food, luxury is about authenticity, not about money,” says Costagliola. “

The menu will highlight Da Michele’s iconic margherita and marinara pizzas, along with a selection of antipasti, pastas and desserts. 

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele officially opens at 50 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD on Friday, December 5. 

The venue will be fully licensed and open seven days a week, 11:30am-11:30pm.

New look and menu for a pioneering vineyard restaurant

 

An old favourite will have a brand new look when wine lovers visit Crittenden Estate on the Mornington Peninsula this summer.

The Crittenden family has been a leader in the wine and tourism space for over four decades, with Garry Crittenden a pioneer of planting Italian grapes in Australia. 

Now the Crittendens have transformed one of Victoria's most beautiful vineyard - and waterfront -  restaurants with a new chef in charge. 

Crittenden Restaurant, first opened in 1988, and is now back completely under the control of the founding family. 

Garry and and the late Margaret Crittenden helped create Mornington’s wine scene. When Garry planted his first vines in Dromana, he doubled the Peninsula’s wine plantings overnight, and a decade later, Margaret’s idea to offer food kickstarted one of the region’s very first winery restaurants.

Their children, Zoe and Rollo Crittenden, have grown into the business: Rollo as a very talented winemaker and GM; Zoe as director of marketing. 

When Margaret fell ill 20 years ago, the family leased her restaurant to an outside operator. Last year, Zoe and Rollo brought the business back and embarked on a complete ground-up redevelopment that cost over $1 million. 

In charge is executive Chef Brunno Melo, a Brazilian-born, Le Cordon Bleu–trained culinary leader with over 15 years of experience transforming kitchens and dining destinations, who was previously at Audrey's.

His menus celebrate local, seasonal produce. 

The menu aims to balance bold flavours with accessible dishes, featuring Josper-grilled swordfish with smoked maple chimichurri, and a half roast chicken with harissa and chargrilled corn. Both sound delicious. Or perhaps a Raven’s Creek free-range, dry-aged Tomahawk pork chop. 

Ingredients from neighbours like Torello Farm feature across the menu. 

“It’s a ground-up renovation and a complete remake and rethink on the space… very much in keeping with the style of food and, of course, the wine that we want to present to visitors,” says Rollo Crittenden. 

Guests can enjoy a four-course feast paired with estate wines, graze on small plates of fresh seafood on the deck, or share a charcuterie platter under the umbrellas on the terrace. 

Something for everyone. 

“This new space definitely reflects the way we want people to experience food and wine at Crittenden today,” adds Rollo. 

“We’re honoured to continue Mum’s legacy and her commitment to genuine hospitality,” says Zoe Crittenden. "Our new space is both modern and welcoming - designed to showcase fresh, thoughtful dishes that pair beautifully with our cool-climate wines.”

The Crittenden cellar door next door remains the home of the family’s excellent pinot noir, chardonnay, and savagnin, while the Crittenden Lakeside Villas offer waterside retreats among the vines.

I haven't visited the new eatery yet - but it is certainly on my list over the next few months. I have very fond memories of previous visits. 

Crittenden Restaurant serves lunch seven days and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.

See www.crittendenwines.com.au

Qantas ups the ante at the pointy end

Qantas is adding extra oomph at the pointy end of its planes.

Customers travelling in first class on the Australian flag carrier can now expect elevated dining options, exclusive Aesop amenity kits, premium Bollinger champagne and redesigned pyjamas as the airline introduces a range of enhancements to its A380 premium cabin.

Rolling out across the airline's international network from this month, the enhancements are described in a media release as "part of the airline's ongoing investment in customer experience and have been shaped by customer insights and inflight trials".

Food will be a priority with Qantas creative director of food and beverage Neil Perry serving up signature dishes from his star Margaret restaurant in Sydney, alongside a range of new menu items featuring Australian producers from across the country.

Think dishes like tartare of yellowfin tuna with gochujang, toasted sesame and baby cos; roasted Wollemi duck with orange caramel, crisp Chinese greens, golden sesame and jasmine rice, and crumbed Margra lamb cutlets with shaved fennel, pine nuts, rocket, salsa verde and lemon.

The new First dining experience will be paired with award-winning Australian wines, a wider selection of cocktails and a signature pour of Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 alongside Pommery Cuvée Louise 2006.

New Aesop amenity kits in three exclusive collectable designs created for Qantas First will be offered to customers alongside the introduction of new navy Qantas-designed pyjamas and loafer-style slippers for inflight comfort.



Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the updates reflect the airline's ongoing investment in delivering a premium experience across its international network.

“Our customers fly First because they value the quality in every detail," he said. "On longer flights, a fine dining experience, premium amenities and complete comfort really matter, so we've focused on improving each of these areas.

“Our incredible cabin crew have been undergoing inflight trials and an intensive training program. It is great to welcome new premium partners onboard and we look forward to delivering this new experience for our First customers."

First customers will be able to opt to dine on demand throughout the journey to allow for maximum rest.

Qantas First is available on services operated on A380 aircraft to destinations including Singapore, London, Los Angeles, Johannesburg and Dallas. The enhancements are expected to have been rolled out across the network by mid 2026.