It seems Emirates is getting services back to normal despite the war - and Qatar is also more active. I have no idea re Etihad - will keep you posted. Thing is this could all change overnight. Sure you can get flights via Singapore - but they are very expensive. A holiday in our part of the world makes sense right now.
FLIGHT CENTRE suggests it's time to explore the Northern Territory. Imagine swimming in outback waterholes near Alice Springs, standing before Uluru at sunset or exploring the vibrant city of Darwin. Hurry, sale ends 12 April 2026.
BEST WESTERN recommends New Zealand. From the energy of Auckland to the charm of Masterton, and the culture and creativity of Wellington, every destination offers something a little different. The Newmarket Inn and Suites Auckland costs from $165 a night.
TFE Hotels says go see Australia, ignite your wanderlust and save 20% on a new adventure with its Global Hotel Sale. Discover more 100 participating hotels worldwide in the most sought-after destinations across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Hotels include Travelodge and Vibe. Become an eClub member and save more.
BEST WESTERN recommends New Zealand. From the energy of Auckland to the charm of Masterton, and the culture and creativity of Wellington, every destination offers something a little different. The Newmarket Inn and Suites Auckland costs from $165 a night.
TFE Hotels says go see Australia, ignite your wanderlust and save 20% on a new adventure with its Global Hotel Sale. Discover more 100 participating hotels worldwide in the most sought-after destinations across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Hotels include Travelodge and Vibe. Become an eClub member and save more.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES is making it easier to see Asia and beyond. For a limited time save up to 15% on selected flights to destinations like Penang, Trivandrum, Phuket, the Maldives and more. Other privileges including child fares, customised bookings, complimentary rebooking and up to 15% off your next booking.
WEBJET has a deal if you are still keen to visit Europe.Take an extra 10% off tours worldwide with code BONUS10, and discover your next adventure with Contiki, G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Trafalgar, or Insight Vacations. You never quite know when specials end with this company - best to check the website.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES has brought back its Airbus A380 to Melbourne boosting capacity as more travellers reroute to Europe via Singapore.
HX EXPEDITIONS has released a suite of offers for the 2026 season. Anniversary offer highlights include:• Antarctica: 25% off OR a free suite upgrade (on selected 2026 sailings).• Alaska: Up to 35% off.• Norway: Up to 35% off.• Galápagos: Up to 30% off• Greenland: Up to 15% off.• Svalbard: Up to 15% off.• Northwest Passage: Up to 15% off.
FROM LAST WEEK:
TRAVELOKA has launched its annual SE Asia Easter sale: up to 70% off hotels and 17% off flights. If you are heading to Southeast Asia, the deals are available until 10 April 2026. Examples include 50% off Sai Daeng Resort, Thailand from $318/ night and 55% off Rajavilla Lombok Resort $63/ night. There are plenty more. Enjoy also up to 12% off flights on Garuda Indonesia. More details, www.traveloka.com/en-au/promotion/easter-sale
VIKING has added new sailings of the 15‑day Wonders of India itinerary, available from September 2027 through December 2029. Explore India's Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, visit nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal and Kaziranga National Park. Book until 31 March 2026 and choose your preferred offer valued at up to $5,000 per couple.
CATHAY PACIFIC has a deal for you if you want to stopover in Hong Kong. Enjoy up to $200 off flights on your next trip. Use the code HKSTOP100 for $100 off Economy, or HKSTOP200 for $200 off Premium Economy and Business class flights. Book now for travel from 28 April until 15 December 2026.
AIR TAHITI NUI has released lots of value holiday packages to the islands of Tahiti in association with Tahiti Travel. From $3099pp twin share for instance you can spend two nights at Tahiti then five at the Niu Beach Hotel Moorea. Flights and bonus offers are included. Deals end April 10. Have a look here https://au.airtahitinui.com/packages-island
JUST YOU, the solo travel expert, has released a deal to the US - Save $300 on the America's Historic Trail tour departing May 1, 2026. Now priced from $7899, the tour includes seven nights' accommodation with breakfast plus some other meals, a Just You Holiday Director, a local guide, transport throughout, and a guaranteed room for each traveller with no single supplement. Details www.justyou.com/au/
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS: Sure it is expensive - but what a wonderful experience. Fiona and I walked the red carpet and boarded in Venice on our way to Paris and the George V years ago. There are deals for groups of four and even solo travellers - enjoy select departures throughout 2026 - with no single supplement fee.
