Ian McIntosh's top travel deals

Tripadvisor members (all 900 million of them) know a thing or two about great hotels - and every year the best of the best are awarded.  Hotels like The Emporium South Bank Brisbane and the Kapama Private Game Reserve South Africa. Is your favourite listed? Have a look here https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels

CATHAY PACIFIC’s Fly Away sale offers savings on flights to destinations across the Chinese Mainland, Asia, the UK, Europe, North America and more.  Deals include Shanghai from $905 Economy return, Taipei from $1,121 and Delhi from $1,153. Hurry though - the sale ends on June 28. 

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.

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/

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. 

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.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Five Nations

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

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. 

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