Travel DAZE: Dr Karl talks climate change, curing jet lag, fixing COVID, Melissa Caddick, and much more
There’s never a dull moment when Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is in the room and when he presented at the travel industry’s most anticipated event, Travel DAZE, it was a rollercoaster ride of entertainment, laughs and plenty of clever observations.
Before Dr Karl even burst onto the stage, he was greeted by our hilarious MC Chris Taylor from The Chaser, who reminisced on their time at Triple J together – joking that if you ran into Dr Karl in the hallways you weren’t getting any work done that day.
Dr Karl kicked off his talk with footage of the wildlife he saw on his recent journey to Antarctica and then dazzled the audience with an optical illusion in a metaphor about anticipation.
Anticipation, according to Dr Karl, is a crucial aspect of travel, and so too is a little bit of anxiety; particularly as people return to travel after so long.
It’s when the anxiety eclipses the anticipation that we may find ourselves in trouble.
To remedy this, Dr Karl suggests travel agents do more to promote excitement in the leadup to a client’s trip, while still providing clear and simple advice on risks and restrictions.
He spliced his analysis of anticipation with jokes about ‘scientific papers’ and ridiculing fringe scientific beliefs proposed by some American politicians.
He also proposed his conspiracy theory about Melissa Caddick, and how he reckons she was associated with gangs and lives in witness protection – all of course with the classic Dr Karl joviality and a throwaway “I’ve got no proof,” line at the end.
The good doctor also revealed his cure for jet lag and the secret to getting a good sleep on a long international flight using melatonin (unfortunately, his life hack only works if you forgo alcohol).
Driving the discussion were Dr Karl’s four messages of good hope, unpacking some of the most complex issues we face today:
- We can stop, and reverse, rising carbon dioxide levels, and climate change (discussing the Airbus Zero and how the fossil fuel industry manifests itself in the travel industry, the little to no tax that fossil fuel companies pay and that McDonalds employs more people than the fossil fuel industry).
- We are living in the most peaceful time in history (illustrating his point with a discussion of how many people died in wars over time as a percentage of the human population. It wasn’t very travel related but it was quite interesting. He also managed to slip in a humble brag about having Genghis Khan DNA).
- Each generation is smarter than the previous generation (touching on the hard truth that most people are smarter than their parents, Dr Karl revealed that every generation is on average 9 points higher than the previous generation).
- We can “fix” COVID-19 (believe it or not, it involved chickens).
The talk was followed by a quick Q&A, but considering the boisterous nature of Dr Karl and his chaotic yet very informative talk, the questions centred more on the nature of his funky shirts than travel.
If you missed this year’s Travel DAZE, then keep an eye out for next year’s event for plenty of fantastic speakers.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Airbus Zero Chris Taylor COVID-19 Dr Karl Melissa Caddick Travel DAZE Travel Daze 2022Latest News
Albury’s luxury boutique hotel, CIRCA 1928, is up for grabs
Luxury boutique hotel business CIRCA 1928, in the heart of the Albury’s CBD, is up for grabs. CRE Brokers has been appointed as the Exclusive Agency for the leasehold sale of the hotel in a major regional growth centre of NSW. Set in the tree-lined Dean Street, surrounded by the retail, food and entertainment offerings, […]
Grafton Travel passes the baton of ownership to Louise Thompson
After 17 years running the show, it's time to put your feet up, hopefully on a cruise ship floating somewhere.
Regent announces opening of the Regent Santa Monica Beach
Regent has returned to the US with the opening of Regent Santa Monica Beach, a beachfront resort combining the glamour of Los Angeles with the splendour of the coast. Regent Santa Monica Beach, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, reintroduces the Regent name to Los Angeles and becomes the brand’s first […]
CATO unites at World Travel Market London
The Council of Australian Tour Operators is poised to make a significant impact that the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Supported by the Australian Government’s Reinvigorating International Travel Grant (RITG) program, CATO’s impressive attendance signals a clear commitment to revitalising the travel industry and accelerating Australia’s outbound tourism recovery. WTM London has served […]
ICC Sydney hosts Global Nature Positive Summit
The International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit from 8 to 10 October. Around 1,000 delegates including international Ministers, environmental policy experts across government and corporate sectors, Indigenous People, and investors attended the landmark event. At the Summit, leaders explored effective ways to realise global commitments […]
Centennial Homestead welcomes The Paddock and Treehouse Rooftop Bar
Centennial Homestead, in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands, is stepping into a new era with its new The Paddock and Treehouse Rooftop Bar. Nestled with the stunning Parklands as a backdrop, the new spaces will be offering breakfast, lunch, weekend drinks with a view, or events. The Paddock seats more than 200 guests comfortably. With seamless integration […]
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for a boys’ trip
Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for men to enjoy a customised adventure or wellness weekend. “Boys’ weekends” have come a long way from fishing, footy, and pub grub, with guys keen to get away to destinations that offer everything from actions and adventure […]
Club Med launches inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report
Club Med has launched its inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report, a new source of key information to support companies with the implementation of sustainable initiatives at their events. As its MICE sector continues to accelerate, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays commissioned a survey on 200 key opinion leaders from a range of different […]
PONANT pulls the pin on Paspaley Pearl sailings in the Kimberley
Big new in the luxury cruise industry, but getting more details is like prizing an oyster from its shell.
