Ian McIntosh's Top 10 travel deals

Ian McIntosh's Top 10 travel deals Veteran travel journalist providing the very best weekly deals for Australian travellers with my FREE weekly newsletter

This week's top travel deals: MALAYSIA AIRLINES Black Friday deals include up to 20% off selected flights to destination...
01/12/2025

This week's top travel deals:
MALAYSIA AIRLINES Black Friday deals include up to 20% off selected flights to destinations like Singapore, Krabi, and Tokyo, along with up to 25% off children's fares. Enrich members can get an extra 5% off, and there are also savings on Golden Lounge access and seat selection.

CATHAY PACIFIC has also joined the Black Friday promo but I don't have final details. Here is the message: “On Thursday 27 November 2025, our highly anticipated Black Friday Sale to all our destinations worldwide is landing. Get ready to discover more of the world with savings on flights to everywhere we fly."

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES Black Friday bonus is up to 45% off and US$500 shipboard credit per suite on select ultra-luxury voyages - but you need to hurry. The deals sail away on December 2. Have a look at the 18 night Sydney to Singapore sailing departing on January 27 2026.

HX EXPEDITIONS, the world’s oldest and longest running expedition cruise company, has list of discounted fares on voyages to Antarctica. For instance: Life Returns: Springtime Expedition to Antarctica –23 days, cruising from October 2026. Savings are from AU$6,816 - but again you need to hurry. December 3 is the last day to book.

EUROPCAR is ready to get you on the road for less: save up to 20% on your next car hire for Cyber Monday. Book until December 7 and hit the road.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA’s Black Friday contribution is up to 50% off economy X seats - more legroom for less is the slogan.

BOOKING.COM is offering up to 40% off stays until December 3. There are also deals on flights, car rental and airport transfers.

FROM LAST WEEK:

CELESTYAL has unveiled a new snap sale offering savings of up to 70% on 113 sailings departing between December 2025 and October 2027. Sailings in Greece and the Mediterranean include 16 departures of the seven-night ‘Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia cruise, sailing roundtrip from Athens.

ACCOR is the choice if you are heading to NZ - Stay two+ nights and enjoy up to 20% off across more than 30 hotels.

SILVERSEA, the luxury cruise operator, has a Black Friday savings of up to $15,000 on expedition and $10,000 on classic voyages, available on more than 950 sailings. The deals end December 2.

NORWEGIAN is also in the black offering up to 50% off cruises, free premium beverages and up to $1,000 air fare credit.

CELEBRITY’S Black deal is 75% off the second guest and bonus savings on selected dates.

OCEANIA - not to be outdone, is offering up to 50% off on a long list of selected sailings.

PRINCESS CRUISES says forget about Black Friday - the Blue Friday Sale is full steam ahead. Until December 9 2025, you can book your next Princess cruise with 50% reduced deposits.

FIREFLY - sister airline to Malaysia Airlines - invites you to discover more of Southeast Asia. From $599 return, connect seamlessly to destinations including Krabi, Cebu and Siem Reap via Kuala Lumpur.

NIB TRAVEL INSURANCE will be offering 20% off all domestic and international policies until December 9, 2025.

WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departures in 2025 and 2026, plus savings on Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2027. Choose from tours to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and more.

ACCOMMODATION: The Christmas decorations went up last night in ever busy Merchants Street Valletta. Despite how late it is in the season, there are still plenty of people strolling about Malta's capital. Ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John, Valletta's 320 monuments, all within an area of 55 ha, make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. If you want to really spoil yourself stay at The Saint John hotel - get a premium room overlooking Merchants Street. You will be right in the centre of the action - and the rooms are outstanding - large, beautifully decorated, with all of the trimmings. We have stayed here twice now and can happily recommend the experience.

TRADE ONLY: Breakaway Travel Club has some last minute industry deals for the school holidays aboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Included is an 11 night New Zealand Cruise departing Sydney on December 28 2025 aboard RCL’s Anthem of the Seas.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Want to join our mailing list? Send a request to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller. Remember, we have no commercial relationship with any operator.

