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Sunday, 7 June 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival.


It seems China is the big new destination for Australians. A record 716,000 Aussies visited in the 12 months to March this year. It is now our fourth-most visited country, overtaking Thailand, the UK and the US.


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CROOKED COMPASS has a few seats available in 2027 for Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival. Every September, the Kazakh eagle hunters of western Mongolia gather at the foot of the Altai Mountains.The relationship between hunter and eagle cannot be explained in words. You will stand in one of the most arid, but beautifully spectacular and remote landscapes on the planet and feel the profound weight of experiencing a culture that has survived everything the modern world has thrown at it. Details: https://www.crooked-compass.com/tour/golden-eagle-festival/?utm_source=Crooked+Compass&utm_campaign=cf38ece4a2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_04_07_11_43_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e1851042f4-484032870

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS invites you to extend your stay in Asia see the countryside in style at a slower pace. Depart in September or November and receive a complimentary night at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore - before or after your rail sojourn. Contact the reservations team and quote 'EOEMORIENTALS1NT' to book. 
Solo travellers -  from July to December there is no single supplement fee on select departures. Join a six night journey aboard the Express and aid the campaign to save wild tigers. Details here: https://www.belmond.com/trains/asia/eastern-and-oriental-express/offers?utm_campaign=C-Pro-2026-June-EOE&utm_source=SFMC_C-Pro-2026-June-EOE&utm_medium=email&cid=100000028063026&Campaign.id=45748&Date=2026-06-01&Launch=1622308

THE RETREAT KOH CHANG has launched its new "Island Getaway – Stay Longer For More" summer offer for stays of three or more nights,  available until 15 October 2026 with rates starting from THB 5,760 (approx AUD250) per night ++ per room, per night for two guests.  This is one of Thailand's most beautiful and unspoiled island destinations.

MY CRUISES is promoting a fly/cruise holiday to China in 2027  priced from $3999pp. The itinerary includes a Yangtze Cruise, bullet train experience and the Great Wall at night. 

EXPLORA JOURNEYS invites you to reserve a journey by 23 June 2026 to enjoy up to 25% savings, plus, earn up to $4,600 AUD Explora Credit to enhance your experience, either pre-Journey or while onboard. Itineraries include Lisbon to Copenhagen aboard Explora III departing August 10 2026. 

BPA launches new bespoke South-West Morocco itinerary for deeper, off-the-beaten-track travel. A standout feature of the itinerary is access to Souss-Massa National Park offering rare opportunities to observe endangered North African wildlife in a protected environment. More details Kim Gontie travel@bypriorarrangement.co

HELLOWORLD is featuring a 4 day Fleurieu Explorer package in South Australia in association with Viva Holidays and Virgin. three nights cost from $1035pp. This region is celebrated for its world-class McLaren Vale wineries, dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine beaches.

IEXPEDITION has a Twin Deluxe Cabin available on a  nearly sold-out 23-day polar expedition departing on February 13 next year.  The itinerary combines the king penguin megacolonies of South Georgia, Shackleton's legendary route through Elephant Island the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula.  WEBJET is promoting one way fares to London from $699 - premium from $2549. Check the details carefully. 

50 DEGREES NORTH the Nordic specialist, is offering 10% off all 2027 summer departures booked by 30 June 2026, across eight small group itineraries through Norway and the Scandinavian capitals. No discount code needed; the saving is applied automatically at booking. Tours include Beautiful Norway – Oslo to Bergen - 8 days, May–September 2027, semi-independent format; no tour leader (6–12 guests) from AUD 4,371 (save AUD 485pp).

HX EXPEDITIONS says it's time to tick Antarctica off your bucket list. Specials include: Highlights of Antarctica (12 days) – prices from AUD $14,599, Antarctica & Falkland Expedition (16 days) – prices from AUD $16,941 and In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (23 days) – prices from AUD $29,424

CATHAY PACIFIC thinks it's time for you to revisit Hong Kong.  From now until 30 June 2026, enjoy a special offer on your next flight to Hong Kong with $80* off, exclusive to Cathay members when you use the code HOMEKONGAU. Booking period: Now until 30 June 2026  Travel period: 1 July until 31 August 2026 

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TRADE ONLY: 

Interline Travel says Crystal has opened up departures that depart from Liverpool (UK), the elegant New York, and a range of new routing combinations we have not seen at Interline rates before. Some of these are still being loaded to the site after arriving overnight - we are working through them now so keep refreshing the listings or drop us a line if something specific interests you. Stephen also advises that this week he saw a great number of Regent fares, from now to September 1, removed from sale. It is unknown why, but it reinforces my message: If you see a deal that seems fair, book.

PONANT invites you to one of its Discovery Sessions this June and July in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.  "Hear from our destination experts and unlock exclusive event-only offers, including the chance to win a Mystery Cruise* and a AU$1,000 voucher.” Reserve a seat here: https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/d8c1f019-4452-4c88-ad19-045c8a63026a/register?RefId=EDM-B2C

The Travel Industry Club says a number of cruise lines are extending their Mediterranean itineraries throughout the year, giving members the opportunity to experience this spectacular region while avoiding the peak-season heat and crowds. Even better, Mediterranean pricing this year is exceptional.

AAT Kings has completed a five-day national trade road trip with Helloworld Travel, engaging consumers and more than 50 travel advisors across Queensland and New South Wales
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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. Our Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/top10traveloz/

Monday, 1 June 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - UK Rail Deals

Some interesting journeys for you rail buffs this week if you are heading to the UK. 

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PONANT’s Arctic 2028 season is now open. Book early and save up to 30% as you plan your journey to the Far North. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and French hospitality aboard the company’s intimate expedition ships.

Monday, 25 May 2026

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Five Nations


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CROOKED COMPASS invites you to fully explore the Silk Road crossing  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Together, they form what historians have called the engine room of human civilisation: the crossroads where East met West. The 27 day tours have a max of 12 travellers. https://mailchi.mp/crooked-compass/europe-empties-this-is-where-you-go-instead-7515301?e=c4bb94f7cf

Sunday, 17 May 2026

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Europe Deals and Tips


While the Aussie dollar is a little stronger against most overseas currencies - you will be slugged with a new departure tax soon. 

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IFLY has some value fares to Europe including Rome from $1557 and London from $1580. Check the conditions though - particularly transit times.

Monday, 11 May 2026

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Travelodge deals



It seems the expected last minute rush to book flights from Australia to Europe later in the year has not happened - and most of the traffic to Europe is now going via Asia. That means the big Middle East operators like Emirates will have some good fares on the market soon - particularly if the war finally ends.


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TRAVELODGE eclub members planning a city getaway this winter take note.  Enjoy a two-night stay from just $269, with bonus inclusions at each location for added comfort. Book before 18 May 2026 to secure your getaway that includes Travelodge Melbourne Docklands from $340 for two nights.