Monday, 18 November 2024

This week's top travel deals












The Black Friday deals roll on - particularly from cruise companies. No one the industry takes cruise deals all that seriously by the way  - they have more sales than dogs sniff. As soon as one ends another starts - and it is not that unusual to find the "new" special is more expensive than the last. Just be aware. 

SILVERSEA,  the luxury cruise operator, invites you to sail away and save up to $10,000.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE'S  Black Friday savings have also docked, so go wherever the sea breeze takes you and enjoy 50% off cruises to the destinations you've always wanted to explore. But be quick, this offer won't be around for long.

CELEBRITY CRUISES is offering 75% off the second guest plus up to $400 bonus onboard credit per room. 

SEABOURN'S annual "Black Friday Sail" - available until December 3, 2024 - offers several value-added benefits on select 2025 and 2026 ocean and expedition voyages, including a two-category veranda suite upgrade plus a 15% reduced deposit in select markets.

VIKING's fly-free deal ended on the 15th - and already there is a new offer. Book your next voyage before‌ 18‍ December‍ 2024‌ to enjoy savings of $1,600 per couple plus a complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package on all European, Mississippi and Mekong river voyages.

eCLUB  members -Ready for a summer getaway?  Unlock your exclusive early access to Black Friday deals and save 20% on fully flexible rates at over 50 hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Plus, book now and stay at a participating hotel before 28 February 2025 to go in the draw to win 150,000 KrisFlyer miles.  

COLLETTE has a tour waiting for you in every corner of the world, crafted by local experts. Until December 4 save up to 25% on all tours world-wide plus enjoy a bonus $150 credit pp. 

IFLY HOLIDAYS Black Friday deals offer discounts and bonus credits across destinations world-wide the organisation claims. 

MALAYSIA AIRLINES family getaway sale includes special fares from AUD 619 all-in return. Book by 21 Nov 2024 - travel from 21 Jan until 31 Oct 2025. Remember Paris comes on line in March 2025.
 
CATHAY PACIFIC's Fly Away Sale brings you deals on flights to popular destinations in February, March and May 2025.  Sale ends 22 November 2024. A save $200 flights and hotel package has also been released. 

QANTAS RED TAIL SALE - Find sale fares to Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul, Manila, Delhi and Bengaluru - but you need to hurry.  The sale ends 11.59pm (AEDT) 19 November 2024.

KRISFLYER CRUISE  is a brand-new way to earn miles on your adventures out at sea. As a Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer member, you can now earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every USD 1 spent on cruise fares booked through KrisFlyerCruise.com

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Head to Japan/Korea from $794/round trip. Book before November 30, 2024, and travel until May 31, 2025.  

BEST WESTERN Early Bird deal. Book a minimum two night's stay as a Best Western rewards member before December 3 2024 and save 15% at select hotels in locations throughout Australia & New Zealand. 

iEXPEDITION invites you to embark on the Arctic adventure. Discover the pristine landscapes of the High Arctic, spotting rare wildlife, and sailing through breathtaking fjords and glaciers and save up to A$9,800pp until November 30, 2024.

ACCOR club members - Get 20% off on stays of two nights and more at 1000+ hotels, resorts and apartments across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. Book now for stays until  27 April 2025.

IHG One Rewards members can earn 3x bonus points at five of the company's brands for stays until December 31.

VIKING will have two ships sailing the Mekong River in 2027. Book by‌ 15‍ November 2024‌ to enjoy free return economy class international flights on selected‌ 2025‌, 2026‌ and 2027‌ departures.
 
HELLOWORLD TRAVEL has America on sale until November 30. Flights to say Seattle from Sydney start at $1533 - and specials include an eight day Nevada self-drive priced from $937pp. 

PONANT has launched its  2026 Kimberley season -  16 departures from May to September offer a 30% PONANT Bonus in savings.

AVLON WATERWAYS recommends Budapest as an ideal starting point for a river cruise and as an added incentive - book a 2025 Danube cruise and save up to $8,000 a couple. 

