IT’S SAID that all things come to those that wait. I think four years is long enough, don’t you?

It was back in 2019 that a group of like-minded friends and I first started discussing a trip to Vietnam. There was going to be fun and frolics aplenty as we pursued a certain sporting obsession.

And then along came the ultimate party pooper known as COVID…

Undeterred, we vowed to go ahead as planned and I have just returned from said trip. And I can confirm it was even sweeter having waited so long.

The country is spectacular, the food and culture are remarkable, and the people are warm, inviting and so glad to see tourists back again. Throw in value for money and you’ve got one heck of a destination.

I mention this because there are millions of Aussies out there desperately planning to make up for lost holiday time. A tidal wave of tourists is heading overseas and it’s great news for the travel industry.

For those who haven’t quite made up their mind where they want to go first, Traveltalk has got you covered.

In this issue you’ll find exciting and unusual destination suggestions in some of the world’s most popular locations.

Animal lovers can choose from watching bears in Canada to working with elephants in Thailand. Check out rural life in the Philippines or sit in the lap of luxury in Ireland. You’ll also learn why the West Midlands in the UK is the hot spot for 2023.

Naturally, we’ve also got the home scene covered with two fantastic glamping opportunities for the eco-conscious and the nature lover, while an emotional trip to Darwin is available for battlefield pilgrims.

Industry stalwart Richard Taylor will reveal what he’s hoping to achieve in his new role at AFTA and in an exclusive article for Traveltalk, Sandie Johannessen discusses why wellness tourism is such a healthy business right now.

All this plus a special report on the boom in rail travel, a look at the future of Australia’s busiest airport, a delicious recipe from Singapore and our ever-popular travel quiz.

Just like my trip to Vietnam, the March issue of Traveltalk was definitely worth waiting for!

1. Don’t forget to check out the very first edition of Talking Travel, our new podcast. In the debut episode, we talk about the resurgence of the travel industry and the vital role women play in the industry.