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Readers response: What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through travel?

<p>When it comes to travelling, it's not uncommon to have revelations about yourself while self-reflecting in a new place. </p> <p>We asked our readers what the most unexpected thing they've learned about themselves is through travel, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Penny Corbin</strong> - I don't need the cathedrals, monuments, the tours, I just love walking in the space and finding my own beauty wherever it leads me.</p> <p><strong>Dom Cimino</strong> - That I really love meeting people of all backgrounds.</p> <p><strong>Jenny Halkett</strong> - To treat it as an adventure, and don’t be afraid to ask a qualified person for advice.</p> <p><strong>Kristeen Collison</strong> - That I’m more adventurous than I thought.</p> <p><strong>Angie Jansen</strong> - That I love it. Just new places, culture, food, history, the wonderful people, the adventures you have and the memories, it’s the experiencing new things and learning, exploring, being amazed. Just so grateful I can still do it.</p> <p><strong>Palma Hemer </strong>- To have a sense of humour, rain hail or shine.</p> <p><strong>Anne Jenkin</strong> - That I can enjoy the travel by myself but I do like meeting new people on these trips.</p> <p><strong>Kath Sheppard</strong> - To try to learn basic phrases when travelling. It's definitely appreciated.</p> <p><strong>Kerry Fischer</strong> - Soak up the vibe wherever you are! Every place has beauty!</p> <p><strong>Jacqueline Buchanan</strong> - That a smile speaks many languages.</p> <p><strong>Martin Drake</strong> - That there is just too much to see and not enough time.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

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Readers response: What’s your best advice for managing medications while travelling?

<p>When taking a trip, many people often have to factor in how their changing schedule will affect their regular medication routines. </p> <p>We asked our readers for their best advice on managing medications while travelling, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Kristeen Bon</strong> - I put each days tablet into small ziplock bags and staple them at one corner. All that goes into one larger ziplock bag and into my toilet bag. I store all the outer packs flat into another ziplock bag and that stays in the zip pack with my first aid kit in the main suitcase. I travel long haul up to six times a year and this is the most manageable way I have found.</p> <p><strong>Diane Green</strong> - Firstly, take sufficient  supply of all meds to last the time I'm away. I separate morning medications and evening medications. Then it depends on how long I'm away. I have one that needs to be refrigerated. Depending on where I travel, this can entail arranging overnight in the establishment fridge while taking a freezer pack for daytime travel.</p> <p><strong>Irene Varis</strong> - Always get a letter from my doctor, with all my prescriptions for when I get overseas. Saves you a lot of trouble!</p> <p><strong>Helen Lunn</strong> - Just get the chemist to pack into Medipacks. I usually take an extra week. I alway put some of the packs in my partners baggage incase my bag goes missing and a pack and a doctor’s letter in my hand luggage.</p> <p><strong>Jancye Winter</strong> - Always pack in your carry on with prescriptions.</p> <p><strong>Jenny Gordon</strong> - Carry a letter from doc with all medications, leave in original packaging. Double check that it isn’t illegal to carry your medication as some countries have strict regulations for things like Codeine. Always carry in carry on as you don’t want them to get lost.</p> <p><strong>Nina Thomas Rogers</strong> - Be organised with all your medicines before you leave.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

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Readers response: Are there any particular museums or historical sites that have made a lasting impression on you?

