ALDI HOLIDAYS value plus 12 day China Rail Tour is priced from $1999 ex Syd/Mel. Included is travel aboard a first-class bullet train to Xian, home of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. The deal includes flights and according to Aldi, five star accommodation.
EXPLORA JOURNEYS invites you to discover South America by ship with savings of up to 40% across all suite categories for reservations made by 1 December 2026. Early reservation is highly recommended. In January 2028 for instance sail from Buenos Aires to wild Cape Horn, discovering the Falklands’ penguins, Yaghan heritage and Ushuaia’s dramatic landscapes.
HELLOWORLD and Viva Holidays have packaged an eight day Rhythms of the US South coach tour exploring New Orleans, Natchez, Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta. Highlights include a day tour of Memphis, known worldwide as ‘Home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Details here: https://www.helloworld.com.au/Discover/Deals/Deal/8-Day-Rhythms-of-the-South-Coach-Tour?utm_source=B2C_newsletter_mixed_5Nov26&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Viva+Holidays&utm_term=Top+Travel+Deals&utm_content=Rhythms+of+the+South
MY TOURING invites you to follow China’s legendary Silk Road on an 18 day fly/stay group tour from Urumqi to Beijing. Destinations include Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan. Cost is from $4699pp.
PONANT advises bookings for 2028 and 2029 Central America and Caribbean explorations are now open. Act quickly to take advantage of the 10% deposit offer and an early booking bonus of up to 30% off the brochure fare.
CF MEEKONG by Croisi Europe (CFM) is offering a 50% discount on its New Discovery Tour as well as no single supplement for solo travellers on select cruises this month and in January, February, March, April 2027.
Discounted prices for the Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City - 9 days/8 nights journey begin at $2,935.50 per cabin.
AIR NEW ZEALAND has been ranked the world’s best airline and Best for Inflight Entertainment in the 2026 USA TODAY 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
CUNARD has released a 115-night world cruise aboard Queen Elizabeth in 2029. Explore the globe from Southampton or there are opportunities to join in Fremantle or Sydney.
QATAR AIRWAYS has good news for travellers concerned about the Middle East war. New and existing bookings on flights between now and 31 January 2027 will be extended one complimentary date change and reduced cancellation fees.
IEXPEDITION’S Black Friday sale began on November 2. From a New Year’s voyage toward the Antarctic Circle to a transit of the Panama Canal, nine expeditions are up to 50% off until 30 November. Begin 2027 in Antarctica, heading towards the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S. This is the ultimate explorer’s journey to the southernmost part of the world. It is the earliest departure available.
ARANUI CRUISES continues to put French Polynesia’s southern archipelago on the map. In 2028, the 116-metre-long mixed passenger-freighter Aranoa will offer six cargo cruises featuring all five inhabited Austral Islands – Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, Raivavae and Rapa Iti – on a 13-day roundtrip cruise from Papeete, which also calls at Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea on the return leg. Aranui is offering an early bird discount of 15%.
FROM LAST WEEK:
LEISURE TIME TRAVEL has a great holiday idea for train lovers - a 9 day rail and coach tour of New Zealand’s southern island. The tour includes rides on the Coastal Pacific from Blenheim to Christchurch and the world-renowned TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps to Greymouth - plus other smaller private and heritage railways such as the Blenheim Riverside Railway. Book and pay in full by November 13 2026 to save $500pp. Details here: https://www.leisuretimetours.co.nz/tour-with-us/southern-rail-and-scenic-wonders-2027.html
LUXURY ESCAPES is advertising some value deals to the Maldives using a direct flight from Melbourne. The cost of Villa Nautica for instance including flights is from $5950 for five nights - a claimed saving of $75%. Up to two children stay and eat free. https://luxuryescapes.com/au/campaign/maldives-direct
Finnair’s daily A350 service between Helsinki and Melbourne has taken off. The 22-hour journey operates via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport where each flight makes a technical stopover of just under two hours. Look forward to reviews. Helsinki return costs from $1767.
