Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Ponant Antarctica

HELLOWORLD has Australia on sale - from Virgin Australia airfares to dining under a canopy of stars in the heart of the outback, waking to panoramic ocean views from a luxury retreat, or savouring world-class wines in lush vineyards. Lots of holiday ideas. Have a look at the site for full details. 

PONANT invites you to steam  south to Antarctica. Unlock your 2026 or 2027 polar expedition now and enjoy up to 30% off with an exclusive bonus.

FLIGHT CENTRE is promoting a six stop round the world fare with Singapore Airlines priced from $2899. You could visit Singapore, Tokyo, LA, NYC, Frankfurt and Barcelona. Check the available travel dates.

CATHAY PACIFIC's Fly Away sale is back - save on flights to destinations across the UK, Europe, the Chinese Mainland, Asia, North America and more. For instance, fly to Beijing from $941 Economy return. Conditions apply.  

MALAYSIA AIRLINES is offering 15% off selected flights to destinations like London if you book direct. Have to hurry though. The deal ends on February 4. 


FROM LAST WEEK: 
UTRACKS,  the Active travel specialist has unveiled a comprehensive collection of new tours for 2026 that venture beyond the guidebook into Europe's most captivating landscapes. From solo travellers, couples, groups, families and seniors, there is something to suit everyone. Whether it is castle stays on England's Coast to Coast or island-hopping by bike and boat along Croatia's turquoise coast. Have a look here  www.utracks.com.au. UTracks has just added the Lechweg Trail Hike from the Austrian Alps into Bavaria to its alpine hiking portfolio.

JUST YOU - a specialist solo tour operator - is  offering savings on 2026 tours including a trip to India and a walking tour in Tuscany. Save $300 on a 12-day Spirit of India tour departing April 3, 2026 and $150 on an eight-day Walking in Tuscany tour departing May 19, 2026. More details  www.justyou.com/au Just released: The company's  first Europe program for Australian solo travellers.

WEBJET has teamed up with Afterpay which means you can book a good deal today and if accepted pay in four interest-free instalments. I have no idea what the deal is nor am I endorsing it. Just make sure you read the contract conditions.  

AIRLINES:
AIR MAURITIUS  has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. This service will operate alongside the existing Wednesday and Sunday services.    

CRUISING:
IMAGE CRUISING has packaged a seven-night all-inclusive cruise along the Mekong with immersive tours across Cambodia and Vietnam. The 22 night holiday costs from $5999pp - a saving of up to $1200 a couple the company says. Departures are scheduled from October 2026 to April 2027. 

REGENT SEVEN SEAS has the answer if you want to explore Japan in luxury. On offer is a free 2 category suite upgrade and up to 30% off selected voyages. 

ACCOMMODATION:
PAN PACIFIC HOTELS GROUP  is celebrating Summer with an exclusive new offer including savings of up to 30% off rooms on bookings made until 28th February 2026, for stays until 30th September, 2026. Check the conditions.

SOFITEL and MGALLERY COLLECTION HOTELS  have crafted a range of romantic experiences to celebrate Valentine's Day, Saturday February 14.  Here is just one example: https://www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au/offers/valentines-day/

MINOR HOTELS are also looking for lovers -  choose from destinations in Asia and beyond for Valentine's getaways and indulgences. Hide away in Maldivian luxury. Dine under the stars in Vietnam. Or embark on a romantic dinner cruise in Bangkok. This is a huge group with multiple destinations. Have a look at the site.

TFE HOTELS (Aldina, Vibe) also has special Valentine's Day dining and stay packages for club members. 

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HONG KONG invites you to book two nights - and get the third  free. 

TRADE ONLY: 
Interline Travel has Windstar rates priced in $A for the first time. Check out also the deal aboard Explora, Celestyal and AmaWaterways. 


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 ianmac@travelagentupdate.com. Ian McIntosh is Australia's senior traveller. We have no commercial relationship with any operator.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Valentine's Day

Lots of interesting off the beaten track tours released this week by UTracks and for you romantics, Valentine Day specials.