This week's top travel deals: CELESTYAL has unveiled a new snap sale offering savings of up to 70% on 113 sailings depar...
24/11/2025

This week's top travel deals: CELESTYAL has unveiled a new snap sale offering savings of up to 70% on 113 sailings departing between December 2025 and October 2027. Sailings in Greece and the Mediterranean include 16 departures of the seven-night ‘Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia cruise, sailing roundtrip from Athens.

ETIHAD’s Global Black Friday deals offer up to 35% off your favourite destinations, and you earn miles every time
you fly. Book by November 30 2025 for travel from January to June 2026.

CHINA EASTERN is offering Business Class round-trip from Australia to Europe fares from $5,990. Seats are limited. Travel period is from Jan to August 2026. More details, Your Holidays or your travel agent.

FROM LAST WEEK:
ACCOR is the choice if you are heading to NZ - Stay two+ nights and enjoy up to 20% off across more than 30 hotels.

AIR TAHITI says the islands are on sale - and has released a long list of holiday ideas including Niu Beach Moorea from $3699pp twin share featuring two nights in Tahiti and five in Moorea.

SILVERSEA, the luxury cruise operator, has a Black Friday savings of up to $15,000 on expedition and $10,000 on classic voyages, available on more than 950 sailings. The deals end December 2.

NORWEGIAN is also in the black offering up to 50% off cruises, free premium beverages and up to $1,000 air fare credit.

CELEBRITY’S Black deal is 75% off the second guest and bonus savings on selected dates.

OCEANIA - not to be outdone, is offering up to 50% off on a long list of selected sailings.

PRINCESS CRUISES says forget about Black Friday - the Blue Friday Sale is full steam ahead. Until December 9 2025, you can book your next Princess cruise with 50% reduced deposits.

FIREFLY - sister airline to Malaysia Airlines - invites you to discover more of Southeast Asia. From $599 return, connect seamlessly to destinations including Krabi, Cebu and Siem Reap via Kuala Lumpur.

NIB TRAVEL INSURANCE will be offering 20% off all domestic and international policies until December 9, 2025.

ANA has an interesting business class deal if you are heading to Paris from Sydney and don’t mind travelling via Tokyo. Cost is from $7378 return.

WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departures in 2025 and 2026, plus savings on Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2027. Choose from tours to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and more.

ACCOMMODATION: The Christmas decorations went up last night in ever busy Merchants Street Valletta. Despite how late it is in the season, there are still plenty of people strolling about Malta's capital. Ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John, Valletta's 320 monuments, all within an area of 55 ha, make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. If you want to really spoil yourself stay at The Saint John hotel - get a premium room overlooking Merchants Street. You will be right in the centre of the action - and the rooms are outstanding - large, beautifully decorated, with all of the trimmings. We have stayed here twice now and can happily recommend the experience.

SOFITEL ADELAIDE has the answer if you are looking for a luxury break. Enjoy an elegant overnight stay, a three-course dinner and lavish buffet breakfast at Garçon Bleu, plus a welcome drink from $599.

TRADE ONLY:
The Travel Industry Club’s Sue Francis says 2026 Industry Rates for Seabourn are now available.
Mediterranean sailings for 2026 are open from June to October, with 7,14 and 21-day itineraries. Look also at the interesting itineraries in Japan, Asia, and Alaska.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Want to join our mailing list? Send a request to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller. Remember, we have no commercial relationship with any operator.

This week's top travel deals: Cruise lines in particular love events like Black Friday to push their products - but don’...
18/11/2025

This week's top travel deals:
Cruise lines in particular love events like Black Friday to push their products - but don’t be overwhelmed. They have more sales than a lottery winner has new friends.

OCEANIA is offering up to 50% off on a long list of selected sailings.

HELLOWORLD has a series of new deals featuring the ultra luxury yacht Scenic Eclipse. Book before December 7 and receive exclusive savings of up to $22,600 per suite. Itineraries start at 12 nights Antarctica In Depth priced from $27.689 pp twin share.

ATURA HOTELS has a deal for its EVT members - enjoy up to 30% off stays until 30 April 2026.

WEBJET has a special for ski lovers heading to Japan with flights to Tokyo priced from $819 return. You have until November 26 to book.

ACCOR is the choice if you are heading to NZ - Stay two+ nights and enjoy up to 20% off across more than 30 hotels.

