Elephants, tea, ancient cities and fish markets; Belle is in the guest's seat this week, talking about travelling through the cultural triangle of central Sri Lanka.

We're talking coconut hoppers with pineapple jam, cave temples and best times to visit the UNESCO sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. Belle flew Jetstar's inaugural flight from Melbourne to Colombo, travelling with Intrepid Travel and staying with Sri Lankan hoteliers Jetwing Hotels.

We're also looking at the best places to eat in southwest USA, which now has its own Michelin guide. Too rich for your wallet? Don't forget the Bib Gourmand rating for classic regional dishes at affordable prices.

And our tip this week is how to shut down a chatty seatmate on flights; we're quoting flight-attendant-turned-etiquette-coach Jacqueline Whitmore, tune in for our take on this story in Travel & Leisure magazine.

Links: Check out the new Michelin guide to eating in the USA's southwest states and and their best places to eat near London Tube stations.

Jetstar now flies Melbourne-Colombo direct; jetstar.com

Intrepid Travel has 11 Sri Lankan itineraries intrepidtravel.com

Sri Lanka's Jetwing Hotels offer value, stylish mid-range and new luxury villa stays, jetwinghotels.com

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