While the Aussie dollar is a little stronger against most overseas currencies - you will be slugged with a new departure tax soon.
IFLY has some value fares to Europe including Rome from $1557 and London from $1580. Check the conditions though - particularly transit times.
QATAR AIRWAYS has released more award seats across its network for FF members giving you greater flexibility to plan your next trip. Check availability using the award flight finder.
VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS says to hell with the cost - choose one of its Grand Suites - six exquisitely appointed sanctuaries, attended by a dedicated butler team and complete with free-flowing champagne - representing the very pinnacle of rail travel.
UTRACKS has expanded several of Europe’s classic long-distance walking trails in response to growing demand from travellers wanting to spend longer exploring a single route, rather than stopping at the popular finish line. In Spain for instance that means continuing west from Santiago along the Camino Finisterre to the Atlantic coast.
VELOCITY FF members have the chance to win two return business class tickets to Cape Town with South African Airways. The competition ends on May 25. Have a look here: https://competitions.virginaustralia.com/competition/South-African-Airways-Competition-May-2026?cmpid=VFFMPO-885_SouthAfricanAirways_Comp_CTA_-_1&bId=1792679044&acId=919839612&clid=PDM873487
FROM LAST WEEK:
AATKINGS is backing the Go See Australia campaign by introducing an Early Bird 2027/28 season offer. Until 31st July 2026, you can secure up to 10% off selected 2027/28 tours (for selected departures between 1st April 2027 and 31st March 2028) with a deposit from just $200.
IEXPEDITION invites you to join the 21 day Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Peninsula Cruise. There will be just 130 guests aboard Heritage Discoverer. Dates are 19 November - 9 December 2026 Ushuaia Return. Returning travellers save up to 40% and if it's your first time - you'll still save up to 30%.
RAILBOOKERS has some specials that could save up to $800 couple if you book by May 31. For instance the Italian Treasurers and Swiss Mountains itinerary - 11 days from $5069. Have a look here https://www.railbookers.com.au
ACCOR says book an escape at a selected Pullman, Peppers, Mantra, The Sebel, BreakFree and more and save up to 30% when you stay from two nights. Book until 30 June 2026 for stays from 1 June – 31 December 2026.
FAR EAST INSIDERS has a promotion where you click on a voucher and can instantly win $150 worth of stay vouchers that can be redeemed at hotels in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. Have a look here https://view.email.fareasthospitality.com/?vawpToken=EJ7NLY7MLUTE3FQ6WBJYMXGZLM.110053
NESUTO HOTELS and Apartments is offering travellers 25 per cent off winter stays across its Australian and New Zealand portfolio, including Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne, Nesuto Parramatta in Sydney, and Nesuto St Martins in Auckland. Discounted rates start from $185 at Nesuto Docklands (normally $240 per room per night). More details, www.nesuto.com/winterstays
NT EVENT packages are on sale for the BASSINTHEGRASS music festival, the betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars, Test Cricket and MXGP. The cost of from $919 includes event tickets. Here is the events guide: https://a.storyblok.com/f/286255898790625/x/c1d793ec19/tntcs-001458-festivals-_-events-2026-v10-april.pdf
IMAGINE CRUISING has an excellent deal if you are interesting in cruising from the UK to Sydney aboard Cunard’s new Queen Anne. Departing January 9, 2028 - prices start at $9,999pp for a 46-night full-board voyage, a one-night, four-star hotel stay in London, a complimentary flight from Australia, and all taxes and transfers.
AMAWATERWAYS is introducing a limited-time Cruise & Fly promotion combining more than 300 selected river cruise itineraries across Europe and Asia with return international airfares. Examples include Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals (14 nights) - Cruise through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland, starting or ending in Amsterdam. The price of from $9,678pp includes the 14-night cruise and return international flights.
PELAGO has one day tickets for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix from October 9-11. Use code RACE1000 and get a bonus 1000 KrisFlyer miles.
HERTZ suggests you book your next car rental via Virgin Australia for a chance to win 1 million Velocity Points. Book your car by 29 May 2026 for travel on or before 31 August 2026.
PONANT has released its 2028 Kimberley program with a special incentive. Explore one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers and enjoy 30% bonus savings.
WENDY WU TOURS has launched a global sale across its entire touring portfolio offering savings of up to $2,000 pp across 2026/27 tours.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS free solo supplement is now available on more than 240 voyages worldwide. Discover destinations ranging from Antarctica to The Kimberley.
JUST YOU - the specialist solo tour operator - has unveiled its first collection of festive escorted tours for Australian solo travellers, offering the chance to enjoy a Christmas abroad exploring the likes of Malta, Portugal, Spain, India or the UK.
FINNAIR will operate out of Melbourne from October. The carrier invites you to experience the thrill of skiing in Kittilä or Kuusamo, admire the Northern Lights inside a glass igloo at Ivalo or enjoy the all-year Christmas spirit in Rovaniemi.
AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. The new service supports improved onward connections via Mauritius to destinations across Africa and Europe.
VIKING cruises has the answer to long, tiring and increasingly expensive overseas flights. Adult only cruises from Sydney circumnavigate Australia, New Zealand or Japan and journey through Southeast Asia. Book now and for a limited time, save up to 35% across selected ocean voyages.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES has a great deal if you are going to stopover in KL. Double your adventure and enjoy a flight to one of eight local destinations at no extra fare – just pay the taxes.
CHINA EASTERN heads back to Adelaide from June 21 2026. Enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi and non-stop services to Shanghai and beyond, including great connections to Beijing from $680, London from $962. Flights are on sale now via www.ceair.com. Conditions apply. How good is the service? I will find out in June.
TRADE ONLY:
The Interline Travel Team has added a luxury Japanese’s cruise ship to its lineup. MITSUI OCEAN FUJI (formerly Seabourn Odyssey) offers spacious quest venues, traditional and heartfelt omotenashi service, beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call. Prices are amazing
for Ocean View and balcony suites the team says.
ATIA says the ATIA and CATO merger means one body, one advocacy position, one relationship with ministers, departments and regulators. ATIA members gain a stronger, more representative organisation.
The Travel Industry Club has released some exclusive rates with Regent Seven Seas Cruises - renowned for its 6-star, all-inclusive service and world-class luxury experiences.
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.
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.