AZAMARA is adding Alaska to its itineraries - save 20% on new itineraries and enjoy $US300 credit, free wifi and a premium drinks package when you book a verandah stateroom and above. The cruise line is also offering up to $US750 onboard credit on selected voyages.

MSC CRUISES is offering $1000 in onboard credit and kids free on selected cruises in 2025.
 
FINNAIR has Finland on sale - Helsinki ex Sydney is priced from $1786 round trip until further notice.

GLOBUS/COSMOS: Book now and save up to $1,100 per couple on your next  European coach tour. 

SINGAPORE AIRLINES KRIS FLYER members - From now till December 14, 2024, enjoy 50% bonus miles when you convert your KrisFlyer miles to Shangri-La Circle Points. 

HURTIGRUTEN has a 25% discount on selected Coastal Express sailings (Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen, Bergen-Kirkenes, Kirkenes-Bergen), 'Coastal Express - Northern Lights' & Astronomy Voyage departing between now and 30th April, 2025.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Enjoy 15% off all flights between Australia and Vietnam every Saturday and Sunday. Use the code GREATDEAL to claim your discount. Book your tickets and travel by June 30, 2025.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  Crystal Cruises has released industry rates for Travel Industry Club members. More details Sue Francis. Breakaway Travel Club has some excellent deals aboard Celebrity in Jan, Feb and March next year including a Great Barrier Reef - Sydney Roundtrip.
Tauck recently demonstrated its support for Australian travel advisors with its largest-ever advisor-focused event series in Australia. The milestone week saw 195 advisors across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane attend Tauck training academies.

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.

Sunday, 10 November 2024

This week's top travel deals




IFLY HOLIDAYS Black Friday deals offer discounts and bonus credits across destinations worldwide the organisation says. 

BLACK FRIDAY discount shopping is a way of life in the US - and increasingly here. Traditionally the last Friday in November, the event is sure to attract a wide range of specials. For instance, Hilton properties will offer 20% off for two night stays.

CELEBRITY CRUISES has jumped onto the bandwagon,  offering 75% off the second guest plus up to $400 bonus onboard credit per room. Cruise companies have more sales than dogs bark - but you might get lucky.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES family getaway sale includes special fares from AUD 619 all-in return. Book by 21 Nov 2024 - travel from 21 Jan until 31 Oct 2025. Remember Paris comes on line in March 2025.
 
CATHAY PACIFIC's Fly Away Sale brings you deals on flights to popular destinations in February, March and May 2025.  Sale ends 22 November 2024. 

QATAR AIRWAYS has extended its early bird sale - but you have to hurry. It ends on November 13.

VIKING CRUISES free airfare for companions or $1000 off  pp promotion valid on new bookings for 2025, 2026 and 2027 river, ocean and expedition voyages ends on 15 November 2024. Solo travellers can also save 25% on single supplements across a selection of sailings.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Head to Japan/Korea from $794/round trip. Book before November 30, 2024, and travel until May 31, 2025.  

BEST WESTERN Early Bird deal. Book a minimum two night's stay as a Best Western rewards member before December 3 2024 and save 15% at select hotels in locations throughout Australia & New Zealand. 

HELLOWORLD has released a series of upmarket ultimate small group tours of New Zealand with savings for up to $600 a couple. Offer ends December 19 and includes a rail, coach and cruise 19 day package. 

ACCOR club members - Get 20% off on stays of two nights and more at 1000+ hotels, resorts and apartments across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. Book now for stays until  27 April 2025.

VIBE eclub members - As well as free parking at Vibe Melbourne docklands, unlock two-for-one ice-skating at O'Brien Icehouse Docklands, plus bowling, dodgem cars and complimentary arcade games at Archie Brother's Docklands. 

IHG One Rewards members can earn 3x bonus points at five of the company's brands for stays until December 31. Also, buy points now until 16 November 2024 and get 80% more.

VIKING will have two ships sailing the Mekong River in 2027. book by‌ 15‍ November 2024‌ to enjoy free return economy class international flights on selected‌ 2025‌, 2026‌ and 2027‌ departures.
 
