This is not one of my articles; for once I was on the other side of the pen and camera, being interviewed for the Money section by freelance journalist Barbara Drury, about money strategies when travelling.

Here's an excerpt:

"A freelance travel writer, Richards normally jets off in a hurry armed with about $100 in local currency and a credit card that he's loaded with enough cash to cover his expenses. 'It's remarkable how easy it's become to find an ATM; I don't think I've been into a foreign bank for years,' he says."

"Solidarity? John Paul II? That communist general with the creepy dark sunglasses who declared martial law? It may be 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, but to many Australians, Poland is still a jumble of images from the turbulent 1980s. However, things have come a long way since General Jaruzelski (the sunglasses guy) was removed from power in 1990."

A week's itinerary through the Polish cities of Kraków, Wrocław, Warsaw, Toruń and Gdańsk.
Available for republication (print and Web).
Images available.

"A mention of the Cold War will more likely prompt thoughts of Californian indie band Cold War Kids than the dark days of the Berlin Wall. However, all is not lost. The Wall fell 20 years ago, but Central and Eastern Europe are littered with remnants from the strange, increasingly distant era of the Iron Curtain. That’s the beauty of this part of Europe..."

Detailing ten memorable communist-era relics in Central and Eastern Europe.
Available for republication (print and Web).
Images available.

"In February, as Victoria’s bushfires reached the edge of Yarra Glen, the small Yarra Valley town was apparently nearing its darkest hour. It survived, but the smoke seemed to linger for a while as visitors avoided the region out of respect, while the locals rebuilt. When I ask the co-owner of Mandala Wines, Charles Smedley, if Yarra Glen has a strong sense of community, he nods an affirmative. ‘What happened through the fires enhanced it, if anything,’ he says."

A guide to the town of Yarra Glen, in the Yarra Valley east of Melbourne.
Available for republication (print only).
Images available.

[Read the full article here]

"It’s time for the moment I’ve been dreading: getting out on the river. I’m a novice on the water, being the kind of traveller who hangs around cities investigating art galleries and bars, so there’s some tension in the air as we walk down to the sandy shore below the village. Luckily, I’ll have the able Ivy to guide us safely over the admittedly tiny set of rapids we’ll encounter en route."

A kayaking journey in the state of Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia.
Available for republication (print and Web).
Images available.

"This focal point seems the right place to begin an exploration of Melbourne’s renowned alleyways and laneways. Over the last decade these once-neglected sidestreets have become populated with bars, cafes, restaurants, music spots and art galleries. Today I’m taking a trip from the macro world of sprawling Flinders Street Station to the attractive micro world of Melbourne’s alleys."

Wandering the vibrant alleys and laneways in the heart of Melbourne.
Available for republication (print and Web).
Images available.

"Warsaw may not be the prettiest of Poland's cities, but this bustling business centre is home to a dazzling array of dining and nightlife options. It's true, however, that the city can be hard work, its traffic-choked streets lined with uninspiring massive concrete buildings.
However, look at Warsaw with a historic perspective - as a city that's survived everything fate could throw at it - and you'll see the capital in an entirely new light."

A guide to these Central European nations aimed at the budget traveller, including attractions, accommodation, dining, nightlife, history and culture.

This book can be purchased online from Amazon.com.

Not available for republication.

"Then comes the character we’ve all been waiting for: Ritchie swings down through the forest. He’s huge! Alighting on the platform, he samples the papayas and bananas, and then selects a coconut. With three mighty whacks against the wooden decking, Ritchie smashes open the fruit and casually tastes its interior. With a strength up to ten times that of humans, an orangutan instils a sense of awe."

Encountering wild orangutans in the forests of Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia.
Not available for republication.

[Read the full article here]

"I don’t think I’m staying in Adolf Hitler’s old room. At least, I hope not. The 20th century’s most infamous dictator is not someone you’d want to be associated with, even at seven decades’ remove. But while it’s had its share of dodgy guests, the Hotel Monopol in the Polish city of Wroclaw has also welcomed plenty of the right sorts through its doors, including Pablo Picasso and Marlene Dietrich."

Exploring three attractive cities in Poland's west: Wrocław, Poznań and Toruń.
Available for republication (print and Web).
Images available.

[Read the full article here]

"Ben Southall may officially have the Best Job in the World, having been appointed Island Caretaker by Tourism Queensland after a worldwide search that garnered enormous publicity, but he faces the same challenges of anyone writing a travel blog. How often should I post? How long should it be? What would interest my readers? Should I add images and links? And what does it take to please some people?"

My writing has appeared in newspapers, magazines and websites around the world. I'm also an author for Lonely Planet Publications' travel books.

I'm available to write on any subject, and also undertake business writing jobs such as proofreading, editing and copywriting.

Learn more about my published work and writing services.

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• Aerohaveno Nights, a guide to Australian accommodation
• Travelroads.com

postal:
Tim Richards
507/225 Elizabeth St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia

email:
tim@iwriter.com.au

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