The article provides a guide to the best holiday destinations in Thailand, highlighting places like Phuket for families, Chiang Mai for history and coffee enthusiasts, Bangkok for foodies and shoppers, Koh Samui for fitness and sun-lovers, and Chiang Rai for active travelers. It offers recommendations on where to stay, eat, and what to do in each location, emphasizing the unique experiences available, from luxury resorts to street food and historical sites.

Los Angeles is recognized as the top sports city globally due to its history as an Olympic Games host, FIFA World Cup venue, and home to renowned athletes. The city has elevated its status with the construction of SoFi Stadium, the addition of two football teams, and upcoming events like the 2028 Olympics and 2026 FIFA World Cup. SoFi Stadium, the most expensive sporting venue, and Crypto.com Arena offer immersive experiences for sports fans. LA's diverse culture and climate are anticipated to enhance the atmosphere for the World Cup and Olympics, making them must-see events.

Alex McClintock shares his experiences with street photography, discussing how it has taught him patience, persistence, and confidence. He describes the freedom and interactions with people he encounters while taking candid photos, as well as the occasional need to delete a photo if someone is upset. McClintock reflects on the hobby's ability to teach presence and active observation, finding beauty in everyday scenes.

A couple's four-day cycling trip on the Camino Real de Guadalupe in Spain turned into a disaster with multiple challenges. Starting from Mostoles instead of Torrijos due to ticketing issues, they encountered unpleasant urban environments and poor trail conditions. The trail was sandy, forcing them to push their bikes, and they faced accommodation problems in Casarrubios Del Monte. A roadblock due to recent floods led to a risky detour and substandard lodging. The trip was further complicated by the siesta culture and non-potable tap water. Despite the hardships, the journey offered a unique view of Spain, but the author would not recommend it.

A traveler recounts the experience of renting a campervan in Ireland, which turned out to be a 1994 Ford Transporter with numerous mechanical issues. Despite initial problems, including doors that wouldn't close or open properly and a breakdown near Ballybunnion, the trip was ultimately enjoyable, featuring beautiful Irish landscapes and friendly locals. The traveler ended the trip by contacting the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

A traveler recounts the experience of renting a campervan in Ireland, which turned out to be a 1994 Ford Transporter with numerous issues, including a door that wouldn't close and a malfunctioning engine. Despite the van's problems and an unsympathetic rental office, the trip was salvaged by the kindness of locals, including a man named John who towed the van into town. The journey through Ireland's landscapes was ultimately enjoyable, and upon returning, the traveler contacted the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

The author compares Australian beach culture with European beach habits, finding the latter's approach to beachwear and public changing behavior perplexing and inconsistent. The author notes the oddity of Europeans being comfortable with nudity while changing on the beach, yet having strict rules against wearing swimwear off the sand, as observed in cities like Dubrovnik and Barcelona. The author calls for consistency in beach etiquette, questioning whether beachgoers should be sophisticated or carefree about their attire.

The author reflects on the differences between Australian and European beach culture, particularly the casual approach to nudity on European beaches. They find it perplexing that Europeans may change into swimwear on the beach without privacy, contrasting with the Australian method of discreetly changing under a towel. The author also notes the inconsistency in European coastal towns where swimwear is deemed inappropriate off the sand, despite the beachy vibe. They call for consistency in beach etiquette.

Drinking tap water from the bathroom in the UK and Ireland could be dangerous due to old lead pipes, potential bacteria in supplementary tanks, and high sodium levels from water softeners. The author argues against buying bottled water while traveling due to financial and environmental considerations, and suggests that tap water reflects the essence of the place visited. Despite the risks, the author continues to prefer tap water in restaurants, provided it's filled in the kitchen.

Drinking tap water from the bathroom in the UK and Ireland could be harmful due to old lead pipes, potential bacteria from storage tanks in lofts, and high sodium levels from water softeners. The author advises against it based on personal experience and research, despite an initial belief in the benefits of consuming local tap water during travels.

The global historical travel industry, valued at around $876 billion, offers a variety of experiences from visiting ancient wonders like Egypt's Abu Simbel to exploring crime scenes at Alcatraz Island, USA. Architectural history enthusiasts can enjoy British country houses or contemporary Sydney buildings, while deep history tours in Australia's Budj Bim National Park provide insights into indigenous aquaculture. Battlefield destinations like Ypres, Belgium, offer a perspective on wartime history. Tours range from budget-friendly options to premium experiences, with some led by experts such as art historians and architects.