HELLOWORLD TRAVEL has America on sale until November 30. Flights to say Seattle from Sydney start at $1533 - and specials include an eight day Nevada self-drive priced from $937pp. 

OCEANIA CRUISES has finally released its Europe & Alaska 2026 Collection of Voyages.  Deals include 50% reduced deposits. Explore 140 new itineraries, 11 new ports and 35 Grand Voyages.

PONANT invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey into the untouched wilderness of the Arctic from Baffin Sea to the fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen. Deals include free solo supplement and round trip flight Paris/longyearbyen.

AVALON WATERWAYS recommends Budapest as an ideal starting point for a river cruise and as an added incentive - book a 2025 Danube cruise and save up to $8,000 a couple. 

AZAMARA is adding Alaska to its itineraries - save 20% on new itineraries and enjoy $US300 credit, free wifi and a premium drinks package when you book a verandah stateroom and above. The cruise line is also offering up to $US750 onboard credit on selected voyages.

MSC CRUISES is offering $1000 in onboard credit and kids free on selected cruises in 2025.
 
FINNAIR has Finland on sale - Helsinki ex Sydney is priced from $1786 round trip until further notice.

FIJI AIRLINES will expand its Adelaide to Nadi service from two to three flights a week from April 2025. This service also offers SA travellers connections to the United States via Nadi.

GLOBUS/COSMOS: Book now and save up to $1,100 per couple on your next  European coach tour. 

SINGAPORE AIRLINES KRIS FLYER members - From now till December 14, 2024, enjoy 50% bonus miles when you convert your KrisFlyer miles to Shangri-La Circle Points. 

PONANT has a deal for golf lovers -  set sail aboard Le Jacques-Cartier on January 16, 2025 to explore New Zealand's East coast and enjoy a premium golf package. Other goodies include a flight credit and free solo supplement.

HURTIGRUTEN has a 25% discount on selected Coastal Express sailings (Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen, Bergen-Kirkenes, Kirkenes-Bergen), 'Coastal Express - Northern Lights' & Astronomy Voyage departing between now and 30th April, 2025.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Enjoy 15% off all flights between Australia and Vietnam every Saturday and Sunday. Use the code GREATDEAL to claim your discount. Book your tickets and travel by June 30, 2025.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  Swan Hellenic has released industry rates cruise fares with limited availability. Updated rates are on our website and can be booked now - Sue Francis Travel Industry Club.

CUNARD is calling on all travel agents to embark on an exclusive opportunity with its latest trade incentive with the chance to win 1 of 5 $1,000 gift cards! 

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.

Saturday, 2 November 2024

This week's top travel deals



SNOW SKIING IN JAPAN is now one of the big travel growth areas out of Australia - the best time to visit is typically from late December to early March with January and February the peak months says expert Helen Wong from Helen Wong Tours. One of Japan's most famous winter destinations, Nagano, recently  appointed  Helen as its first-ever Australian representative. Check her program for value packages.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Japan is hot right now - and so are these fares. Head to Japan/Korea from $794/round trip. Book before November 30, 2024, and travel until May 31, 2025. Check also Cathay Pacific prices. 

BLACK FRIDAY discount shopping is a way of life in the US - and increasingly here. Traditionally the last Friday in November, the event is sure to attract a wide range of specials. For instance, Hilton properties will offer 20% off for two night stays. 

HELLOWORLD invites you to discover Vietnam & Cambodia in 2025 with APT Luxury Travel. Bookings can attract savings of up to $4,200 per couple. Offer ends November 22 2024.

ACCOR club members - Get 20% off on stays of two nights and more at 1000+ hotels, resorts and apartments across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. Book now for stays until  27 April 2025.

VIBE eclub members - As well as free parking at Vibe Melbourne docklands, unlock two-for-one ice-skating at O'Brien Icehouse Docklands, plus bowling, dodgem cars and complimentary arcade games at Archie Brother's Docklands. 