 
UTRACKS, the Active travel specialist has unveiled a comprehensive collection of new tours for 2026 that venture beyond the guidebook into Europe's most captivating landscapes. From solo travellers, couples, groups, families and seniors, there is something to suit everyone. Whether it is castle stays on England's Coast to Coast or island-hopping by bike and boat along Croatia's turquoise coast. Have a look here www.utracks.com.au

WEBJET has teamed up with Afterpay which means you can book a good deal today and if accepted pay in four interest-free instalments. I have no idea what the deal is nor am I endorsing it. Just make sure you read the contract conditions.

AIRLINES:
AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. This service will operate alongside the existing Wednesday and Sunday services.

CRUISING:
AVALON WATERWAYS has started the New Year the right way with fly free deals on some of its most popular Europe river cruises. Itineraries include Magnificent Rivers Of Europe - sail the Rhine, Main and Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam.

ACCOMMODATION:
SOFITEL and MGALLERY COLLECTION HOTELS have crafted a range of romantic experiences to celebrate Valentine's Day, Saturday February 14. For instance, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour invites lovers to settle in at Atelier, where a romantic five-course menu costs ($160pp). Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – MGallery Collection is offering a three-course Valentine's Day dinner at Pastore Restaurant. Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour is offering Amour Éclat — a shared spa ritual designed for couples or friends. Check out the deals in your state.

MINOR HOTELS are also looking for lovers - choose from destinations in Asia and beyond for Valentine's getaways and indulgences. Hide away in Maldivian luxury. Dine under the stars in Vietnam. Or embark on a romantic dinner cruise in Bangkok. This is a huge group with multiple destinations. Have a look at the site.

PULLMAN SYDNEY Olympic Park invites you to Save 20% on 2-night stays. Your stay includes breakfast, valet parking and $100 Bacar dining credit. Be quick - offer ends 31 January. At the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour a family getaway costs from $489. Enjoy breakfast, parking and a kids activity pack.

FROM LAST WEEK:
Book two nights at the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong - and get the third night free.

JUST YOU - a specialist solo tour operator - is offering savings on 2026 tours including a trip to India and a walking tour in Tuscany. Save $300 on a 12-day Spirit of India tour departing April 3, 2026 ad $150 on an eight-day Walking in Tuscany tour departing May 19, 2026. More details www.justyou.com/au

FINNAIR will launch flights to Melbourne from October flying via Bangkok. This extra capacity should help to keep prices down to Europe. The service will be operated by an Airbus A350 featuring the innovative 'Airlounge', which converts to a flat bed.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS invites you to book early and save up to 30% on 2026–2027 Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Itineraries include Disko Bay and Inuit villages - Roundtrip Nuuk, Greenland.

TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel has released a long list of Regent Seven Seas Cruises itineraries as well as selected itineraries on Explora, Azamara, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania Scenic Eclipse and Celestyal. I am looking at cruising the Greek Islands aboard Celestyal and will be writing a review.

Breakaway Travel Industry Club has released Hawaiian Airways rates valid until March 31 2026. There is also a long list of deals on Silversea.

Interline Travel advises Interline fare structures are changing - "this week Regent Seven Seas advised that their fares are now dynamic. "This means a rate is issued, and is subject to change as capacity decreases - as with airlines, this will mean the fare will rise. The only way to lock the fare in will be booking it at that rate when issued or quoted - the fare could rise on the following day. If the fare seems reasonable and fits in with your plans, grab it and take advantage."

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 ianmac@travelagentupdate.com. Ian McIntosh is Australia's senior traveller. We have no commercial relationship with any operator.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Kids fly free with Jetstar

This week's top travel deals - Some great family holidays - along with details of a specialist operator for solo travellers.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Save on Silversea

That's it for this year folks. Have a happy and safe Christmas. We will be back in mid January.

SILVERSEA invites you to save up to 40% on more than 800 voyages with reduced deposits starting at 15%. As well, book your flights or land experiences with the line and enjoy additional savings of up to $1,000pp on select voyages. Remember to read the small print carefully.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - China Southern returns to Adelaide

Not much happening this week after the Black Friday deals - or were they?  According to the experts, the airline specials didn't  overwhelm due to limited availability.