AIR TAHITI says the islands are on sale - and has released a long list of holiday ideas including Niu Beach Moorea from $3699pp twin share featuring two nights in Tahiti and five in Moorea.

SILVERSEA, the luxury cruise operator, has a Black Friday savings of up to $15,000 on expedition and $10,000 on classic voyages, available on more than 950 sailings. The deals end December 2.

NORWEGIAN is also in the black offering up to 50% off cruises, free premium beverages and up to $1,000 air fare credit.

CELEBRITY’S Black deal is 75% off the second guest and bonus savings on selected dates.

NESUTO HOTELS Black Friday deal is up to 30% off across Australia and New Zealand. Choose from 11 properties including the Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne from $169.

FIREFLY - sister airline to Malaysia Airlines - invites you to discover more of Southeast Asia. From $599 return, connect seamlessly to destinations including Krabi, Cebu and Siem Reap via Kuala Lumpur.

CATHAY PACIFIC’s Flyaway sale means savings when you take-off to destinations including Japan, Korea, the Chinese Mainland, India and the subcontinent, and the Middle East.

NIB TRAVEL INSURANCE will be offering 20% off all domestic and international policies until December 9, 2025.

ANA has an interesting business class deal if you are heading to Paris from Sydney and don’t mind travelling via Tokyo. Cost is from $7378 return.

CHEVAL is offering up to 30% off at any Cheval Collection property in London and Dubai. As well, enjoy an extra 10% off when you sign up as a CHEVAL DISCOVERY member.

FROM LAST WEEK:
WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departures in 2025 and 2026, plus savings on Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2027. Choose from tours to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and more.

PRINCESS CRUISES says forget about Black Friday - the Blue Friday Sale is full steam ahead. Until December 9 2025, you can book your next Princess cruise with 50% reduced deposits.

HELLOWORLD invites you to visit the Northern Territory with some great fares from Virgin and packages to Alice Springs and the Top End. A four day Discover Alice special costs from $679pp twin share - or spend seven days discovering the NT from $1669.

CATHAY PACIFIC advises the ultimate rugby weekend is back. "Experience the thrill of the Hong Kong Sevens in 2026 with our online exclusive early-bird packages starting from $1,488. Book now with the discount code EARLYR7AU to lock in exclusive early-bird deals on Flight + Event Ticket packages."

TRADE ONLY:
US based Vacations to Go has gathered the best cruise deals and organised them according to cruise length. Along with oceangoing cruises VTG also offers the world's largest selection of river cruises in Europe, the US and other destinations.

The Travel Industry Club also has hundreds of cruise industry offers on its website with many 2026 Northern Hemisphere sailings now available. The Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic seasons are underway and there is always a steady collection for Asia, Africa and repositioning cruises.

AAT Kings has announced an A-LISTER rewards incentive designed to recognise and reward its most engaged travel advisors, with gift cards up for grabs for every qualifying booking made throughout November (up to $100 eGift cards available).

Interline Travel has a very long list of Seabourn specials - the hardest part will be to pick just one from the list.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.

This week's top travel deals. WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departur...
11/11/2025

This week's top travel deals.

WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departures in 2025 and 2026, plus savings on Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2027. Choose from tours to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and more.

QANTAS Red Tail Aussie sale runs out soon. From reef dives in Cairns, to brunch dates in Melbourne or stargazing in the Top End, start planning your dream getaway. Sale ends 11.59pm (AEDT) 13 November 2025.

PRINCESS CRUISES says forget about Black Friday - the Blue Friday Sale is full steam ahead. Until December 9 2025, you can book your next Princess cruise with 50% reduced deposits.

HELLOWORLD invites you to visit the Northern Territory with some great fares from Virgin and packages to Alice Springs and the Top End. A four day Discover Alice special costs from $679pp twin share - or spend seven days discovering the NT from $1669.

FROM LAST WEEK:

CATHAY PACIFIC advises the ultimate rugby weekend is back. Experience the thrill of the Hong Kong Sevens in 2026 with our online exclusive early-bird packages starting from $1,488. Book now with the discount code EARLYR7AU to lock in exclusive early-bird deals on Flight + Event Ticket packages.

