Merryn Johns

2 days ago | vacationer.travel | Merryn Johns

I’ve been to Hawaii’s islands a few times, but never like this. And my voyage with UnCruise Adventures was the perfect way to honor Earth Day. I have been to Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. I have paddle boarded in the shadow of Diamond Head and had a luau on Waikiki Beach. I have shopped for ukuleles in Maui and driven the Road to Hana. I have explored the jungles of the Garden Isle, sailed the Nāpali Coast, and marveled at the simmering Kīlauea volcano.

3 weeks ago | vacationer.travel | Merryn Johns

Why this Pride expedition to the “seventh continent” was beyond the bucket list. I’m still getting WhatsApp notifications from the 70+ fellow travelers on Planetdwellers’ inaugural Pride Cruise to Antarctica, weeks after we parted and went separate ways, some of us onwards to Chile, others back home wherever that may be—from Australia to the US to the UK. I guess that’s what happens after the trip of a lifetime: you don’t really want it to end.

4 weeks ago | vacationer.travel | Merryn Johns

If you’re going to find yourself on a long voyage to the South Pole, make sure it’s with Sydney-born Vacationer Catherine Alcorn. Known to Australian audiences as a multi-award-winning performing artist and producer, Catherine Alcorn is also an adventurer. Part powerhouse vocalist, part comedian with real acting chops, the naturally ebullient Alcorn is a seasoned traveler and was a delight to have onboard the MV Greg Mortimer for the inaugural Pride Antarctica cruise.

4 weeks ago | vacationer.travel | Merryn Johns

So, you’re setting foot on the Seventh Continent and there are a few things you’ll need to pack to stay warm during your Antarctic adventure. Visiting Antarctica, the “seventh continent,” is a dream destination because of its unique and pristine environment, unparalleled wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of remoteness and adventure—free from pollution and the geopolitical troubles of the world.

Jan 6, 2025 | vacationer.travel | Merryn Johns

Switzerland’s controversial “burqa ban” and new laws to combat child marriages are now in force as of January 1, 2025. A Swiss ban on facial coverings in public places, widely known as the “burqa’ ban,” has taken effect as of January 1. Violations can be punished with a fine of up to CHF1,000 (about USD$1,143). Switzerland joins five other European countries, including neighboring France and Austria, in imposing such a ban.