<p>When travelling around the world, some museums, attractions and historical sites can have more of a lasting impact than others. </p> <p>We asked our readers if there are any particular places that have had a lasting impression on them while travelling, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Anne Hare</strong> - The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Absolutely beautiful. Don't miss it!</p> <p><strong>Sandra Beckett</strong> - Seemingly little known, but the British Library in London has an absolutely jaw-dropping permanent exhibition of literature. Original handwritten manuscripts from famous authors through the ages. Wonderful for book lovers.</p> <p><strong>Jackie A Morris</strong> - St Paul's Cathedral London. Not being one to get into churches, but I went there as my son asked me to. I was in awe, managed the climb to the spire as well. Etched in my memory.</p> <p><strong>Christine Taylor</strong> - The Pantheon is certainly up there.</p> <p><strong>Tony Hallam</strong> - The Colosseum in Rome. I was in awe knowing i was standing in the place where gladiators had stood and fought 2000 years ago.</p> <p><strong>Pamela Rigby</strong> - In Flanders Fields, Ypres, Belgium.</p> <p><strong>Kris White</strong> - Killing Fields in Cambodia, chilling and desperately sad.</p> <p><strong>Gayle Morris</strong> - Stonehenge and the Cliffs of Moher.</p> <p><strong>George Jamieson</strong> - The statue of David in Florence, out of this world!!!</p> <p><strong>Jim Janush</strong> - Museo De La Revolución, Havana, Cuba.</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - The Uluṟu rock base at sunset- its eerie silence is unnerving.</p> <p><strong>Steve Gerreyn</strong> - Cathedral of Seville. Magnificent.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <div style="font-family: inherit;"> <div class="x1rg5ohu xxymvpz x17z2i9w" style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: middle; width: 22px; font-family: inherit;"> <div class="html-div xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1hy63sm xg01cxk xhva3ql" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 11px; padding: 0px; opacity: 0; font-family: inherit;" aria-hidden="false"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="x6s0dn4 x3nfvp2" style="font-family: inherit; align-items: center; display: inline-flex; min-width: 447px;"> <ul class="html-ul xe8uvvx xdj266r x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n0m28w x78zum5 x1wfe3co xat24cr xsgj6o6 x1o1nzlu xyqdw3p" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px -8px 0px 4px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; display: flex; min-height: 15px; line-height: 12px; caret-color: #1c1e21; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 12.000001px;" aria-hidden="false"> <li class="html-li xdj266r xat24cr xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1rg5ohu x1emribx x1i64zmx" style="display: inline-block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 8px;"> </li> </ul> </div>

Travel Trouble

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Readers response: What do you regret not appreciating more when you were younger?

<p>When it comes to ageing, we often learn to appreciate things that we often dismissed when we were younger. </p> <p>We asked our readers what they have only truly started to appreciate with age, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Ross Forbes</strong> - Being brought up on a farm in a family environment where I was taught excellent work ethics and the value of community.</p> <p><strong>Alice McMurdo</strong> - The beauty of the scenery in Scotland and not taking the opportunity to see more of the beautiful countryside when I had the chance. </p> <p><strong>Pat Isaacs</strong> - My health and energy.</p> <p><strong>Esther Miller</strong> - Not having to pay bills. I now understand why my daddy was always telling us cut off the light, shut the door, stop wasting food, do not pour more milk than you are going to drink. I remember him saying "wait till you have to pay for it yourselves". Lesson learned.</p> <p><strong>Marie Chong</strong> - My parents. </p> <p><strong>Rosalie Jones</strong> - Movement without pain. </p> <p><strong>Michelle Nightingale</strong> - My family. </p> <p><strong>Sally O'Neill</strong> - Being happy and free, not having any responsibilities to worry about.</p> <p><strong>Chris Gray</strong> - My mum. If only I had known what I now know.</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - My ability to always be employed and buy my first house at 21. Also, my upbringing and great start my parents gave me by ensuring I went to a good school and studied hard.</p> <p><strong>Kerri Anderson</strong> - Being younger. </p> <p><strong>Linda Kauffman</strong> - My mother. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Readers response: What's a pain you can't truly explain until you've endured it?

<p>When it comes to experiencing pain, many of us are used to hearing people say "I know how you feel" while they're empathising with your suffering. </p> <p>However, there are some kinds of pain - either physical or emotional - that cannot be understood until you experience them yourself.</p> <p>We asked our readers what pain you can't truly explain until you've endured it yourself, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Anne Hare</strong> - Shingles! Absolutely excruciating. I seriously considered topping myself until I was finally prescribed Lyrica. Took five months to recover as misdiagnosed twice so antivirals prescribed too late. Have the shot!</p> <p><strong>Karen Ambrose</strong> - Childbirth. 15.5 hours of agony.</p> <p><strong>Annette Maree</strong> - Pain from a dying nerve in a tooth.</p> <p><strong>Royce Jowett</strong> - The worst pain is always the one you are currently experiencing, especially as you get older and forgetful.</p> <p><strong>Julia Santos</strong> - Hip pain is hard to explain how it affects your whole day. Even trying to sleep is an adventure. And sneezing while your hips are inflamed is always fun.</p> <p><strong>Betty Weller Edwards</strong> - Gallbladder stones. I would rather go through labor for 12 hours than have 4 hours off gallbladder pain.</p> <p><strong>Sandra Morris</strong> - The loss of your child. </p> <p><strong>Kevin Chapman</strong> - Chronic arthritis. The pain is 24/7, it never goes away.</p> <p><strong>Danny Bennett</strong> - Divorce. </p> <p><strong>Patricia White</strong> - Dislocated shoulder. </p> <p><strong>Jill Harker</strong> - A couple of bulging discs in my back!</p> <p><strong>Linda Charlton</strong> - Clot in the lungs, couldn't breathe thought I was having a heart attack in my 30's. Other than that, definitely childbirth.</p> <p><strong>George Dworcowyi </strong>- Back spasms after a 7 hour operation on my broken spine. </p> <p><strong>Maxine Cuevas</strong> - Losing two adult children at separate times.</p> <p><strong>Josephine Broughton</strong> - White tail spider bite.</p> <p><strong>Shelley Woolley</strong> - Ruptured ovarian cysts.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Body

