This week's top travel deals - solo Antarctica

 

 

 

SOLO TRAVELLERS take note: iExpedition has released what is says is the best value solo Antarctic trip in 2025. Antarctic Peninsula in Depth is a 14 day expedition sailing on December 4. Oceanview cabins are available from $14,888pp single - save $21,310. The deal includes some flights.

 

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has a great deal if you are ready to travel. From now till 31 July 2025, redeem Saver award tickets at 30% off for selected flights when you travel between 1 and 31 August 2025.

 

SWAN HELLENIC's Luxury Unlocked promotion treats prompt bookers to a free balcony upgrade, gold wi-fi upgrade and $250 onboard credit. The cruise selection includes 36 very different cultural expedition cruises, providing premium exploration opportunities across Africa, Antarctica, Central America, the Arctic, Europe and Latin America.

 

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES is offering up to 40% off on selected sailings in 2026 and 2027. Sail from Tokyo, Miami, New York, Rome, Auckland and Papeete and enjoy all suite ships plus free excursions - this is a luxury operator.

VIKING invites you to head for the Mediterranean and to sweeten the deal - add any extension to your‌ 2026‍, 2027‌ or‍ 2028‌ Mediterranean ocean voyage and save AU$3,000 per couple when you book by‌ 1‍ September‍ 2025. Viking has released a Christmas markets guide - From the twinkling lights of Vienna to the medieval courtyards of Nuremberg, Europe's Christmas markets are timeless celebrations of culture, tradition and community. Go to the site for a copy of the guide. The popular line has also released a 15 day wonders of India cruise.

CUNARD'S 185 Anniversary Sale offers 25% off on selected world voyage segments and South America voyages until 4 August 2025, unless sold out prior. Check the conditions.

WEBJET has teamed up with tour providers Contiki, Trafalgar, Costsaver, and Insight Vacations to bring you savings and a special gift when you book. Get 5% off Contiki tours with code PPWEBJETCH5 and 10% off  Trafalgar, Costsaver, and Insight Vacations tours with code PPWEBJET10.  Plus, receive a $100 Webjet eGift Card when you book. Read the conditions carefully. Deal ends July 31.

 

FLATBEDS is promoting a Qatar Airways business class sale to Europe - Sale fares based on departures from now until  31 August 2025 and 1 October 2025 - 25 November 2025. Outbound/inbound surcharges apply. Prices include Sydney to Frankfurt from $8,569. This sale will end soon.

 

RESORTS:  Tasmania's award-winning Pumphouse Point set amongst ancient myrtle forests at Lake St Clair has revealed two new premium retreats will open this month. 

From last week:

AVLON WATERWAYS is uncorking France - from Paris to Provence and Bordeaux to Burgundy. Book your 2026 France river cruise today and save up to $6,400 per couple. This deal is based on a cruise departing March 31, 2026.

 

OCEANIA CRUISES is offering savings of up to 55% off on selected sailings plus a free beverage package and $US250 shipboard credit. There are 82 cruises to check out - the deal ends on August 1. Be sure to read the conditions carefully.

 

CORAL EXPEDITIONS has released a new series of four- and six-night adventure-style small ship experiences called Coastal Adventures that will come online in January 2026. The line-up of destinations will include Tasmania  -  then expand to include Great Barrier Reef itineraries as well as the shores of southwestern Australia.

 

ETIHAD has released a last minute business class sale to Europe. Departure must be before September 30. Examples include Melbourne to Zurich from $7476. FF members using points can now look forward to a better deal. Have a look at the new GuestSeats and upgrade rules.

 

RESORTS: National Geographic called it the most romantic hotel of the year.  Zannier Bãi San Hô – is a remote Vietnamese resort quietly redefining private dining in Asia. Located on an untouched stretch of coastline in Phu Yen province, the resort offers everything from from lantern-lit dinners in the rice paddies to barefoot seafood feasts on a deserted beach. There is a Stay 4, Pay 3 deal including daily breakfast and minibar valid until 22 December 2025.

 

TRADE ONLY: Breakaway Travel Industry Club has released a long list of Swan Hellenic cruise deals - but availability is limited. Get set to enjoy a new class of exploration, Breakaway says.

 

The Travel Industry Club has exclusive rates with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, many extending well into 2026. Get in early to secure your preferred voyage, Sue Francis advises.

 

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. 

This week's top travel deals: Avalon Waterways

AVALON WATERWAYS is uncorking France - from Paris to Provence and Bordeaux to Burgundy. Book your 2026 France river cruise today and save up to $6,400 per couple. This deal is based on a cruise departing March 31, 2026.

BEST WESTERN REWARDS members heading to Asia can save 30% at selected properties - for instance the WorldHotels Elite Collection, bai Hotel Cebu, one of the Philippines' top  destinations. The Escape to Asia program is valid until 30th September 2025.