HX EXPEDITIONS is the world’s longest running expedition cruise company. With bookings now open for the 2026 Antarctica season voyages, HX is offering some great sales to incentivise travellers to take that next step with up to $7,635 off all-inclusive expeditions. Conditions apply. Itineraries include Highlights of Antarctica - 12 days with savings of $1264. Book by December 3.

ACCOR invites you to save 20% or more and double your reward points. Book by 1st December 2025 and stay between December 8 2025 and March 15 2026. You’ll automatically enjoy both offers combined.

LUXURY ESCAPES has a deal if you are heading to London. The hotel is the Marble Arch near Hyde Park - get two nights in a deluxe room plus buffet breakfast plus a bottle of wine for from $649.

TOURING: Spain’s Alhambra is a lesson to us all about the power and beauty of simplicity and the importance of blending architecture with nature. In a beautiful hilltop setting of natural gardens, this haven for Sultans that dates back to 1238 takes you into another world - where architecture joins with nature to create one of the world’s wonders. If you are thinking he must mean like the clipped, formal gardens at Versailles in France - think again. No this is a garden that nature intended - fun of flowers, trees, pines, roses - all allowed to contribute to a wonderful backdrop for the buildings and palaces. So, as you stroll about the site (not for people with walking difficulties i am afraid) - heading as untold numbers of diplomatics, government officials and even citizens did to see the almighty Sultan - you pass beautifully crafted windows time and time again with breathtaking views over these lovely gardens. Water also plays a vital part in the original plan. Beautiful little fountains are everywhere - and just before the entrance to the Suntan’s reception room - a long pool reflects the beauty of the entire scene. Stand behind in the Kings Hall and behold the wonder of it all. Our trip up and back from Malaga took three hours - and with the tickets and guide was costly - but the experience was priceless.

TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club has just updated all Silversea rates on its website — many have been significantly reduced. Now is the perfect time to secure your next voyage at the best possible price.
Breakaway Travel Club has some great deals aboard Oceania - check out Bali to Sydney February 22, 2026 - 21 Nights aboard Riviera.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.

This week's top travel deals: CATHAY PACIFIC advises The ultimate rugby weekend is back. Experience the thrill of the Ho...
01/11/2025

This week's top travel deals: CATHAY PACIFIC advises The ultimate rugby weekend is back. Experience the thrill of the Hong Kong Sevens in 2026 with our online exclusive early-bird packages starting from $1,488. Book now with the discount code EARLYR7AU to lock in exclusive early-bird deals on Flight + Event Ticket packages.

HX EXPEDITIONS is the world’s longest running expedition cruise company. With bookings now open for the 2026 Antarctica season voyages, HX is offering some great sales to incentivise travellers to take that next step with up to $7,635 off all-inclusive expeditions. Conditions apply. Itineraries include Highlights of Antarctica - 12 days with savings of $1264. Book by December 3.

HURTIGRUTEN is discounting one of its top selling tour packages - Oslo - Honningsvåg - Rovaniemi – Helsinki. Travel by rail, sea, and land through breathtaking Nordic landscapes and Arctic wonders and save $1000 per cabin and receive $1000 in onboard credit.

QANTAS Red Tail international sale is on - but you only have until November 5. From the bright lights of Los Angeles to the lively beaches of Bali, discover spectacular sights and savings.

WQ HOTEL Wellington is celebrating its arrival with 20% off long weekend stays plus complimentary breakfast. The hotel features 108 bright and contemporary rooms with sweeping city skyline views equipped with modern amenities including high-speed WiFi.

ACCOR invites you to save 20% or more and double your reward points. Book by 1st December 2025 and stay between December 8 2025 and March 15 2026. You’ll automatically enjoy both offers combined.

PONANT EXPEDITIONS latest offer means you can save 10% on combined itineraries next year in Europe. Itineraries include 16 nights from Athens to Malaga departing October 22 2026.

FROM LAST WEEK:

VIKING invites you to book a 2026-2028 river voyage and fly free up to the value of $5000 per couple. Use code FFR25.

LUXURY ESCAPES has a deal if you are heading to London. The hotel is the Marble Arch near Hyde Park - get two nights in a deluxe room plus buffet breakfast plus a bottle of wine for from $649.