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Readers response: What movie have you rewatched the most?

<p>We all have our favourite movies. The ones that make us feel comforted and happy each time we rewatch them.</p> <p>We asked our readers what movies they have rewatched the most, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Heather Fuchs</strong> - Pretty Woman, The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.</p> <p><strong>Nola Schmidt</strong> - Gone with the Wind, Sound of Music and Breakfast at Tiffanys.</p> <p><strong>Isabel Pritchard</strong> - Love Actually, watched it every Christmas since it was released.</p> <p><strong>Angela Chapman</strong> - The Notebook, Back to the Future trilogy, The Sound of Music, Grease, Sleepless in Seattle, and Sweet Home Alabama.</p> <p><strong>Margie Grass</strong> - Grease! Was watched over and over and over, would finish watching and go "oh let’s do it again". My kids knew the words by heart and did a running commentary when they replayed it again.</p> <p><strong>Naomi Thacker </strong>- The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars. I must have seen it 10 or more times.</p> <p><strong>Terri Cameron</strong> - The Lion King with my eldest grandson who was very young then and is 30 now. Neither of us seemed to tire of it. It was just a wonderful film.</p> <p><strong>Beverley Hoffman</strong> - LOTR, Harry Potter, The Ten Commandments.</p> <p><strong>Christine Thompson</strong> - Sound of Music, Sleepless in Seattle, Pretty Woman. Anything that you would class as a “chick flick” really.</p> <p><strong>Maggie Geeves</strong> - Steel Magnolias.</p> <p><strong>Rhonda Woods</strong> - The Castle. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Movies

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Readers response: What is the most expensive place you've visited?

<p>When it comes to travelling, there are some destinations around the world that are definitely more expensive than others. </p> <p>We asked our readers which place left them the most out of pocket, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Angela Budden</strong> - Switzerland for sure. </p> <p><strong>Vera Hunt </strong>- Italy, but it's a beautiful place so worth every cent.</p> <p><strong>Pat Isaacs</strong> - Probably London, back in 2011. Such a contrast to Bali, in 2013. Had two weeks there, total cost was under $1600, including air fare, accommodation, food etc. Just the air fare to London was more than the total cost of my time in Bali.</p> <p><strong>Eileen Dunford</strong> - The Amalfi Coast.</p> <p><strong>Roz Harris</strong> - Ashford Castle in Ireland, but I would give anything to go back again and stay for longer.</p> <p><strong>Valerie Southam</strong> - Iceland and Finland.</p> <p><strong>Peter Connolly</strong> - I think Qatar, although the Netherlands wasn't that far behind.</p> <p><strong>Marirose Piciucco</strong> - Tahiti and Copenhagen.</p> <p><strong>Maree Newhouse</strong> - Iceland, I just came back from there. $48 for a bowl of lamb soup and $52 for a hamburger!</p> <p><strong>Gail Ladds</strong> - Positano in Italy. Cost me $25 for a milkshake about $7 years ago. It was the cost of the view I think.</p> <p><strong>Kevin Chapman</strong> - Hawaii, but worth every penny.</p> <p><strong>Peter Brady</strong> - Everywhere in the US given the lousy exchange rate, the plethora of additional government taxes, and the mandatory 20% tip.</p> <p><strong>Chaz Maree</strong> - Scandinavian countries are very expensive to visit but so beautiful, so who cares.</p> <p><strong>Catherine Cotterell</strong> - Venice, where the traders sting you as fiercely as the mosquitos.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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Readers response: What is one country you'll never go to?