Regional manager Stewart Williams departs Celestyal Cruises after restructure
We wish Stewart Williams the best of luck with his next chapter.
Hotel review: does Amanpulo in the Phillipines outshine the Australian coastline?
We set our sights on Pamalican Island, curious if its beauty might outshine the familiar splendour of our own Australian coasts. Upon our arrival, what Amanpulo presents is a transformation of natural beauty into something that borders on ethereal. The journey by seaplane – a cinematic touch – adds an air of mystery, as if […]
‘Magnifique!’ – Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky star in Experience Visit Abu Dhabi ad
When you have a family this photogenic, it would be rude not to appear in a travel advert.
Inside Travel Group picks up $40m investment from Piper and Cool Japan Fund
Not a bad investment win for Inside Travel Group! We are sure there's a few office celebrations happening today.
Celestyal, Visit Qatar & Qatar Airways to host F1 super famil with celebrity guest
If you want to go on this famil then join the very, very long queue.
UK-based Gray Dawes Group acquires Melbourne-based Verve Travel and Leisure
Who says there's no money in travel? Drinks all round for Kathryn and Kurt Sari.
Virgin Australia and American Express boost Velocity card benefits with lounge access and more
Have we got a deal for you! AmEx and Virgin double down on card status credits.
Yajambee Farms opens in the Moreton Bay region
We are not fully sure what a self-contained farm stay is but it sounds good.
Sydney marathon upgrade set to add $73million to NSW economy
Oh no. We were hoping to enter but looks like it will be too busy for us now. Oh well, sofa and potato chips for us.
Smoothing the customer data journey for travel and hospitality
Whilst giving your data away can be scary, we can all agree that it sucks to receive non-personalised ads.
Mondrian Hong Kong wins two AHEAD Asia 2024 awards
We aren't sure why exactly they won the awards. Looks like we will have to stay and find out for ourselves.
Top tips on visiting when Japan this winter, thanks to Japan Rail Pass
Basically don't be rude, exercise general social etiquette and you'll be good.
PONANT unveils Northern Lights Quest itineraries for 2025
They say the lights are mesemerising and you could look at this all night. Just thaw us out at the end please.
Pier One Sydney Harbour partners with Exceptional ALIEN
A golden key digital created a concierge to guide you around top city spots? Yes please.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey met trainer of winning horse on P&O Cruise
Forget snakes on a plane. We prefer the much friendlier 'horses on a cruise ship'.
Club Med kicks off industry first home based agent conference in sunny Bali
Apart from insightful keynotes and digital workshops, walking into the air-conditioned conference room was a highlight!
When in town for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Honeymoon Guesthouse is the place to call home
Don't worry - you don't actually have to be on your honeymoon to enjoy this special place.
Smartraveller keeps US green despite ‘potential for unrest and violence’ amidst presidential election
Whilst it may be safe to travel to the US, your holiday might be more peaceful if you hold off.
BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith to depart after 12 years
12 years is a pretty impressive tenure! We are sure Lyn Lewis-Smith will be very much missed.
Meet Roya I’Anson – the unstoppable hotelier who became a GM at JUST 27 after starting out cleaning rooms
At 27 the biggest responsibility we had was watering our housemate's pot plant. That didn't end well...
Kochi showcases its isolated Japanese appeal
Visiting isolated places is great, although you might want to brush up on your Japanese before you go.
Adelaide Marriott Hotel brings new life to city’s historic General Post Office
We once slept in a post office, but that ended up with a police caution. This is a better time.
APT brings the outback to Melbourne with custom Mercedes-Benz 4WDs
We thought this meant they were bringing trucks of kangaroos and wombats into Melbourne, sadly not.
Stories Unseen expands to Adelaide
If you hate real people, but love local industry knowledge, then this is for you!
To get the most out of France, take the Back-Roads
Just in case you needed more reasons to extend your visit to Europe in 2025, this is it!
Catriona Rowntree reveals her Top 10 Tips for the cruise season
Catriona has been telling how to get away for a while now, we are staggered at how long, and it's all sensible advice.
Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking
A great initiative for a very worthy cause! Nice to see the travel industry doing good.