Ian McIntosh's top travel deals: Luxury Train in Malaysia

Interested in a luxury train ride around Malaysia, sampling premium local cuisine along the way?



AURORA EXPEDITIONS is celebrating 35 years in the business with up to 35% off selected expeditions. As always, check the small print.

HX EXPEDITIONS is featuring Greenland - save up to $3,350pp off all-inclusive expeditions plus enjoy $400pp onboard credit if you are a new guest.

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS has a deal for solo travellers - experience the wonders of Malaysia on this luxury train with special fares available on journeys throughout 2026. As the train traverses Malaysia's verdant jungles, timeless villages and cities, and guests savour innovative menus bridging each chef's home traditions.

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL is celebrating United Airlines 40th birthday with special premium economy fares ex Sydney. The deals include LA from $3245.

WEBJET invites you to fly to Wellington and unlock the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail—with up to $200 off flights. Check the details carefully - including which states are included.

CELEBRITY has more deals than a dog has fleas - the latest is called the Semi Annual Sale. The book now bonus is $100 - but watch out for the small print. Lines like "on selected sailings."

FROM LAST WEEK:
AAT KINGS and EVENTS NT have partnered to offer travellers a limited-time air credit delivering savings of up to $1,800 per couple on select Northern Territory Small Group tours. Available on new bookings made by 31 March 2026, for travel between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, the Air Credit is applied directly to the land tour cost - giving you the freedom to book flights your way and focus on soaking up the NT's iconic landscapes and adventures.

IFLY has advised that if you book any eligible international flight by 28 February online @ iFly, you will receive a $150 travel voucher to use on your holiday with Europe Holidays, World Holidays or iFlyGo.

E CRUISING TRAVEL is featuring a Nordic Shores and Arctic Circle cruise departing in August 2026 including return flights, three nights in London and a 14 night cruise priced from $8399. This will be a last cabins deal.

PONANT invites you to steam south to Antarctica. Unlock your 2026 or 2027 polar expedition now and enjoy up to 30% off with an exclusive bonus.

AIRLINES:
CATHAY PACIFIC's Fly Away sale is back - save on flights to destinations across the UK, Europe, the Chinese Mainland, Asia, North America and more. For instance, fly to Beijing from $941 Economy return. Conditions apply.

CRUISING:
CELESTYAL has announced two new repositioning cruises for its 2026 program, sailing from Athens to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Celestyal Journey will depart on November 14, 2026 and Celestyal Discovery on November 20, 2026. Prices for the eight nights start from A$1269pp twin share.

VIKING is a great product we have enjoyed several times and right now - book your next voyage and enjoy your choice of exclusive offers valued up to $5,000 per couple. Have a look at the site for more details. You could for instance grab free economy flights or upgrade to business.

TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club is offering rates rates featuring one of the world's most popular boutique cruise lines. Windstar is home to three iconic Wind Class sailing yachts. Every room is a spacious ocean‑view suite.

Interline Travel says there have been some big price drops with Oceania this week. Crystal and regent rates are also featured. Solo travellers now get your own Newsletter. Other deals: Expedition rates with some highlighted specials with polar expeditions, two very
tempting offers from HX, Heritage Expeditions think Kimberley, Japan and the sub Antarctica, plus Coral Expeditions - Kimberley Barrier Reef and the Spice Islands.

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.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Ponant Antarctica

HELLOWORLD has Australia on sale - from Virgin Australia airfares to dining under a canopy of stars in the heart of the outback, waking to panoramic ocean views from a luxury retreat, or savouring world-class wines in lush vineyards. Lots of holiday ideas. Have a look at the site for full details.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Valentine's Day

Lots of interesting off the beaten track tours released this week by UTracks and for you romantics, Valentine Day specials.

 
UTRACKS, the Active travel specialist has unveiled a comprehensive collection of new tours for 2026 that venture beyond the guidebook into Europe's most captivating landscapes. From solo travellers, couples, groups, families and seniors, there is something to suit everyone. Whether it is castle stays on England's Coast to Coast or island-hopping by bike and boat along Croatia's turquoise coast. Have a look here www.utracks.com.au

WEBJET has teamed up with Afterpay which means you can book a good deal today and if accepted pay in four interest-free instalments. I have no idea what the deal is nor am I endorsing it. Just make sure you read the contract conditions.

AIRLINES:
AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. This service will operate alongside the existing Wednesday and Sunday services.

CRUISING:
AVALON WATERWAYS has started the New Year the right way with fly free deals on some of its most popular Europe river cruises. Itineraries include Magnificent Rivers Of Europe - sail the Rhine, Main and Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam.

ACCOMMODATION:
SOFITEL and MGALLERY COLLECTION HOTELS have crafted a range of romantic experiences to celebrate Valentine's Day, Saturday February 14. For instance, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour invites lovers to settle in at Atelier, where a romantic five-course menu costs ($160pp). Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – MGallery Collection is offering a three-course Valentine's Day dinner at Pastore Restaurant. Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour is offering Amour Éclat — a shared spa ritual designed for couples or friends. Check out the deals in your state.

MINOR HOTELS are also looking for lovers - choose from destinations in Asia and beyond for Valentine's getaways and indulgences. Hide away in Maldivian luxury. Dine under the stars in Vietnam. Or embark on a romantic dinner cruise in Bangkok. This is a huge group with multiple destinations. Have a look at the site.

PULLMAN SYDNEY Olympic Park invites you to Save 20% on 2-night stays. Your stay includes breakfast, valet parking and $100 Bacar dining credit. Be quick - offer ends 31 January. At the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour a family getaway costs from $489. Enjoy breakfast, parking and a kids activity pack.

FROM LAST WEEK:
Book two nights at the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong - and get the third night free.

JUST YOU - a specialist solo tour operator - is offering savings on 2026 tours including a trip to India and a walking tour in Tuscany. Save $300 on a 12-day Spirit of India tour departing April 3, 2026 ad $150 on an eight-day Walking in Tuscany tour departing May 19, 2026. More details www.justyou.com/au

FINNAIR will launch flights to Melbourne from October flying via Bangkok. This extra capacity should help to keep prices down to Europe. The service will be operated by an Airbus A350 featuring the innovative 'Airlounge', which converts to a flat bed.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS invites you to book early and save up to 30% on 2026–2027 Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Itineraries include Disko Bay and Inuit villages - Roundtrip Nuuk, Greenland.

TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel has released a long list of Regent Seven Seas Cruises itineraries as well as selected itineraries on Explora, Azamara, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania Scenic Eclipse and Celestyal. I am looking at cruising the Greek Islands aboard Celestyal and will be writing a review.

Breakaway Travel Industry Club has released Hawaiian Airways rates valid until March 31 2026. There is also a long list of deals on Silversea.

Interline Travel advises Interline fare structures are changing - "this week Regent Seven Seas advised that their fares are now dynamic. "This means a rate is issued, and is subject to change as capacity decreases - as with airlines, this will mean the fare will rise. The only way to lock the fare in will be booking it at that rate when issued or quoted - the fare could rise on the following day. If the fare seems reasonable and fits in with your plans, grab it and take advantage."

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.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Kids fly free with Jetstar

This week's top travel deals - Some great family holidays - along with details of a specialist operator for solo travellers.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Save on Silversea

That's it for this year folks. Have a happy and safe Christmas. We will be back in mid January.

SILVERSEA invites you to save up to 40% on more than 800 voyages with reduced deposits starting at 15%. As well, book your flights or land experiences with the line and enjoy additional savings of up to $1,000pp on select voyages. Remember to read the small print carefully.