Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Singapore Airlines

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 ianmac@travelagentupdate.com. Ian McIntosh is Australia's senior traveller.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Malaysia Airlines

MALAYSIA AIRLINES says it is time for the flight of your dreams aboard the 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.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA says from today until October 31 2025, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn up to 150% bonus Velocity Points on eligible Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways flights between Australia and Doha based on the fare type booked. Have to say I have looked at using Qatar from Adelaide - and business is still  very expensive. Check the applicable dates of travel.

HELLOWORLD is promoting a Globus deal - 17 day Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour - 16 nights from $6,156 - a saving of $500pp. Included is breakfast daily, two lunches and eight dinners.

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.

QATAR has announced early bird fares to Europe. In the good old days these used to mean something - check to see if that is still the case. Book by 31 October 2025, for travel from 19 January until 31 October 2026. Examples: London Economy $1929 - Business $9409. Offer valid until 31 October 2025. Check the price from your home port. See also special fares to New York. As well, book exclusive flight + hotel packages in Phuket, Bangkok, Maldives and Doha by 31 October 2025 to collect 3x Avios with code SIGNATURE3X. 

RIYADH AIR is a new name for Australian travellers - the Saudi start-up airline will launch its first route from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport to London Heathrow on October 26.

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.

CATHAY PACIFIC invites you to use the discount code SAVE250AU to unlock $250 off Business and Premium Economy class return flights to any of its destinations worldwide, for travel from now until 31 March 2026.

From last week: 

ATURA HOTELS  says now is the time to book and enjoy up to 20% off stays to 31 December 2025.  EVT Stays members get even more with an extra 10% off and more perks. 

AVALON WATERWAYS  invites you to book now to save up to $9,600 per couple. River cruise itineraries include eight days Amsterdam to Basil from $5624pp.

VIKING is celebrating Spring with free flight deals. Book a river voyage and fly free or an ocean or expedition voyage and your companion flies free. Offers end‌ 1‍ December‍ 2025‍. 

TRADE ONLY:  Luxury small-ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has a refreshed brand identity and new-look website. According to co-founder Graham Carter:  "The travel trade has been integral to our growth over the past 10 years, and we place immense value on the partnerships we've built with exceptional agents. 

The Travel Industry Club has some great deals aboard Crystal. According to Sue Francis - the line is more than just luxury.

Expedition Cruise Network  is offering all inclusive expedition cruising up to 25% off when you book by October 31. The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) is a passionate community that brings together the world's leading expedition cruise operators and travel professionals.

Interline Travel has some great deals on Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The program runs right through to June 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 ianmac@travelagentupdate.com. Ian McIntosh is Australia's senior traveller.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - around the world with Finnair

FINNAIR's round world business class, priced from $8853, features Asian gateways plus a raft of European destinations. FINNAIR is a popular choice for the value-conscious Qantas frequent flyer with only basic stopover needs in North America.

WENDY WU TOURS invites you take advantage of three exclusive offers - fly free on a selected departure, 50% off airfares across a wide range of tours - or upgrade to premium economy. More than 100 tours are on sale.

TRIPADEAL is promoting a 16 day Highlight of Greece and Turkiye tour priced from $5799pp twin share. Included is return flights and a seven night cruise aboard Costa Fortuna. Dates are May 2 - August 22 2026.

QATAR AIRWAYS has announced all-inclusive travel packages for the FIFA World Cup. There's a variety for you to choose from, each including match tickets, accommodation, flights and transfers.

EMIRATES seems to be finally offering better value business class seats - current offers include London from $10779 and Paris $10309. Book by October 16.

FAR EAST INSIDERS has a range of accommodation on sale - but the deals (up to 48% off) end on October 10. Recommended hotels in Singapore are the Orchard Rendezvous and the The Clan. More in Japan.

CATHAY PACIFIC wonders if you are planning a trip to Taiwan, China? Experience the best of both cabins in one journey with the Premium Economy Plus offer priced from from $2199. Begin your journey in Premium between Australia and Hong Kong then continue onwards from Hong Kong to Taipei or Kaohsiung in Business class.

HELLOWORLD is featuring Globus Cosmos tours deals in Europe - a 14 day Italy's Best itinerary costs from $4099 or how about 24 day Britain and Ireland from $10,729 - a save of $500pp.

From last week:

AVALON WATERWAYS invites you to book now to save up to $9,600 per couple. River cruise itineraries include eight days Amsterdam to Basil from $5624pp. Not interested in Europe - how about Vietnam and Cambodia cruising the mighty Mekong?

VIKING is celebrating Spring with free flight deals. Book a river voyage and fly free or an ocean or expedition voyage and your companion flies free. Offers end‌ 1‍ December‍ 2025‍.

TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club invites you to experience Coral Expeditions, proudly Australian-owned and known for intimate, purpose-built expedition cruises for a max of 120 passengers. Journeys include the North Borneo Explorer and Through the Heart of Japan: Tokyo to Fukuoka & return.

Breakaway Travel Club has some great rates on Silversea. Deals include Tokyo to Seward departing April 30 2026 for 15 Nights aboard Silver Moon.

The Interline Travel Team is featuring rates on Crystal Cruises everything from Auckland to Australia in February 2026 to 18 nights from LA to Papeete departing January 11 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 ianmac@travelagentupdate.com Ian McIntosh is Australia's senior traveller.

This week's top travel deals - Walking Europe

UTRACKS  Early Bird Sale means hundreds of dollars in savings and the chance for you to lock in a 2026 European active holiday. Book between now and October 9 2025 to enjoy value across almost 500 walking, cycling and bike and boat tours. Example: Camino Guided Walk Sarria to Santiago.

This week's top travel deals - Holland America Line

IMAGINE CRUISING has a deal in conjunction with Holland America offering 36 nights exploring Australia and New Guinea from $7499. Departing Sydney on November 14 aboard Noordam. The price includes flights and a cabin upgrade. Details here https://www.imaginecruising.com.au/holidays/immersive-holland-america-line-australia-circumnaviation-and-papua-new-guinea/

FAR EAST HOSPITALITY invites you to explore Japan with Village Hotels. Discover the vibrant streets of Tokyo, the charm of Yokohama's waterfront, and the lively energy of Osaka and save up to 38%. The promotion ends 30 Sep 2025.