THE LEGEND CHIANG RAI in Thailand has a soft opening special until November 11 - superior studio with breakfast for two from B1900 - that's around $A90.

VIKING will have two ships sailing the Mekong River in 2027. book by‌ 15‍ November 2024‌ to enjoy free return economy class international flights on selected‌ 2025‌, 2026‌ and 2027‌ departures.
 
HELLOWORLD TRAVEL has America on sale until November 30. Flights to say Seattle from Sydney start at $1533 - and specials include an eight day Nevada self-drive priced from $937pp.

OCEANIA CRUISES has finally released its Europe & Alaska 2026 Collection of Voyages. Deals include 50% reduced deposits. Explore 140 new itineraries, 11 new ports and 35 Grand Voyages.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released explorer fares plus enjoy companion fares when you book for two or more to selected European cities. Sale ends November 7.

IHG ONE REWARDS - Stays at avid hotels, voco, EVEN Hotels, Atwell Suites and Garner Hotels, from 1 October – 31 December 2024, will earn you 3X bonus points every time.

PONANT invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey into the untouched wilderness of the Arctic from Baffin Sea to the fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen. Deals include free solo supplement and round trip flight Paris/longyearbyen.

AVLON WATERWAYS recommends Budapest as an ideal starting point for a river cruise and as an added incentive - book a 2025 Danube cruise and save up to $8,000 a couple. 

AZAMARA is adding Alaska to its itineraries - save 20% on new itineraries and enjoy $US300 credit, free wifi and a premium drinks package when you book a verandah stateroom and above.

MSC CRUISES is offering $1000 in onboard credit and kids free on selected cruises in 2025.
 
FINNAIR has Finland on sale - Helsinki ex Sydney is priced from $1786 round trip until further notice.

FIJI AIRLINES will expand its Adelaide to Nadi service from two to three flights a week from April 2025. This service also offers SA travellers connections to the United States via Nadi.

FAR EAST HOSPITALITY has opened a new service residence in Singapore. Stay for six nights and get two nights free. Choose from four apartment types. 

VIKING CRUISES is offering free return economy class flights on all river journeys, and free airfares for companions on all ocean and expedition voyages. The offers are valid on new bookings for 2025, 2026 and 2027 river, ocean and expedition voyages from now until 15 November 2024. Solo travellers can also save 25% on single supplements across a selection of sailings.

GLOBUS/COSMOS: Book now and save up to $1,100 per couple on your next  European coach tour. 

CELEBRITY CRUISES has announced a spring sale. For a limited time, get up to 75% off the second guest plus up to USD $150 bonus onboard credit per room. Cruise companies have more sales than dogs bark - but you might get lucky.

PONANT has a deal for golf lovers -  set sail aboard Le Jacques-Cartier on January 16, 2025 to explore New Zealand's East coast and enjoy a premium golf package. Other goodies include a flight credit and free solo supplement.

HURTIGRUTEN has a 25% discount on selected Coastal Express sailings (Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen, Bergen-Kirkenes, Kirkenes-Bergen), 'Coastal Express - Northern Lights' & Astronomy Voyage departing between now and 30th April, 2025.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Enjoy 15% off all flights between Australia and Vietnam every Saturday and Sunday. Use the code GREATDEAL to claim your discount. Book your tickets and travel by June 30, 2025.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  Excellent deals on Celebrity Edge cruises from Sydney to Australian ports (incl wine cruises), NZ, Pacific Islands right through to Jan 2026. Updated rates are on our website and can be booked now - Sue Francis Travel Industry Club. 

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.

Saturday, 26 October 2024

This week's top travel deals

27 October 2024



HELLOWORLD TRAVEL has America on sale until November 30. Flights to say Seattle from Sydney start at $1533 - and specials include an eight day Nevada self-drive priced from $937pp.

Saturday, 19 October 2024

This week's top travel deals



AVALON WATERWAYS recommends Budapest as an ideal starting point for a river cruise and as an added incentive - book a 2025 Danube cruise and save up to $8,000 a couple.