CORAL EXPEDITIONS has expanded its solo traveller program, making expedition cruising more accessible. Have a look here https://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo
SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP?
Lots of complements this week for the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer, an award winning train experience across New Zealand. “10 out of 10 in every aspect". – Louise, NZ “The guides were amazing, the trains incredible, and the scenery beyond words". – Helen, Australia “Worth every penny – highly recommend". – Barry & Gay, Australia
Each review tells the same story: the seamless 14-day journey across New Zealand’s South Island is exceptionally well organised, with experienced tour leaders.
SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP?
Adelaide’s Julie Anne Briscoe arrived in San Diego in time to experience the Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration in The Old Town. "La Catrina is the iconic skeletal female figure that has become the universal symbol of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Today La Catrina’s appear with colourful and elegant hats and gowns with painted faces. Many have a picture of the loved one they want remembered on their gowns. There were also many altars in honour of those passed with photos, jewellery, favourite foods, books, clothing etc including one for Dolly Parton. The day was filled with Mariachi music and traditional folk dancing, costume competitions for adults and children, traditional Mexican food, market stalls, families and community. It was a wonderful colourful experience.”
TRADE ONLY:
EXPLORA JOURNEYS invites you to discover South America by ship with savings of up to 40% across all suite categories for reservations made by 1 December 2026. Early reservation is highly recommended. In January 2028 for instance sail from Buenos Aires to wild Cape Horn, discovering the Falklands’ penguins, Yaghan heritage and Ushuaia’s dramatic landscapes.
HELLOWORLD and Viva Holidays have packaged an eight day Rhythms of the US South coach tour exploring New Orleans, Natchez, Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta. Highlights include a day tour of Memphis, known worldwide as ‘Home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Details here: https://www.helloworld.com.au/Discover/Deals/Deal/8-Day-Rhythms-of-the-South-Coach-Tour?utm_source=B2C_newsletter_mixed_5Nov26&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Viva+Holidays&utm_term=Top+Travel+Deals&utm_content=Rhythms+of+the+South
MY TOURING invites you to follow China’s legendary Silk Road on an 18 day fly/stay group tour from Urumqi to Beijing. Destinations include Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan. Cost is from $4699pp.
PONANT advises bookings for 2028 and 2029 Central America and Caribbean explorations are now open. Act quickly to take advantage of the 10% deposit offer and an early booking bonus of up to 30% off the brochure fare.
CF MEEKONG by Croisi Europe (CFM) is offering a 50% discount on its New Discovery Tour as well as no single supplement for solo travellers on select cruises this month and in January, February, March, April 2027.
Discounted prices for the Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City - 9 days/8 nights journey begin at $2,935.50 per cabin.
AIR NEW ZEALAND has been ranked the world’s best airline and Best for Inflight Entertainment in the 2026 USA TODAY 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
CUNARD has released a 115-night world cruise aboard Queen Elizabeth in 2029. Explore the globe from Southampton or there are opportunities to join in Fremantle or Sydney.
QATAR AIRWAYS has good news for travellers concerned about the Middle East war. New and existing bookings on flights between now and 31 January 2027 will be extended one complimentary date change and reduced cancellation fees.
IEXPEDITION’S Black Friday sale began on November 2. From a New Year’s voyage toward the Antarctic Circle to a transit of the Panama Canal, nine expeditions are up to 50% off until 30 November. Begin 2027 in Antarctica, heading towards the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′S. This is the ultimate explorer’s journey to the southernmost part of the world. It is the earliest departure available.
ARANUI CRUISES continues to put French Polynesia’s southern archipelago on the map. In 2028, the 116-metre-long mixed passenger-freighter Aranoa will offer six cargo cruises featuring all five inhabited Austral Islands – Tubuai, Rurutu, Rimatara, Raivavae and Rapa Iti – on a 13-day roundtrip cruise from Papeete, which also calls at Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea on the return leg. Aranui is offering an early bird discount of 15%.