<p>When it comes to travelling, everyone has a list of places they are dying to go to.</p> <p>In the same token, lots of travellers have placed they have no interest of ever seeing. </p> <p>We asked our readers what country they will never go to, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Kathy Yeo</strong> - Saudi Arabia or any other country where women have few rights and are treated as possessions.</p> <p><strong>Irene Dodds</strong> - USA. </p> <p><strong>Jim Cormack</strong> - Indonesia, in particular Bali. </p> <p><strong>Roz Eberhard-Swan</strong> - After 132 countries, I can say that I will never return to Russia, China &amp; Cuba. And will now add Afghanistan to that list. Sadly, the USA also is now out of control with their gun laws and politics so probably unlikely to go back there either.</p> <p><strong>Carole Harris</strong> - Russia. I have been and wanted to go back, but never will now.</p> <p><strong>Kath Wilkinson</strong> - Afghanistan. Their treatment of women should turn anyone off!</p> <p><strong>Karen Ambrose</strong> - Probably America due to their pathetic gun laws.</p> <p><strong>Debra Joy </strong>- Spain. I'll never go while they still do bull fighting. Disgusting and abhorrent.</p> <p><strong>George Quinn</strong> - Egypt. Never again! After 35 countries, it's the only place I never felt safe.</p> <p><strong>Janice Brigg</strong> - Bali. Never been here and it is of no interest to us. There are so many other beautiful other places to visit. So far travelled to 58 counties.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Readers response: How do you feel about online shopping compared to traditional in-store shopping?

<p>When it comes to shopping for things we want and need, many people have a preference over whether they shop in a physical store or online. </p> <p>We asked our readers which they prefer when shopping for food, clothes or anything else their hearts desire, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Ellen Polsen</strong> - Why would one buy online? I like to feel and see the things I purchase, particularly garments, as fabrics today are mostly rubbish.</p> <p><strong>Jennie Craven</strong> - I do a little of each. But usually use stores that I know or brands where the sizing is correct for me. I always use a payment system that I understand. </p> <p><strong>Gail Ladds</strong> - I love online shopping! I often forget that I’ve bought something then get a nice surprise when it arrives lol.</p> <p><strong>Debra Coats</strong> - Online is okay when you cant go to the store. I did online shopping for about 8 months after open heart surgery but when i was given the all clear to shop and drive, I was in my element as its a moment of getting out of the house and seeing others around me.</p> <p><strong>Karen Peardon</strong> - I have done some online shopping (mainly craft supplies) only because I have been very ill for months but I love in-store shopping more. Retail therapy!!</p> <p><strong>Christine Whyte</strong> - Have not and will not ever do it, very old school and too wary of the dangers out there, besides I like getting out and choosing for myself.</p> <p><strong>Helga Bonello</strong> - I like to see feel and touch products before I buy. Online scammers are a worry, besides we need a reason to go out and be sociable.</p> <p><strong>Olimpia Palumbo</strong> - My family does on line shopping and usually end up with the worst fruit and sometimes the wrong items.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Readers response: Do you find technology has made travel easier or more complicated?

<p>When it comes to travelling, advancements in technology over the years have made the world much more accessible. </p> <p>However, sometimes tech can backfire and leave you lost or stranded. </p> <p>We asked our readers if they find technology has made travel easier or more complicated, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Dawn Douglas</strong> - Easier by far. You can find hotels, cafes, restaurants, tours and so on.</p> <p><strong>Christine James</strong> - Easier, but we would still rather book through a travel agent. It can be good for research to where you are going though.</p> <p><strong>Brian Adams</strong> - Travel without a smartphone is nearly impossible! There’s no other option to get around sometimes!</p> <p><strong>June Maynard</strong> - More complicated. I'm glad I'm married to an IT tech guy! I leave it all up to him.</p> <p><strong>Pat Isaacs</strong> - Everything seems more complicated with technology for me!!</p> <p><strong>Karen Salvietti </strong>- Much easier to get around with technology overseas.</p> <p><strong>Val Goodwin</strong> - Far more complicated for me, I'm technically challenged lol.</p> <p><strong>Rosemary Miles</strong> - I’m 81 and technology has made everything easier for me. I travel overseas twice a year and hope to be able to keep doing it for a few years longer. I’m spending the grandkids’ inheritance!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Readers response: What’s your most memorable birthday party?

