Denise Stephens

Lighting up Lunar New Year

Denise Stephens experiences the vibrant spectacle that is Taiwan's national Lantern Festival. We stepped out of Taoyuan High Speed Rail Station...

Where to eat, stay and play in this buzzing Asian capital

Taiwan’s capital is a buzzing modern city with a complex past. Whether Taipei is the start of your trip to Taiwan, or a stopover on the way to Europe, dive into the city’s diverse attractions and enjoy life like the locals.

The Japanese bento boxes symbolising health, wealth and happiness

Denise Stephens starts 2025 with a traditional Japanese bento box layered with dishes symbolising hopes for the year to follow.

Going Local in Tokyo

First-time visitors to Tokyo gravitate to the bright lights and towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku and Shibuya. But here is another side of Tokyo.

Small eateries, big tastes

Gotanda Hills was not a deluxe dining destination at first sight. Neon palm trees lit up the facade above a dark entrance. Going down the steps, we...

Exploring layers of history

Denise Stephens goes back in time on the Gold Coast. From our vantage point on Burleigh headland, we looked north to the Gold Coast's long strip...

Eat, Stay, Play: Kyoto

While it's tempting to try and see everything, visiting a few key sites and wandering around is the best way to soak up the atmosphere and discover Kyoto's rich history.

Where to eat, stay, and play in Matsumoto

South Dunedin beckons

Even if you've visited recently Dunedin, there is plenty more to explore around Dunedin's lesser-known southern suburbs.

A trip to Japan will change the way you see solo travel forever

Japan is a welcoming destination for solo travellers in a world that sometimes feels designed for couples, writes Denise Stephens. Japan is easy and safe to...