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.
WEBJET always has deals going - but be sure to check the validity. They include island escapes to Bali, Phuket, or Fiji, plus buzzing cities like Tokyo and Bangkok. Prefer cooler plans? New Zealand trips to Queenstown, Auckland and beyond are on the list. Limited time only.
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. Join130 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%.
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.
WEBJET always has deals going - but be sure to check the validity. They include island escapes to Bali, Phuket, or Fiji, plus buzzing cities like Tokyo and Bangkok. Prefer cooler plans? New Zealand trips to Queenstown, Auckland and beyond are on the list. Limited time only.
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.
CATHAY PACIFIC has released great deals to destinations far and wide with Cathay Pacific’s Fly Away Sale. Fly to the Chinese Mainland, Asia, India and more, and save when your itinerary includes a Sunday. The deals include Shanghai from $969 Economy return. Hurry though - the sale ends on May 17.
RAILBOOKERS has some specials if you book by May 31. You could save up to $800 couple. For instance the Italian Treasurers and Swiss Mountains itinerary - 11 days from $5069. Have a look here https://www.railbookers.com.au
LAMTAM seems always to be on sale to Santiago, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and more from MEL and SYD. Buenos Aires for instance ex Sydney from $1911. Check the conditions.
ETIHAD has good news for its FFmembers with points to burn - but you have to hurry to get 30% off on flights and the flexibility to change your booking for free. Book by 14 May. Travel May to October 2026.
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
FROM LAST WEEK:
CROOKED COMPASS invites you to witness a ceremony of identity that has endured through empires, revolutions, and the march of the modern world. Mongolia’s The Naadam Festival is listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It is a nation's memory made physical through nomadic sports of archery, wrestling, and the thunder of horses celebrated across the country. Departure is July 4 with prices from $7456. Tours have a max of 12 people.
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.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released special fares to top Asian destinations including Kuala Lumpur from $888 and Bangkok from $876. The sale ends May 20 for travel until November 18.
137 PILLARS HOTELS & RESORTS invite you to experience this luxury boutique hotel brand through exclusive Thai Resident Rates across Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Step into timeless elegance at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, where a beautifully restored 130-year-old teak homestead anchors an intimate 30-key sanctuary surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
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.
UTRACKS advises travellers planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2027 to lock in current pricing which has been held at 2026 levels across more than 40 itineraries in Spain and Portugal. More details, https://www.utracks.com/themes/camino/camino-price-lock
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 introduced a range of new tours for 2027 including a southern Spanish sojourn, a Sicilian immersion, a seven-day visit to Scandinavia, and a coastal Canadian adventure.
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 Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) will host a webinar on Thursday 28 May, equipping attendees with the clarity and confidence to manage and elevate team performance whilst maintaining high standards and a positive, productive workplace. The 30-minute presentation will be led by Fiona Corbett, at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors. Members can register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9007254684897658462
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
FROM LAST WEEK:
CROOKED COMPASS invites you to witness a ceremony of identity that has endured through empires, revolutions, and the march of the modern world. Mongolia’s The Naadam Festival is listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It is a nation's memory made physical through nomadic sports of archery, wrestling, and the thunder of horses celebrated across the country. Departure is July 4 with prices from $7456. Tours have a max of 12 people.
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.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released special fares to top Asian destinations including Kuala Lumpur from $888 and Bangkok from $876. The sale ends May 20 for travel until November 18.
137 PILLARS HOTELS & RESORTS invite you to experience this luxury boutique hotel brand through exclusive Thai Resident Rates across Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Step into timeless elegance at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, where a beautifully restored 130-year-old teak homestead anchors an intimate 30-key sanctuary surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
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.
UTRACKS advises travellers planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2027 to lock in current pricing which has been held at 2026 levels across more than 40 itineraries in Spain and Portugal. More details, https://www.utracks.com/themes/camino/camino-price-lock
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 introduced a range of new tours for 2027 including a southern Spanish sojourn, a Sicilian immersion, a seven-day visit to Scandinavia, and a coastal Canadian adventure.
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 Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) will host a webinar on Thursday 28 May, equipping attendees with the clarity and confidence to manage and elevate team performance whilst maintaining high standards and a positive, productive workplace. The 30-minute presentation will be led by Fiona Corbett, at Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors. Members can register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9007254684897658462
Travel Industry Club has posted new European river cruising industry rates for 2026 with discounts from 65%. The deals are all-inclusive of beverages, shore excursions wi-fi and gratuities. Check the selection from AmaWaterways and Uniworld.
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.