<p>One of the best parts of birthdays is celebrating with your loved ones, whether it's a milestone birthday or not. </p> <p>We asked our readers to share the stories from their most memorable birthday parties, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Jill Harker </strong>- My 80th birthday last November! My family organised it! Had no idea who was coming! I'm a big Elvis fan and when I got to the hotel for lunch everybody was holding up an Elvis face in front of their face so I still had no idea who was there! When they took the faces down there were all my family from Queensland including grandchildren and great grandchildren! Plus my 2 sons organised a birthday video message from Tex Walker my favourite footballer! Plus my granddaughter organised a ride in a Cadillac for me! So many wonderful surprises! It was fantastic!</p> <p><strong>Judi Baker </strong>- My 21st. My Mum and Dad were there. Plus my late Mum's 70th and 80th. Both so funny.</p> <p><strong>Annette Guernier Clay</strong> - In 2007 when two good friends and I celebrated our 60th birthdays with a party at the old Cairns Yacht Club. Live band, lots of dancing, loads of friends.</p> <p><strong>Lesley Peacock</strong> - My 21st, as it was the only one I had.</p> <p><strong>Christine Whyte </strong>- Never had children’s birthday party as mine was always with immediate family, but had a memorable 70th last year with my family and 3 grandkids in Townsville.</p> <p><strong>Barbara Jaramenko</strong> - Didn’t have one as there was no money, but just had a homemade birthday cake with siblings which was lovely. </p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - On my 40th, I was a single mum and I held a combined party- my 40th, end of 3rd term (teacher) &amp; taking leave service leave, the Parliamentary election &amp; going overseas! I took a cruise from Singapore for a week, beginning with a Singapore Gin Sling in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel. that was pretty memorable. </p> <div dir="auto"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></div>

Family & Pets

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Readers response: What airline will you always prefer to travel with?

<p>When it comes to travelling, many people have their preferences of their favourite airline after past good experiences.</p> <p>Many seasoned travellers always opt to fly with their preferred airline (when it's possible), instead of running the risk of an uncomfortable experience. </p> <p>We asked our readers which airline they will always prefer to travel with, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Irene Hood</strong> - Singapore Airlines. Lovely cabin crew, smooth flights every time.</p> <p><strong>David Slattery</strong> - Had quite a few nice flights with Turkish, both short and long haul.</p> <p><strong>Sue Packer</strong> - Just came back from Europe with Emirates, great service, great food and the plane left on time!</p> <p><strong>Rick Kehoe</strong> - Qantas if available. I have never had a bad flight experience after many flights both domestic and international.</p> <p><strong>Anita Thornton</strong> - Finnair is a great airline!</p> <p><strong>Diane Green</strong> - For overseas travel, Japan airlines gave the best service. For domestic, Virgin.</p> <p><strong>George Jan Cafcakis</strong> - Qatar! It’s definitely the best.</p> <p><strong>Russell Campbell</strong> - Singapore, but I just travelled on Vietnam Airlines and they were also good.</p> <p><strong>Goldie Kilford</strong> - Air New Zealand for sure. </p> <p><strong>Peter King</strong> - Safety: Qantas. Service: Qatar. On time: Lufthansa &amp; Swiss. Friendly Crews: Fiji Air and Air New Zealand. Best Cattle Class Seat Pitches: All Nippon, Korean, Japan. Worst Airline: Jetstar!</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Tips

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Readers response: What advice would you give to seniors looking to start a new relationship?

