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Michael Gebicki is Traveller’s expert Tripologist. Each week he tackles the thorny issues in travel as well as answering your questions. Got a question for the Tripologist? Email [email protected]
October 17, 2025 — 5:00am
Will the new EU visa system affect people like me who wish to spend more than 90 days in the Schengen zone, under the agreements between Australia and European countries? I intend spending six to nine months in Europe next year, under the terms of this agreement which currently means I can stay in any Schengen zone country for 90 days before moving on to another country.
B. Kelly, Ettalong Beach, NSW
Those are inter-government agreements between Australia and some European countries. As far as I can tell, these agreements will continue to apply regardless of Europe’s new entry/exit system, which is already in force, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (which is not actually a visa but a visa-waiver similar to America’s ESTA), scheduled to come into effect in the last quarter of 2026. However, these agreements only exist with a few European countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany. It’s not possible to stay in any Schengen zone country for 90 days and then relocate to any other country in the zone for another 90 days. These agreements are a win for Aussie travellers since they allow you to spend more than 90 days in the Schengen zone, but you need to plan your travels with care to make sure you’re within the rules. You can find out more about what’s happening with entry to Europe for Australians in my article about it here.
I’m travelling with my daughter’s family, including a nine and a six-year-old to Kata Beach on Phuket. We’ve been once before and visited the elephant refuge. What other activities, cultural and/or snorkelling are within a one-hour drive of Katahani?
S. Taylor, Lewisham, NSW
The Kata area is a great base with plenty to do within an hour that will appeal to adults as well as the children. The islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi off the southern end of Phuket offer clear water, coral and tropical fish, and several operators offer full-day trips from Phuket including snorkelling equipment and lunch. The Three Khai Islands, Khai Nok, Khai Nai and Khai Nui, are small, but they’re just a short speedboat ride off Phuket and they offer good snorkelling. The islands are popular with families for half or full-day trips. Check sea conditions before you set out, and start early to avoid midday winds.
There are plenty more activities you can do in the area such as a Thai cooking class. Kata Thai Cooking Class is one option that gets excellent reviews while the Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa has a kids cooking class. The Heritage Walk in Old Phuket Town takes you through narrow streets lined with Sino-Portuguese architecture, street art, shrines and markets. Prime time for visiting is towards sunset, when the streets light up, and better still if you happen to be there for the Sunday market on Thalang Road. Local Buddhist temples such as Wat Chalong offer an intriguing look at Buddhist culture and since you have already visited the elephant refuge, consider wildlife or forest walks or smaller wildlife rehabilitation centres. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is one example.
I am travelling to Paris with my family, including adult sons aged 18 and 20, over the New Year. Can you suggest some experiences for us on New Year’s Eve that won’t break the bank? Also, we will be in Lausanne over Christmas, any dining suggestions for Christmas lunch?
G. Murphy, Murrumbeena NSW
The streets of Paris will be packed on New Year’s Eve, there’ll be music everywhere and plenty to do that’s either free or inexpensive. Many restaurants offer a special New Year’s Eve menu known as a reveillon, which costs more than a standard dinner, but you can find mid-range prices in local rather than in touristy zones, and reserve ahead. But there’s no real need for a fancy dinner, start the evening off in a bistro or wine bar, order a drink or two, maybe share some snacks and soak up the Paris vibe. Afterwards, head for the Champs-Elysees, which will be crowded right up to the Arc de Triomphe for the countdown to midnight, it’s a very Parisian experience. Enjoy the ambience and the excitement as it builds, and practice your French numbers so you can join in the countdown to midnight. Another highlight is the Midnight Light Show at the Eiffel Tower, and the best place to see it is from the Champ de Mars or Trocadero Gardens. In Lausanne, Restaurant Mirabeau gets top reviews for its French menu, served in a relaxed atmosphere. Prices are mid-range, but this is Switzerland – be prepared. In the centre of Lausanne, with one of the best views on Lake Geneva, Brasserie de Montbenon is known for its bistro-style food. La Table du Lausanne Palace is the city’s showpiece fine dining experience, with two Michelin stars and prices to match. In the countryside outside Lausanne, Auberge de l’Abbaye de Montheron will charm your socks off. Although the former Cistercian monastery dates back to 1442, the menu is original and exciting, drawing heavily on local organic produce and heritage vegetables.
I am a dual citizen of Australia and Spain. How do dual citizens travel when the spelling of names differs? N. Lopez, Manly NSW
It shouldn’t be a problem. I am a dual citizen as well, and I have passports in two different names. On my UK passport I am Jan Michael, the name on my birth certificate, on my Australian passport I’m plain Michael. It’s never caused any difficulties. Provided you don’t book an air ticket or apply for a visa in one name and present the other passport, there is nothing to worry about. However, you do need to be consistent. If you were to travel to the US several times using different passports and if you got caught, which is highly likely, you’d have some explaining to do.
Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances
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