Call the reservations team and quote 'VSTWSOLE' to book.
CHINA EASTERN heads back to Adelaide from 21st June 2026. Jump onboard and enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi and non-stop services to Shanghai and beyond, including great connections to Beijing from just $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:
Interline Travel this week features Twin share price drops - eight pages of rates that were unavailable last week. Regent Seven Seas - a suite rate - pay the one price for two travellers - we have also added deals into 2027 HX Expeditions - Windstar - brand new deals with Tahiti prominent in the specials.
Travel Industry Club advises Oceania has refreshed its industry rates and released a selection of short‑term specials available until 14 April. If you've been dreaming of small‑ship luxury, exceptional cuisine, and immersive itineraries, this is the perfect moment to secure your next voyage.
BECKONS is a new name for you to note. The operator has been named a 2026 Global Vision Award Winner by Travel + Leisure. Beckons unites the award-winning portfolios of Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Chile.
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.
HX EXPEDITIONS has released a suite of offers for the 2026 season. Anniversary offer highlights include:• Antarctica: 25% off OR a free suite upgrade (on selected 2026 sailings).• Alaska: Up to 35% off.• Norway: Up to 35% off.• Galápagos: Up to 30% off• Greenland: Up to 15% off.• Svalbard: Up to 15% off.• Northwest Passage: Up to 15% off.
FROM LAST WEEK:
TRAVELOKA has launched its annual SE Asia Easter sale: up to 70% off hotels and 17% off flights. If you are heading to Southeast Asia, the deals are available until 10 April 2026. Examples include 50% off Sai Daeng Resort, Thailand from $318/ night and 55% off Rajavilla Lombok Resort $63/ night. There are plenty more. Enjoy also up to 12% off flights on Garuda Indonesia. More details, www.traveloka.com/en-au/promotion/easter-sale
VIKING has added new sailings of the 15‑day Wonders of India itinerary, available from September 2027 through December 2029. Explore India's Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, visit nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal and Kaziranga National Park. Book until 31 March 2026 and choose your preferred offer valued at up to $5,000 per couple.
CATHAY PACIFIC has a deal for you if you want to stopover in Hong Kong. Enjoy up to $200 off flights on your next trip. Use the code HKSTOP100 for $100 off Economy, or HKSTOP200 for $200 off Premium Economy and Business class flights. Book now for travel from 28 April until 15 December 2026.
AIR TAHITI NUI has released lots of value holiday packages to the islands of Tahiti in association with Tahiti Travel. From $3099pp twin share for instance you can spend two nights at Tahiti then five at the Niu Beach Hotel Moorea. Flights and bonus offers are included. Deals end April 10. Have a look here https://au.airtahitinui.com/packages-island
JUST YOU, the solo travel expert, has released a deal to the US - Save $300 on the America's Historic Trail tour departing May 1, 2026. Now priced from $7899, the tour includes seven nights' accommodation with breakfast plus some other meals, a Just You Holiday Director, a local guide, transport throughout, and a guaranteed room for each traveller with no single supplement. Details www.justyou.com/au/
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS: Sure it is expensive - but what a wonderful experience. Fiona and I walked the red carpet and boarded in Venice on our way to Paris and the George V years ago. There are deals for groups of four and even solo travellers - enjoy select departures throughout 2026 - with no single supplement fee.
Call the reservations team and quote 'VSTWSOLE' to book.
CHINA EASTERN heads back to Adelaide from 21st June 2026. Jump onboard and enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi and non-stop services to Shanghai and beyond, including great connections to Beijing from just $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:
Interline Travel this week features Twin share price drops - eight pages of rates that were unavailable last week. Regent Seven Seas - a suite rate - pay the one price for two travellers - we have also added deals into 2027 HX Expeditions - Windstar - brand new deals with Tahiti prominent in the specials.
Travel Industry Club advises Oceania has refreshed its industry rates and released a selection of short‑term specials available until 14 April. If you've been dreaming of small‑ship luxury, exceptional cuisine, and immersive itineraries, this is the perfect moment to secure your next voyage.
BECKONS is a new name for you to note. The operator has been named a 2026 Global Vision Award Winner by Travel + Leisure. Beckons unites the award-winning portfolios of Baillie Lodges and Tierra Hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Chile.
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.
