World

INS AND OUTS

This is what get lost are vibing, and what we aren't vibing, in travel right now. 

IN:

get lost nominated for travel publication of the year

The nominations for Mumbrella’s Travel Publication of the Year were announced yesterday, and what do you know…little old get lost found themselves in the list of nominees. 

We’re not big on back-pats, but this is a big IN for sure. Thanks to all our readers for your support over the last year - we love bringing travel inspiration your way. 

BABY SEATS

A women and her six-month old sit next to me for my overnight Melbourne to Bali a few weeks back. “Oh fuck,” I think to myself. Or maybe I said it, because she looks at me and says (the mother, this is, not the baby) “Don’t worry, I’ve got a secret weapon.” Her husband emerges from somewhere else further back on the plane not long after take-off with a blow up baby bed that attaches to the seat, then disappears once his work is done. I swear I’ve never seen anyone - baby or fully grown human - sleep as soundly as this little guy did, through turbulence even, nestled so comfortably in what must feel like some sort of safe, cosy cloud. I wish there was an adult version of this.

New Zealand SkyNests

Speaking of sleep, haven’t the Kiwis just gone and outdone themselves with this operation.  The Skynests are the pods that allow you to get some quality shuteye on a long haul, that can be booked out for four hours at a time. They’re a little pricey, sure, but what price can you put on sleep on a plane. 

OUT:

PRICEY H20

We get it - you get what you pay for with low-cost carriers, but paying for water on aeroplane just seems kind of barbaric. 

PAYING FOR WI-FI

In the same vein as the above, our publisher was recently charged around AU $30 for Wi-Fi at a hotel. We’re all for being off devices and interacting with each other as much as possible, but in 2023, Wi-Fi should be free. So when it's 30 bucks? Ya gotta be jokin.

NATIONAL CARRIERS NOT STOCKING NATIONAL BEERS

Everything is global these days, which is why it’s just as important as ever to preserve national identity through the little things – like national carriers, and beer.

For instance, we reckon it’d be great if you got on a Qantas flight and were greeted with only Australian beers; a Fosters (even if it is brewed in Scotland) or VB, plus a selection of local craft beers to go with it. Same goes for the wine list.

We reckon everyone needs to take a leaf out of Sri Lankan Airlines' books, who will happily pour you an ice cold Lion Lager - the national beer that is proudly stocked everywhere throughout the entire country.

THE SEATBELT SIGN GRAND PRIX

This one really grinds our gears.

The mad rush when the seatbelt sign comes off has always been ridiculous, but we think it's reaching absurd levels. 

There is nothing more anxiety-inducing than an uneven queue to get out, people jostling for position at the overhead lockers, jumping the line in an attempt to break away and set a world record through customs. Like we get it, everyone’s keen to leave, but take it easy and follow this one simple step: never (unless waved through) go until the row in front of you has gone. Simple.

You’ll probably have to wait together at the baggage carousel anyway. Chill out.

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Get in touch: info@getlostmagazine.com if you've got any thoughts on the above, or any INS and OUTS of your own.