Lucie Grace

As vibrant and eclectic as Melbourne may be, is it time to swap the bustling southern metropolis for a different city break this autumn? Lucie Grace explores the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and finds a tight-knit community, Indigenous artistry and a sunset worthy of applause.

Koh Tao might be best known for it mesmerising scuba diving spots, but what’s just as impressive is the steps it takes in marine conservation – Lucie Grace finds out how committed it is to being clean and green

Cacao farmers and chocolate makers in Thailand’s “capital in the north,” Chiang Mai, are giving European chocolatiers a run for their money.

By Lucie Grace
Sipping on the most flavorsome drinking chocolate I’ve ever imbibed in my cocoa-loving life, I try to pinpoint just what makes this mug of silky goodness so delicious. Is it the full-bodied flavor? The fruity hints roasted into a perfect balance of chocolaty sweetness? Or just that I’m not in Switzerland or Belgium, but at Khom Chocolatier...

While Bangkok’s exciting buzz and modern metropolis is undoubtedly a must-vist, sometimes a little adventure is in order – Lucie Grace explores Thailand’s best cultural, luxurious and tropical lesser-known gems all in reach by a train ride.

Beautiful though it may be, is it time to swap crowded Phuket for a different island this season?

Lucie Grace delves into Thailand’s other islands, finding beaches, wellness retreats and nature-filled adventures
Try Koh Samui for a more relaxing, calmer Thai escape (Gett/iStock)

With Thailand’s new year celebration now on Unesco’s ‘Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage’, Lucie Grace was keen to experience the street parties in her adopted home – but she discovers there’s more to the festival than just water

Often called Thailand’s “Capital in the North,” the mountainside city of Chiang Mai is an idyllic destination with bundles on offer across its rich and varied neighborhoods.
The lush green scenery and ancient architecture captures the hearts of visitors, as does the range of things to do – you’re never far away from a forested waterfall, a medieval temple or a fantastic jazz club.
This low-rise metropolis has a bustling center and the best neighborhoods to visit are just a short distance apar...

Generations of backpackers will tell you that Thailand has long been a great destination for travelers on a shoestring. And it’s particularly easy to visit the northern city of Chiang Mai on a budget, even with its swanky luxury scene and five-star hotels.
Perhaps it's the fact that the “Capital in the North” is surrounded by mountains and endless green forests – with no beaches for miles – that keeps accommodation costs down. But it’s not just hostels and hotels that are reasonably priced; t...

Renowned as one of Europe’s sunniest destinations, the islands that make up Malta are indeed an ideal place for a vacation filled with swims and lying out for hours.
In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea – 96km (60 miles) south of Sicily and 386km (240 miles) east of Tunisia – the diminutive but mighty country has been a tourism mainstay for generations thanks to its 300+ annual days of sun. This reputation, however, brings crowds of holiday makers, digital nomads and English-language studen...

When we say that Malta is jam-packed full of culture, food and nature, we’re not exaggerating. After all, even though the 27km(17-mile)-long island is the tenth smallest country in the world, it’s the fifth-most densely populated. Which means that whether you’re a solo traveler, retired explorer or large family on vacation, you don’t have to travel far in the Maltese archipelago to find something exciting for you.
Famous for sunny weather, the islands are awash with natural beauty and fascina...

I was startled every few minutes by the sight and sound of the plastic-coated gunpowder exploding with a flash, inches from my feet, smoke billowing in my eyes and blasts ringing in my ears.
Volleying a firecracker at the wooden god effigies paraded at Phuket’s deceptively named Vegetarian Festival – in fact, everyone goes vegan – is deemed good luck by the thousands that gather there.
But for the newbies among the crowd, including myself, it is mildly terrifying. As the crackers rained down,...

Northern Thailand’s largest city has harnessed its artisan heritage to become a centre for contemporary makers and designers, many of whom now offer hands-on craft experiences for travellers.

Deep in the forested hills of northern Thailand, the former teak-logging town of Phrae has become an unlikely fashion hub, reviving artisan indigo craftmanship for a new generation.

In the northwest of Croatia, Zagreb is a dynamic capital city that delights and dazzles with its breezy cafe culture, regal architecture and high-end gastronomy scene focused on seasonal, farm-to-table produce. The city sits on the banks of the Sava River, with the lush Medvednica Mountain providing the northern backdrop. Its laid-back centre boasts not only a wealth of gardens, parks and lakes, but also a notably independent spirit. It's a vibrant hub resisting chain stores and nurturing loc...

TRAVEL
The Croatian region of Zadar is home to rich gastronomic traditions and exceptional local produce. Here are five of the best ways to experience its fascinating culinary heritage.
The city of Zadar is located at the very heart of the Adriatic coast. Amazing local delicacies are produced both in the city and throughout the region, each influenced by the area's unique climate and long-lived traditions.
Photograph by Fabio Simicev
The Zadar region's secret ingredient is its ‘mare monte’ (s...