Australians are advised that only the country you plan to visit can provide up-to-date and accurate information about its specific visa requirements. Travellers should contact the nearest High Commission, Embassy or Consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel.

It contains new information on recent kidnappings (kidnapping of three foreign humanitarian workers in Pakistan, recent kidnappings in Ethiopia, kidnapping of German national in Nigeria).

*This travel bulletin should be read in conjunction with our travel advice for Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.*

Australian health authorities have detected a small number of cases of Legionnaires disease (Legionella pneumophila) amongst travellers recently returned from the Kuta region of Bali.

It is a criminal offence to engage in child sexual exploitation, whether in Australia or in another country. Australian law ensures that Australians who travel overseas to engage in such activities will not escape the tough penalties they would have received if the offences were committed at home.

DOC Holiday reflects on Aussie-hosted events that work, and those that fall by the wayside.

DOC Holiday offers tips on finding a room with a view in Paris and reveals the cheapest way to travel around Europe.

EXPERT weekly advice on your travel dilemmas, edited by Anthony Dennis.
 

AS London heads down the same scandal-plagued path of previous Olympics, Paul Hansford explains how to avoid the fuss.

DOC Holiday investigates what other countries say to advise their citizens planning a trip Down Under.

MOTHERS-to-be need to plan their holidays and air travel with some extra care, advises Aslan Shand.

THERE'S a new generation of discount airlines offering low fares around the world, says Brian Johnston. Don't miss out with our guide to the best bargains.

THE Australian airline industry loses up to 200,000 passenger bags a year ? some of which end up being donated to charities when their owners cannot be found.

EVERY country has its own specific tipping culture so, before taking off, Mr it's essential to sus out the tipping protocol of your destination from a reliable source.

JAMES Norman, a former Greenpeace worker, says claims that the travel industry is to blame for global warming are out of proportion with the facts.

LIBBY Peacock puts medical tourism in Asia under the knife as she examines the growing popularity of holiday surgery and the region's medical facilities that offer it.

YOU don't need to ride a donkey to go carbon-neutral on your globe-trotting travels. Eco-conscious travellers can offset their flights' carbon emissions.

TELL us about your favourite luxury hotels ? even if you've only ever admired them from the foyer or dreamt of staying a night between their satin sheets.

FREQUENT flying offers no immunity from jet lag, according to researchers who report that flight crews are no more protected from its effects than casual flyers.

GAP year travel is no longer the domain of school leavers, as Australians postpone the big overseas trip until they are established in their careers.