OCEANIA CRUISES is offering savings of up to 55% off on selected sailings plus a free beverage package and $US250 shipboard credit. There are 82 cruises to check out - the deal ends on August 1. Be sure to read the conditions carefully.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES memorable journeys program ends on July 21. On offer are return fares from AUD 619 plus savings of 10% on extra baggage allowance and seat selection. Enrich members also enjoy an additional 5% off fares. You can now use PayPal's Pay in 4 for ticket purchases valued between AUD 30 and AUD 2,000. 

TURKISH AIRLINES specials to Europe take some beating and you have until July 30 to book. Melbourne or Sydney to London for instance from $1552 but watch the small print. Available dates from Melbourne are October 20 to November 8. Agents are wary of this carrier over cancelled flights and a lack of customer care.

PONANT EXPEDITIONS has released 2027 itineraries with early bird savings of up to 30%. This luxury small ship operator has been taking cruise guests to the planet's most remote, hidden and out-of-the-way locations for more than 30 years.

CRUISE GURU.COM.AU  has handpicked an interesting selection of Japan cruises. Sail away with renowned cruise lines including Holland America, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line. Deals include 13 nights Circle Japan Fall Foliage from $4403 inside cabin - $6382 balcony. Always go for a balcony folks.

SOFITEL ADELAIDE has released a Le Luxe Getaway featuring a luxurious overnight stay, welcome drink, gourmet three-course dinner and buffet breakfast at Garçon Bleu. Enjoy Balmain Paris amenities and refined touches throughout. Cost is from $528 per night.

RENDEZVOUS HOTEL Singapore invites you to be inspired with a stay that celebrates Singapore's maritime past. Benefits including daily breakfast, SGD100 dining credit, and two complimentary tickets to National Museum of Singapore's Once Upon a Tide special exhibition, in commemoration of Singapore's 60ᵗʰ birthday.

EMIRATES FF members have until July 22 to enjoy up to 30% bonus miles when buying or gifting miles.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS has released a new series of four- and six-night adventure-style small ship experiences called Coastal Adventures that will come online in January 2026. The line-up of destinations will include Tasmania first up -  then expand to include Great Barrier Reef itineraries as well as the shores of southwestern Australia from October 2026.

CATHAY PACIFIC has released a FF member offer - $100 off economy class fares from Australia to destinations far and wide beyond Hong Kong with the discount code BESTECONAU. Offer applies per ticket. 

ETIHAD has released a last minute business class sale to Europe. Departure must be before September 30. Examples include Melbourne to Zurich from $7476.
 
RESORTS: National Geographic called it the Most Romantic Hotel of the Year.  Zannier Bãi San Hô – is a remote Vietnamese resort quietly redefining private dining in Asia. Located on an untouched stretch of coastline in Phu Yen province, the resort offers everything from from lantern-lit dinners in the rice paddies to barefoot seafood feasts on a deserted beach. There is a Stay 4, Pay 3 deal including daily breakfast, minibar, 30 minutes of SUP boarding or water biking and non-alcoholic or mocktail at Lang Chai Beach Bar. Stay and sale period until 22 December 2025 (last departure).

From last week:

CRUISE SPECIALISTS is a US based operator popular with solo cruise fans. If you like the idea of having a cabin to yourself have a look here. Remember you are looking at US dollars. https://www.cruisespecialists.com

TRADE ONLY: 

Interline Travel is offering Regent rates until July 2026 including penthouse category. There are also new AMA Waterways rates.

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. See less

This week's top travel deals - Airline specials

IFLY invites you to fly to Greece with Lufthansa from $1789 return. Things to do include a 5 day Aegean cruise priced from $708pp.  There are plenty of other holiday ideas.

WEBJET has a couple of specials - US with Qantas from $1149 return (New York from $1445) Melbourne to Japan from $795 return with Japan Airlines and the Philippines from $240 one way with Cebu Pacific. You need to be quick though - these sort of deals end quickly. Japan pricing for instance ends on July 13.

TURKISH AIRLINES is on sale  until July 17 including Sydney and Melbourne to Istanbul from $1298, Sydney and Melbourne to Paris $1404 and Sydney to Amsterdam from $1368. There are plenty more specials - but read the conditions carefully.

CRUISE SPECIALISTS is a US based operator popular with solo cruise fans. If you like the idea of having a cabin to yourself have a look here. Remember you are looking at US dollars. https://www.cruisespecialists.com

ETIHAD is value at the moment if you have plenty of FF points. You can head to Madrid for instance in economy for 90,000 miles. Mykonos is 75,000 miles.

TAUCK  will launch four new European land journeys in 2026, expanding into less-visited regions of Greece, Scotland's picturesque Highlands, and quaint-yet-cosmopolitan Scandinavian capitals, with itineraries designed for families and adult travellers.

APT has extended its Discover the World Sale, giving guests bonus time to save thousands across every continent on trips of eight days or more departing in 2026. Itineraries include 15-day Magnificent Europe - flights included - save up to $2,000 per couple. You have to be quick though - deals end on July 9.

From last week:

VIETNAM AIRLINES has a new offer: Sydney/Melbourne/Perth to Europe, Japan, or South Korea from AUD 775/round trip. Purchase period is from now until 30 July 2025. Until July 15, 2025, Lotusmiles members have the chance to win 2,500 bonus miles when downloading and logging into the new app for the first time.
 
TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club recommends Coral Expeditions – Australia's pioneering small-ship cruise line. Diverse itineraries include everything from 10 nights Kimberley/Broome/Darwin to 14 nights Through the Heart of Japan. More details Sue Francis. 

Interline Travel points out that due to world events many US passengers have changed their plans and tour groups are increasingly releasing space making more deals available. Have a look at the cruise deals on Azamara for instance.

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. 

This week's top travel deals - Malaysia

All very quiet this week as the financial year ends.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES wonders if you are looking to escape the cold? From romantic Paris to vibrant Trivandrum, tropical Maldives, Chiang Mai and buzzing Tokyo, plan your next getaway this July and  enjoy up to 15% off on selected flights, plus exclusive perks when you book online. Book by July 2.  

Vietnam Airlines invites you to take off from Australia with an exclusive offer: Sydney/Melbourne/Perth to Europe, Japan, or South Korea from AUD 775/round trip. Purchase period is from now until 30 July 2025.
 

BEST WESTERN points out that school holidays are around the corner  -  if you are a rewards member book a minimum two night's stay before July 16 2025 and save 15% or 20% at participating hotels throughout Australia & New Zealand. 
 

From last week:

HELLOWORLD is promoting a 33 night Victoria Falls discovery, safari adventure and luxury Cunard voyage aboard Queen Anne  priced from $11,999pp - a claimed saving of $3,000 per couple. Included are all flights, taxes and transfers. Departure is January 20, 2026. Operator is Imagine Cruising.

IEXPEDITION is offering a 40% saving on its Sea Spirit – South Georgia & Falklands itinerary - described as the wildlife expedition of a lifetime.  Departure is October 23. Cost is from A$18,777pp twin, A$13,197pp triple.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  Travel Industry Club is offering AmaWaterways extended dates and industry-exclusive offers.  Sail into the heart of Europe or Asia. More details, Sue Francis.

  

Interline Travel is promoting Silversea - every region - at 20% off the current Interline rates. So also the super deals on expedition cruises including the "ultimate voyage to the ultimate destination - Antarctica from New Zealand or South America w/aft and hotels."


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. Ianmac@travelagentupdate.com

This week's top travel deals - Europe

QATAR AIRWAYS has released special fares to the UK & Europe starting from $1,839 return to celebrate the launch of Virgin Australia's flights to Doha. Plus, fast-track or retain your Privilege Club tier with  50% bonus Qpoints. Book by June 30. The carrier  has been named World's Best Airline for the 9th time at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025. 

HELLOWORLD is promoting a 33 night Victoria Falls discovery, safari adventure and luxury Cunard voyage aboard Queen Anne  priced from $11,999pp - a claimed saving of $3,000 per couple. Included are all flights, taxes and transfers. Departure is January 20, 2026. Operator is Imagine Cruising.

ATURA HOTELS invites you to  enjoy up to 20% off stays between now and 5 October 2025. Book direct and also unlock a $25 daily food and drink credit. EVT Stays members enjoy an extra 10% off, plus you can book through to 16 June 2026.  Offer ends 30 June 2025. 

IEXPEDITION is offering a 40% saving on its Sea Spirit – South Georgia & Falklands itinerary - described as the wildlife expedition of a lifetime.  Cost is from A$18,777pp twin, A$13,197pp triple.

QANTAS is hot to trot if you are heading to New Zealand - but you need to hurry. Sale fares are available to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown - but they end midnight on June 25.

ACCOR is promoting the Gold Coast - After a day of adventure, unwind in an apartment at a Peppers, Mantra or BreakFree hotel and if you stay from two nights enjoy 25% OFF. Book by 31 July 2025 for stays until 30 September 2025.

From last week:

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA is celebrating a new era of international travel in association with QATAR Airways with 50% bonus Status Credits for Velocity members. Flights to Doha have started from Sydney and will progressively be available from Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. To get the points book by  June 30 2025 and travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026. Let's hope Israel's latest attack in the Middle East doesn't spoil the party.

NIB TRAVEL, a major travel insurance provider, is offering 20% off travel insurance policies. The end of financial year special is available until Monday 30 June 2025 at  https://www.nibtravelinsurance.com.au The discount applies to the total nib Travel insurance premium when getting a quote using promo code EOFY20.

ACCOR has released a number of member only deals - Save up to 25% on your next adventure of two nights or more across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Book by 31 July, for stays until 30 September 2025. Three night stays in Europe also attract a similar discount and there are Fairmont Hotels & Resorts specials as well.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  The Travel Industry Club is featuring Silversea. According to Sue Francis: Take up to a further 20% off the industry rates that you see marked 'savings' on our website until 30 June, or until quotas filled. Check the 12 website pages and  over 125 sailings.

Breakaway Travel Club is also offering Silversea specials including Silver Cloud's 16 day Kimberley Cruise departing Darwin and arriving in Bali. Departure is July 2, 2025. Or, how about Silver Cloud's Kimberley cruise departing August 20, 2025?


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. Ianmac@travelagentupdate.com