Travel DAZE: Dr Karl talks climate change, curing jet lag, fixing COVID, Melissa Caddick, and much more

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.

Dr Karl presents his conspiracy theory about Melissa Caddick

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:

  1. 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).
  2. 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).
  3. 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).
  4. 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.

Latest News

  • Hotels

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, […]

  • Hotels

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 […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

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 […]

  • Events

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 […]

  • Conferences
  • Food & Beverage

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 […]

  • Destinations

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 […]

  • Conferences
  • Events

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 […]

  • Hotels

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 […]