ALDI HOLIDAYS - yes the supermarket people - always have holiday deals - how about the Pacific Jewels holiday - 21 nights fly/cruise/stay featuring Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand priced from $4999. Sail with Royal Caribbean in October 2026. Aldi claims the value is as much as $9,000.

TOURING: Launceston Tasmania: Accommodation - you can really spend and head for the Pump House or Stillwater. We have experienced both properties and give them a high five. However if you are looking for a very comfortable inner city property with a great restaurant I would recommend The Sebel Launceston. Very comfortable, very friendly - great food (the presentation is amazing) at Bluestone Restaurant. Don’t miss dinner at Black Cow Bistro (only for carnivores) but you have to book and we recommend doing so weeks, if not months ahead. Always booked out.
Touring: Don't miss the Clover Hill Winery - an architectural surprise made out of rammed earth with lovely country views. The wines are exquisite - you can move through from the flinty dry to a drop to your taste. We really enjoyed the Foudre - an oak aged chardonnay champagne. Next came Jansz - rather lovely sitting out overlooking a lake and the surrounding countryside and sipping more champagne. Our favourite - the 2021 vintage cuvee. Next day we visited the Callington Mill in Oatlands Tasmania. Very high quality tourism infrastructure here - and a working mill driven by wind. If you’re off to Tassie and looking to do some distillery visits, this one is a must. Its Pedro Ximenez whisky has just beaten all other single malt whiskies to be crowned king at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Next was a champagne tasting at Tamar Ridge cellar door, lunch at Stillwater and a lazy, sunny afternoon in pretty Evandale where we seem to regularly head to browse a cluttered, old fashioned store full of fabulous stuff. Finally we enjoyed a day trip to Devonport - home to an truely amazing pile of collectibles called the Antique Aquarium. On the way we called into the Van Dieman Creamery at Elizabeth Town and ate a monster load of different flavours - then staggered across the road to the Raspberry Hills Cafe. You need at least four days to enjoy some of the goodies Launceston has to offer.

TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club invites you to experience the future of cruising with Celebrity Edge. Edge—one of the most talked-about ships at sea—is sailing in our waters this summer, and limited availability remains on select departures. According to Sue Francis: This ship offers revolutionary design with private spaces and dedicated service. Great deals on Azamara as well.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.

IMG_6946.jpegThe good news is I am in Tasmania to visit wineries and distilleries - the bad? - my computer has packed it...
26/10/2025

IMG_6946.jpeg

The good news is I am in Tasmania to visit wineries and distilleries - the bad? - my computer has packed it in. So, no access to some of the latest deals - but I can update you if you are planning on visiting this wonderful part of the world. He is in Hobart you are thinking - no we are in Launceston or Launnie is it is known by the locals. So here are a few tips if you are heading this way.

ACCOMMODATION: You can really spend and head for the Pump House or Stillwater. We have experienced both properties and give them a high five. However if you are looking for a very comfortable inner city property with a great restaurant I would recommend The Sebel Launceston. Very comfortable, very friendly - great food at Bluestone Restaurant. Don’t miss dinner at Black Cow Bistro (only for carnivores) but you have to book and we recommend doing so weeks, if not months ahead. Always booked out.

TOURING. We headed today to the Clover Hill Winery - an architectural surprise made out of rammed earth with lovely country views. The wines are exquisite - you can move through from the flinty dry to a drop to your taste. We really enjoyed the Foudre - an oak aged chardonnay champagne. Next came Jansz - rather lovely sitting out overlooking a lake and the surrounding countryside and sipping more champagne. Our favourite - the 2021 vintage cuvee. More from Tassie next week.

VIKING invites you to book a 2026-2028 river voyage and fly free up to the value of $5000 per couple. Use code FFR25.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES has released a save up to 15% deal on selected flights. Book by November 2for travel until June 30, 2026.

CATHAY PACIFIC has a save $100 deal going if you are heading to Hong Kong and paying with Mastercard. Book by November 5.

LUXURY ESCAPES has a deal if you are heading to London. The hotel is the Marble Arch near Hyde Park - get two nights in a deluxe room plus buffet breakfast plus a bottle of wine for from $649.

FLIGHT CENTRE is promoting a 12 day fly and guided tour holiday to China priced from $1699. The claimed value is $4099.

