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Saturday, 10 October 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Europe flight deals




EarlyBird flight Deals to Europe for 2027 are taking off already - Singapore Airlines was first cab off the rank closely followed by Virgin Australia/Qatar. 

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The Virgin sale ends on October 30. Remember to check the validity dates for travel. Singapore Airlines was recently named World's Best Airline by Skytrax for the sixth time. SQ deals are available until 29 October 2026. Fares to London for instance are priced from $1824 ex Adelaide. 

EUROPE HOLIDAYS has also released 2027 Earlybird offers to celebrate the launch of its new europeholidays.com.au website.  Check now for early-booking value on holidays right across Europe. Book seven or more nights in Europe and get $500 per couple to use toward your airfare.

QANTAS has announced that non-stop Australia to NYC flights are set to launch. The history-making direct route from Sydney will transform travel to the Big Apple — cutting flight times and introducing a dedicated Wellbeing Zone onboard. Expected to commence in mid-2028,  the flights are currently scheduled to go on sale in August next year.

EUROCAR says get your car sorted early and save up to 20%  on rentals right through to March 31. Book by October 16,  2026.

SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP? 
Our flight to Adelaide from Singapore was suddenly not available in business class - we had hours to wait in terminal 3. So, I booked the Ambassador Transit Lounge for a stay plus shower. Singapore's Changi is the best airport in the world for a number of reasons - a main one is that passengers in transit have huge areas where they can relax in real comfort away from crowds using free internet and if necessary charge up phones or whatever. Food halls are always nearby. As for the transit lounge - it is an insult to everything Changi stands for - it is too small, grubby, overcrowded and poorly air conditioned. We took one look and decided to find a comfy spot outside - which is my advice to anyone thinking about paying for this facility. 

FROM LAST WEEK:
Royal Caribbean’s VOYAGER OF THE SEAS new season brings together three distinct ways to explore Japan and beyond. A 10-night open-jaw holiday from Hong Kong to Tokyo and three round-trip holidays from Tokyo – ranging from 11- to 12-nights, offer different ways to explore Japan and South Korea. Select holidays also include calls in South Korea. Finally a  16-night Pacific crossing from Tokyo to Seattle heads north to Sapporo. The holidays are part of Voyager’s broader 2027- 2028 Asia Pacific season, which features 2- to 16-night holidays from Brisbane and Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong.

JUST YOU, The solo tour operator, has added four new escorted tours to its 2027 and 2028 collection: The 14-day India in Colour, eight-day Imperial Bohemia Saxony and Berlin starting in Prague, seven-day Canadian Rockies Winter Adventure starting in Calgary and the Eight-day Discover Venice & The Veneto.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS  has expanded its solo traveller program, making expedition cruising more accessible, flexible. The move responds to growing demand from Australians choosing to travel independently in search of tailored, meaningful experiences that align with personal interests. Have a look herehttps://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo

PANORAMA TRAVEL invites you to embark on an extraordinary 15-day 4WD journey across Oman, travelling through rugged mountain ranges, vast golden deserts, pristine coastlines and ancient frankincense trails. Discover dramatic landscapes, timeless heritage and remote places as you experience the Sultanate’s remarkable diversity, from spectacular natural wonders to authentic cultural treasures. Next departure is January 7-21 2027. More details here https://panorama.travel/trips/grand-tour-of-oman/

TRAINLINE, the popular UK based booking site, advises Christmas train tickets for France are now on sale – book TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS journeys within France for travel from December 13 to January 6, plus select cross-border journeys into Europe.

TRADE ONLY:
Unforgettable Travel Company has launched Unforgettable Asia (unforgettableasia.com), a new luxury Asia specialist designed to make complex travel across the region easier to sell for agents. Launching with 11 destinations and 50 itineraries, Unforgettable Asia initially covers Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia, with further destinations to be added in late 2026 and 2027.
 
The Travel Industry Club has released new Crystal Cruises rates, plus two incredible privately chartered Captain’s Choice voyages. "Whether you’re looking for refined luxury at sea or an intimate expedition into some of the world’s most remote destinations, these are experiences you won’t want to miss.”

Interline Travel’s Stephen West says if luxury and expedition are on your list, this week, check out our great selection. Have a look at  https://interlinetravel.com.au/newsletters

 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, 28 September 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Europe Holidays



Very small update this week as I head home tomorrow from Barcelona after a 15 day cruise aboard Viking Neptune. And no, I did not ride a bike around Amsterdam!
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EUROPE HOLIDAYS is celebrating the launch of  new europeholidays.com.au by  opening 2027 Earlybird offers — with value holidays right across Europe. Book seven or more nights in Europe and get $500 per couple to use toward airfare.

PONANT wants to take you on a culinary journey of indulgent gala dinners and curated wine pairings. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and engaging conversations with chefs as you embark on a journey of discovery. Examples include (in alliance with The Club des Chefs des Chefs) The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic  15/01/27 - 23/01/27.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES says save up to 10% on selected flights to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, the Maldives, Da Nang, Fukuoka and more. Deal ends on October 2.

KRISFLYER members - October is a special birthday month for you. Enjoy boosted miles, weekly giveaways and upsized rewards. For instance earn an 10 miles per $1 spent at all Kris+ partners across Sydney and Melbourne.

LUXURY LODGES OF AUSTRALIA is celebrating the recognition of 11 of its member lodges in the 2026 MICHELIN Key Hotels selection with Saffire on Tasmania's Freycinet Peninsula and Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island both elevated to the highest distinction of Three MICHELIN Keys.

SOLO TRAVEL: 
Looking for a trip that’s first-timer-friendly? Tripadvisor asked seasoned pros where they’d send someone looking to take the solo-travel plunge. See what made the cut, from Paris to Puerto Rico. Have a look here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-lEhUy42WjDvQ-Where_to_go_on_your_very_first_solo_trip.html

TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel deals include Windstar - Tahiti and Beyond, Regent - new rates, new voyages, Oceania - Christmas escape 12 nights sydney return and live Explora Journey rates in $A.

Travel Industry Club says Asia, the Pacific & Europe are featuring strongly, with fantastic opportunities across a wide range of cruise lines. With great rates across selected 2026 & 2027 sailings, there are some exceptional opportunities to explore.
AmaWaterways – Taste of Christmas Dec 26 - Basel → Amsterdam (or reverse) | 7 nights. Check out the deal.

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, 21 September 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Club Med

We are on our way to Portugal aboard Viking Neptune after a bit of rocking and rolling last night. Beautiful sunny day at sea today. Perfect really when you add the amazing level of service Viking offers. We are relaxing on lounges on deck 7 overlooking the sea - you can always find comfy corners on these ships that are never crowded.

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CLUB MED is a blast from the past  - right now during the Early Bird Sale save 20% on all inclusive holiday packages at the new Borneo resort - or how about Bali?

Monday, 14 September 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals

Wandering about Bergen today - but have to be back on board Viking Neptune by 5pm. Our first port will be Amsterdam. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Bergen is the perfect starting point for day trips to the fjords. Activities include everything from tours to mountain and glacier hiking, skiing in some of Norway’s best terrain, biking , or white-water rafting.
            
EES DELAYS. The new EES immigration system in Europe is still causing extensive delays - so leave plenty of time for your transfers. Note also that US entry requirements are strict. Authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements very carefully.

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - QANTAS USA and Canada


Very limited specials until the end of the month while I am in Europe and cruising on Viking.

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QANTAS says now is your chance to fly to the US and Canada for less.  Save on flights to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth, Honolulu and Vancouver. Hurry, sale ends 11.59pm (AEST) Monday 14 September 2026.