<p>When entering the dating world, there are always nerves, expectations and excitement at any age.</p> <p>But when it comes to dating and starting new relationships in your senior years, priorities can be skewed, and meeting someone can be nerve-wracking. </p> <p>We asked our readers what advice they would you give to seniors looking to start a new relationship, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Judy Chappell</strong> - Don’t! Nothing better than independence &amp; freedom late in life after 63 years married. I have my kids, grandkids, great grandies &amp; great friends that’s enough for me. Don’t need another male around.</p> <p><strong>Jan Heggie</strong> - If it feels right, do it. If it doesn’t feel right after a while, leave. Life is too short to not enjoy it.</p> <p><strong>Karen Simpson Nikakis</strong> - Put legals in place to protect your assets, do not cohabit or marry, and split all bills. </p> <p><strong>Lois Hone </strong>- Be true to yourself. Choose someone who completes you, the one person you feel you can’t live without. The one person, who makes you smile, laugh and is still there when you are sad and hurt and wants to support you. Oh and if they like to cook and clean as well, go for it!</p> <p><strong>Julie Fause</strong>r - Live each in your own home.</p> <p><strong>Marilyn Langelaar </strong>- Do not compare to previous partner.</p> <p><strong>Janet Olsson</strong> - Be careful. Don't rush into anything.</p> <p><strong>Lynn Dilley</strong> - Just go for it if you are happy and feel safe, but keep your money and documents to yourself.</p> <p><strong>Merle Finlayson</strong> - Go for it! It’s never too late.</p> <p><strong>Margot R McCamley </strong>- Enjoy the relationship, but there are always buts so tread carefully. Think it through thoroughly, but don't dismiss it as folly.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Readers response: What have you had to cut out of your life to cope with cost of living pressures?

<p>As the cost of living continues to rise, many people have had to cut things out of their day to day spending to cope with the financial struggles. </p> <p>We asked our readers what they have had to cut out of their budgets to cope with cost of living pressures, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Wendy Oliver</strong> - We don’t eat out often at all… I spend too much in the supermarket.</p> <p><strong>Christine Brooks</strong> - I've cut out steak, good nutritional foods, TV streaming, entertainment, haircuts, new clothes, pets, pool cleaning, and more.</p> <p><strong>Kerrie Dare</strong> - I limit steak meals. I've stopped my haircuts to every 4 months. Internet is getting chopped. I can only afford exercise classes twice a week. I don't eat as much fruit as I used too. I only buy groceries when on special. One bottle of wine per fortnight. One slice of sourdough in the morning, which means the loaf lasts a week. I turn on my washing machine around every 10 days &amp; I have quick showers. No eating out or take away. Maybe one cup of coffee per week with a friend. Movies once every 6 weeks as a social group. No concerts or clubs. I drive only locally, so a tank of petrol lasts 1 month. No weekends away.</p> <p><strong>Jane Dawes</strong> - No coffees, beauty treatments, hairdresser, eating out, takeouts etc. The trouble is not affording to spend on certain items has a flow on effect for businesses. Everyone is suffering. </p> <p><strong>Lois E. Fisk</strong> - Going out to eat or see movies in the cinema or live plays or new clothes. I shop at the least expensive grocery stores as much as possible, and good cuts of meat rarely happen.</p> <p><strong>Janice Stenning</strong> - Don't go to the hairdressers as often and don't buy as many clothes. </p> <p><strong>Debra Dugar </strong>- Thinking about dropping my extras cover of my insurance. By the time I pay for it, I can't afford the gap you have to pay.</p> <p><strong>Robyn Lee </strong>- Living in my own house. I now live with my family. </p> <p><strong>Rhondda Hughes</strong> - Well, petrol is expensive so I have to really think if I can afford to visit anyone. I can’t eat meat much and even vegetables can be expensive. We have three chickens so they give us eggs but good quality eggs and healthy chickens require money too. Fortunately I live in Perth so, in comparison to other states, it isn’t as cold however the cost of heating is a significant consideration and therefore I just tend to go to bed.</p> <div style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Felicity Jill Murphy</strong> - Stopped going out to shopping centres. That's where I spend money unnecessarily.</div> <div style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></div> <div style="font-family: inherit;"> </div> <div class="x6s0dn4 x3nfvp2" style="font-family: inherit; align-items: center; display: inline-flex; min-width: 584px;"> <ul class="html-ul xe8uvvx xdj266r x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n0m28w x78zum5 x1wfe3co xat24cr xsgj6o6 x1o1nzlu xyqdw3p" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px -8px 0px 4px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; display: flex; min-height: 15px; line-height: 12px; caret-color: #1c1e21; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 12.000001px;" aria-hidden="false"> <li class="html-li xdj266r xat24cr xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1rg5ohu x1emribx x1i64zmx" style="display: inline-block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 8px;"> </li> </ul> </div> <p> </p>

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Readers response: What was your worst flying experience?