INSPIRING VACATIONS is worth a look if you are planning a trip to Africa. Deals include 13 days Essential South Africa with Victoria Falls from $5295pp twin share.

FROM LAST WEEK:

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released Time to Travel fares for 2026. The sale is until 05 November 2025. Fares shown are for return travel ppbetween 19 January 2026 to 26 October 2026 inclusive, blackout periods apply. I am talking ex Adelaide - but London costs - Economy 1,679, Business 9,020.

ACCOR wonders if you are heading to New Zealand? This summer, save 15% on stays of two nights or more plus 5% extra for ALL members. From Pullman and Mövenpick to Novotel and ibis, your escape awaits.

ALDI HOLIDAYS - yes the supermarket people - always have holiday deals - how about a 24 day best of Europe fly and tour holiday from London priced from $6999. They claim it is valued at 11000pp. Travel in April-December 2026.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.

Sent from my iPhone

This week's top travel deals: People often ask me - how do you know if an airline's Early Bird deal is value? Well I put...
20/10/2025

This week's top travel deals:
People often ask me - how do you know if an airline's Early Bird deal is value? Well I put in a set of dates - and check the price of all airlines - currently February 17 to London, return March 14 2026. I don't use Adelaide as the home port because the city of churches always gets ripped off. I am looking at business class. I would also advise don't always take the word of Webjet - carriers can have private deals for regular flyers. So - the best deals - Turkish $7021 (2 stops) Malaysia $7900, Qatar $9358, Singapore Airlines $9772, Emirates $10558. Remember you need to look carefully at what you are buying - do you really want to stopover for ???? hours? Best deal in my opinion - Malaysia Airlines. Looking forward to trying the new A330 Neo.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released Time to Travel fares for 2026. The sale is until 05 November 2025. Fares shown are for return travel pp between 19 January 2026 to 26 October 2026 inclusive, blackout periods apply. I am talking ex Adelaide - but London costs - Economy 1,679, Business 9,020.

ETIHAD EarlyBird deals end on October 29. The carrier now offers its A350-1000 aircraft ex-Sydney - equipped with 44 Business Suites, which include sliding doors for enhanced privacy and comfort. Sydney to Amsterdam prices in Business start at $7817. Check from your local departure port.

QATAR AIRWAYS has also released Early Bird fares to Europe in 2026. Book by 31 October 2025, for travel from 19 January until 31 October 2026.

MYCRUISES is offering 2027 departures to China. A 15 Day Fly, Train and Small Group Tour from Beijing to Shanghai including premium accommodation, 5-star Yangtze River cruise, return flights plus other savings and low deposit is priced from $3999. Book by the end of this month.

VIKING says with flights included, its 8‑day Rhine Getaway is real value. Sail from Basel to Amsterdam or vice versa. Cost is fromAU$5,395pp and fly free up to the value AU$5,000 per couple when you book by‌ 1‌ December‌ 2025‌. Use code FFR25.

HELLOWORLD has a long list of cruise deals including a 10 night Christmas in New Zealand deal with Disney. Book before 31 October and receive exclusive savings of up to $2,700 per stateroom on select itineraries, plus return international flights from select Australia cities.

From last week:

MALAYSIA AIRLINES is promoting its new A330 Neo. I don't know about other states but in Adelaide the aircraft takes off in March next year. Long overdue I might add - the current aircraft is very tired inside. We had duct tape on the arm of one of the seats I was told the other day. I have checked the business class deals - they certainly are good value.

ACCOR wonders if you are heading to New Zealand? This summer, save 15% on stays of two nights or more plus 5% extra for ALL members. From Pullman and Mövenpick to Novotel and ibis, your escape awaits.

ALDI HOLIDAYS - yes the supermarket people - always have holiday deals - how about a 24 day best of Europe fly and tour holiday from London priced from $6999. They claim it is valued at 11000pp. Travel in April-December 2026.

TRADE ONLY: Travel Industry Club standout cruise deals include: Auckland to Melbourne; 9-night Australian Wine Cruise (Sydney); Singapore to Cape Town (30 days) - and Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap from $3,607.

Breakaway Travel Club is promoting Regent Seven Seas Cruises including January 5, 2026 - 18 Nights Seven Seas Navigator Departing from Singapore Arriving in Sydney.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.

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