The global historical travel industry, valued at around $876 billion, offers a variety of experiences that connect travelers with the past. From the temples of Abu Simbel in Egypt to the ancient Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and from the crime history of Alcatraz Island in the USA to the architectural wonders of Snowshill Manor in the UK, history tours provide a deeper understanding of human ingenuity and culture. In Australia, the Budj Bim aquaculture system offers insight into Indigenous history, while Ypres in Belgium serves as a poignant reminder of wartime sacrifice. Tours range from small-group experiences to immersive virtual reality explorations, catering to diverse interests and budgets.

Lake Annecy in France offers a similar experience to Lake Como with its villas, alpine scenery, and crystal clear water, but without the high costs. Known as Europe's cleanest lake, Annecy features a medieval old town with canals, and the region is popular for activities like hiking, paragliding, and water sports. The area is also known for its luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and local cuisine, including the potato gratin Tartiflette. Despite its increasing popularity due to social media, Lake Annecy remains a coveted destination for both French tourists and international visitors.

The Bib Gourmand section of the Michelin guide, now available as a free app, is praised for helping travelers find excellent restaurants that offer great value, service, and taste without breaking the bank. Originally designed to encourage French motorists to visit regional eateries, the app covers over 3,000 restaurants in 25 countries, offering a range of culinary experiences. The author shares personal dining experiences in Paris and other cities, highlighting the app's utility in discovering affordable and enjoyable local cuisine.

The Wiggles, a popular children's music group, celebrated their 25th anniversary with a unique adults-only concert at the Dee Why RSL, attracting a diverse crowd of 700 fans. The event was in high demand, with over 23,000 people expressing interest on Facebook and tickets being resold at inflated prices. The original members Greg, Anthony, Jeff, and Murray performed together for the first time since 2012, delivering a nostalgic setlist to an enthusiastic audience. Despite a blackout during the show, the band continued to entertain with an acoustic singalong, maintaining their family-friendly image throughout the performance. The concert was a hit, with attendees appreciating the wholesome entertainment and the chance to relive their childhood memories.

The article discusses the author's personal experience with a change in body odour after moving to North America and switching deodorants. It explores the science behind body odour, the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants, and their impact on the underarm microbiome. Dr. Chris Callewaert, a microbiologist known as 'Dr Armpit', explains how these products affect the bacterial community and can lead to more odorous microbiomes. The article also covers Dr. Callewaert's research at the University of California, San Diego's Knight Lab, including his experiments with bacterial transplants. Sydney-based dermatologist Dr. Mei-Heng Tan provides a medical perspective on body odour and sweating, discussing treatments for hyperhidrosis and the influence of advertising on deodorant use. The author concludes by sharing how he reverted to his old deodorant to regain his familiar body odour.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the funding and rebuilding of sports stadiums in Sydney, Australia. It highlights the public's opposition to the New South Wales government's plan to spend $1.5 billion on renovating Stadium Australia and reconstructing the Sydney Football Stadium, with many voters preferring investment in schools and hospitals. The piece examines the tactics used by sports clubs to secure public funding for stadiums, the economic impact of such investments, and the potential benefits of improved facilities, such as increased attendance and better spectator experiences. The article also compares Sydney's stadiums to those in other Australian cities and questions whether the promised benefits will materialize.

The article discusses the financial challenges faced by symphony orchestras worldwide, highlighting that no orchestra is financially viable on its own due to high operating costs and limited performance opportunities. Robert Flanagan from Stanford University and David Throsby from Macquarie University provide insights into the economics of running an orchestra, including fixed labor costs and the inability to reduce expenses. The article also touches on the aging audience demographic and the shift in leisure activities contributing to declining attendance. Orchestras rely on government assistance, sponsorship, and philanthropy to survive, with varying levels of support depending on the location. The article explores how orchestras are trying to attract new audiences and generate revenue through commercial performances and collaborations with high-profile artists. Despite the financial challenges, experts like Rory Jeffes of the SSO believe that orchestras that maintain artistic vibrancy will thrive, emphasizing the cultural and artistic value they provide beyond economic measures.

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'Pistorians,' a group of predominantly female fans who support South African sprinter and alleged murderer Oscar Pistorius. It highlights the unwavering defense of Pistorius by his fans, despite the charges against him for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. The article also touches on the broader issues of gun ownership and domestic violence in South Africa, as well as the public's reaction to women in the media. The writer, Alex McClintock, expresses a critical view of the Pistorians and their dismissal of Pistorius's alleged crimes.