<p>When it comes to travelling by plane, some trips are better than others. </p> <p>While some people have a general fear of flying, others are traumatised from flights from hell that turn bumpy for a list of different reasons. </p> <p>We asked our readers to tell us about their worst flying experience, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Lee Ayles</strong> - On a flight Melbourne to LA. No kidding, 8hrs of rocking and rolling the whole time. The lady sitting behind me had her rosary beads and praying non- stop, my daughter slept through the whole ordeal. The flight attendants were so helpful and put us at ease. Think I drank gin and tonics through the whole thing. Needless to say slept the next 4 hours before a great landing in LA.</p> <p><strong>Roz Weitenberg</strong> - Flying from Columbo (Sri Lanka) to the Maldives in a twin engine King Air 350. My husband was flying the airplane and we got caught up in a storm that was so intense, I really thought the poor little aircraft would break up. Even the Sri Lankan B777 ahead of us was going to turn back to Columbo. That was the worst flying experience I have ever had.</p> <p><strong>Anne Morrison</strong> - Last year flying Singapore to Johannesburg, South Africa and return (which was worse). So much turbulence the whole way I was actually sick, lady in front said "we're all going to die" and I thought so too. Absolutely frightening.</p> <p><strong>George Jan Cafcakis</strong> - Flying Qantas from Sydney to Dallas. Worst flight I have ever had. Tray broken, no screen and food and service nearly non existent. Disgusting, and the same on the way back. Never flown Qantas ever again.</p> <p><strong>Jim Janush</strong> - Flying from Budapest to Vilnius in 1993, during an electrical storm late at night. The lightning was very intense, seemed to be so close that it appeared all the planes interior lights were on.</p> <p><strong>Audrey Forrester</strong> - Flying out of Kununurra and the pilot forgot to put cap on fuel. We ran out and had to emergency land on Lake Argilewe, thankfully we were in a sea plane. </p> <p><strong>Lorraine Taylor </strong>- Singapore to Zurich with Swiss Air. The woman in front of me lowered her seat far back I was pinned in my seat. I asked the air hostess for help and she said there was nothing she could do. I couldn’t move for 8 hours and despite continually asking her to raise her seat she just laughed. Worst trip ever and I’ll never fly Swiss Air again.</p> <p><strong>Linda Sutherland</strong> - Looking out the window of the 747 over the Indian Ocean and watching the engine fall off.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Readers response: What would you do if you won $1,000,000 in the lottery tomorrow?

<p>Many people, especially those who indulge in weekly lottery tickets, like to fantasise about what they would do if they came into a huge sum of money.</p> <p>For some people, their first purchase would be a house or a once in a lifetime holiday, while others would give the money to family or charity. </p> <p>We asked our reader what they would do if they won $1 million in the lottery tomorrow, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Anne Hare</strong> - I'd find a really good accountant and put him on retainer. I'd tell no one until I'd got my finances in order. Then I'd go nuts!</p> <p><strong>Irene Winters</strong> - Give most of it to our children and grandchildren, and keep a bit to pay for our old age.</p> <p><strong>Erica Whitehead</strong> - Help my family and do a kitchen and bathroom renovation.</p> <p><strong>Julie Armstrong</strong> - 1 million would be perfect for us to buy a house and live out the rest of ours days comfortably and not have to stress over the rent increases. Plus, we could pay off our daughter's mortgage.</p> <p><strong>Darlene Challen</strong> - Fix this house up properly, sell it and find my dream little house for myself and my dog, might spend Christmas in NY and/or go on a tropical cruise, then put the rest away for my 9 grandies.</p> <p><strong>Karen Neilson</strong> - Give a big chunk to my children and grandchildren, then give some to each of my siblings and Brother in Law. Keep some for myself, just enough to live comfortably for the few years I’m still on this earth! Give some to Cancer Research, The Heart Foundation and the Rescue Chopper. Give some to a couple of friend who do it tough.</p> <p><strong>Marlene Hassett</strong> - Buy a new car and a couple of things around my house and the rest to my kids and grandkids.</p> <p><strong>Alex Elson</strong> - I would finally, finally take our van out of the shed and go away for a while! </p> <p><strong>Jeannine Litmanowicz</strong> - I would open a scholar fund for my grandchildren so they have money for higher education when they grow up. And also, since they are still young, I would treat them to a week travelling around with them and my daughters and husbands to the Balkans.</p> <p><strong>Christine Whyte</strong> - Keep myself very comfortable till it was time to distribute to 10 grandkids.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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