FROM LAST WEEK:
LEISURE TIME TRAVEL has a great holiday idea for train lovers - a 9 day rail and coach tour of New Zealand’s southern island. The tour includes rides on the Coastal Pacific from Blenheim to Christchurch and the world-renowned TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps to Greymouth - plus other smaller private and heritage railways such as the Blenheim Riverside Railway. Book and pay in full by November 13 2026 to save $500pp. Details here: https://www.leisuretimetours.co.nz/tour-with-us/southern-rail-and-scenic-wonders-2027.html
LUXURY ESCAPES is advertising some value deals to the Maldives using a direct flight from Melbourne. The cost of Villa Nautica for instance including flights is from $5950 for five nights - a claimed saving of $75%. Up to two children stay and eat free. https://luxuryescapes.com/au/campaign/maldives-direct
Finnair’s daily A350 service between Helsinki and Melbourne has taken off. The 22-hour journey operates via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport where each flight makes a technical stopover of just under two hours. Look forward to reviews. Helsinki return costs from $1767.
CORAL EXPEDITIONS has expanded its solo traveller program, making expedition cruising more accessible. Have a look here https://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo
SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP?
Lots of complements this week for the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer, an award winning train experience across New Zealand. “10 out of 10 in every aspect". – Louise, NZ “The guides were amazing, the trains incredible, and the scenery beyond words". – Helen, Australia “Worth every penny – highly recommend". – Barry & Gay, Australia
Each review tells the same story: the seamless 14-day journey across New Zealand’s South Island is exceptionally well organised, with experienced tour leaders.
SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP?
Adelaide’s Julie Anne Briscoe arrived in San Diego in time to experience the Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration in The Old Town. "La Catrina is the iconic skeletal female figure that has become the universal symbol of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Today La Catrina’s appear with colourful and elegant hats and gowns with painted faces. Many have a picture of the loved one they want remembered on their gowns. There were also many altars in honour of those passed with photos, jewellery, favourite foods, books, clothing etc including one for Dolly Parton. The day was filled with Mariachi music and traditional folk dancing, costume competitions for adults and children, traditional Mexican food, market stalls, families and community. It was a wonderful colourful experience.”
TRADE ONLY:
Travel Industry Club has released specially discounted fares on selected Azamara voyages. Carrying just 686 to 702 guests, Azamara's intimate boutique-style ships offer a personalised cruising experience, with more time in port, overnight stays and the freedom to explore at a leisurely pace. Check out the deals.
Aviation Week says Arab airline leaders are confident of a quick recovery once the threat of further war is contained. For now, prosperity still has a way to go. AACO predicts a 10.3% fall in demand for 2026.
Interline Travel’s weekly round-up features a handpicked selection of luxury cruise departures including: Explora Journeys – A Christmas Escape Across the Mediterranean; Azamara – Discover the Allure of Southeast Asia ; Silversea – The Art of Exploring South America in Ultra-Luxury ; Regent Seven Seas Cruises – A new departure from Fremantle to Darwin and finally Seabourn invites you to Extend the Festive Season in the Caribbean .
Viking's biggest travel advisor incentive is back...one advisor will win a voyage for two valued at up to AU$60,000. Plus, there are 26 runner-up prizes of AU$1,000 each.
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/
Aviation Week says Arab airline leaders are confident of a quick recovery once the threat of further war is contained. For now, prosperity still has a way to go. AACO predicts a 10.3% fall in demand for 2026.
Interline Travel’s weekly round-up features a handpicked selection of luxury cruise departures including: Explora Journeys – A Christmas Escape Across the Mediterranean; Azamara – Discover the Allure of Southeast Asia ; Silversea – The Art of Exploring South America in Ultra-Luxury ; Regent Seven Seas Cruises – A new departure from Fremantle to Darwin and finally Seabourn invites you to Extend the Festive Season in the Caribbean .
Viking's biggest travel advisor incentive is back...one advisor will win a voyage for two valued at up to AU$60,000. Plus, there are 26 runner-up prizes of AU$1,000 each.
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/
