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Monday, 22 June 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Middle East Airline Updates


UTRACKS says the Australian Government downgrading its travel advice for five Middle Eastern countries from Level 4 "Do Not Travel" to Level 3 "Reconsider Your Need to Travel". The change is particularly significant for Australians travelling to Europe via major Middle Eastern transit hubs, as higher travel warnings can affect travel insurance coverage.

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TRIP ADVISOR highlights the top hotels every year - and one-of-a-kind properties like the Taj Lake Palace and the Treehouse Lodge in Peru. Then there is the crane Hotel. Have a look here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-lvTDCgyKIvfc-One_of_a_kind_hotels_travelers_choice.html

QANTAS has proudly announced its non-stop flight from Sydney to London from October next year.  You will touch down in the British capital in just 22 hours. Not for me though. True, I travel in business class these days  - and yes I enjoy a champagne, a decent meal followed by a shower in the lounges major airlines offer.

JUST YOU, the solo travel company, is offering savings on a raft of tours in Europe departing in September 2026, including adventures through Croatia, Turkiye, and Spain. Also new: An online community platform called Kindred to connect solo travellers and provide reassurance, inspiration and support for anyone making the decision to travel alone.

TFE’s club members are invited to save 20% thanks to its Winter Sale. Discover over 50 participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand in some of the most sought-after destinations. Book before 7 July 2026.

iEXPEDITION says There is nowhere on Earth quite like Antarctica. Sail past icebergs the size of cathedrals. Step ashore by Zodiac into a world ruled entirely by penguins, seals, and whales. Book the South Atlantic cruise from South Africa to Antarctica; 20 Nights | Cape Town to Ushuaia | Aboard SH DIANA

(23 October 2026 - 12 November 2026) and save over 50%.

WEBJET says it has economy deals in Europe - one way from $759 on China Eastern, Paris one way from $855 and Athens one way from $1209. Check the conditions carefully. 

AZAMARA CRUISES is offering a limited-time promotion with up to 20% off select sailings and up to $750 USD in onboard credit. Guests will also receive up to $4,500 USD in value through Always Azamara inclusions. The onboard credit can be used toward curated shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining, premium beverage packages, Wi-Fi, and more. 

CLICK FRENZY’s  EOFY sale is now live, bringing savings across flights, accommodation, and travel accessories for one week only. You could win one of 10 flights free flights to the Maldives on Maldivian Airlines during the sale but hurry - it ends on Jun24.  

UTRACKS has a great new idea for you bike fans - cycle from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea on a self-guided journey through Austria, Slovenia and Italy. Beginning in the alpine town of Villach, the route winds through vineyard-covered hills taking in highlights including Lake Bled, Ljubljana, the spectacular Postojna Caves and the famed Lipica Stud Farm before finishing in the elegant coastal city of Trieste.

EXPLORA has a Sky & Sea program to take care of every detail from take-off to return. International flights, an overnight hotel stay and private transfers are all arranged.  Reserve by 28 July 2026 and enjoy 25% savings on this supplement on selected Extended Journeys.

WENDY WU TOURS has China and Japan on sale - with savings of up to $900pp available across selected itineraries, this is a great opportunity to plan ahead and experience two of Asia’s most captivating destinations.


BPA’s  new South-West Morocco itinerary includes access to Souss-Massa National Park offering rare opportunities to observe endangered North African wildlife in a protected environment. More details Kim Gontie travel@bypriorarrangement.co

PONANT’s Arctic 2028 season is now open. Book early and save up to 30% as you plan your journey to the Far North. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and French hospitality aboard the company’s intimate expedition ships.

VIKING is offering savings of up to 35% on Iberian voyages. For instance Portugal’s Rivers of Gold Lisbon to Porto - 10 days from $5895pp. Or, Bergen to Barcelona 15 days from $6945. Enjoy modern ships and no kids. Also released - four World Cruises, including the 170-day 2028 Viking World Voyage III. New voyages include the the 15‑day Japan Discovery. 

HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises is introducing a new world music festival concept aboard EUROPA. International artists will bring the musical traditions of the regions visited directly on board, creating an intimate festival atmosphere unlike traditional cruise entertainment. Would have to be an improvement on the high school level entertainment you get on major cruise lines. 

IEXPEDITION invites you to join the 21 day Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Peninsula Cruise. There will be just 130 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%. 

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.

PONANT has released its 2028 Kimberley program - explore one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers and enjoy 30% bonus savings.

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. 


TRADE ONLY:
The Travel Industry Club invites you to experience the "180 Degrees of Difference" with Windstar Cruises, where small-ship sailing meets authentic discovery. With a fleet of just seven yachts carrying a maximum of 342 guests, Windstar offers an intimate cruising experience that larger ships simply can't match. Check out the special deals.

INTERLINE TRAVEL says Regent Seven Seas deals are great - but won’t last. Also: AmaWaterways -rates from now through 2027 - over 350 rates available now. Uniworld-7 nights in Venice.

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/

Sunday, 14 June 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals

Tripadvisor members (all 900 million of them) know a thing or two about great hotels - and every year the best of the best are awarded.  Hotels like The Emporium South Bank Brisbane and the Kapama Private Game Reserve South Africa. Is your favourite listed? Have a look here https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels

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CATHAY PACIFIC’s Fly Away sale offers savings on flights to destinations across the Chinese Mainland, Asia, the UK, Europe, North America and more.  Deals include Shanghai from $905 Economy return, Taipei from $1,121 and Delhi from $1,153. Hurry though - the sale ends on June 28. 

Sunday, 7 June 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival.


It seems China is the big new destination for Australians. A record 716,000 Aussies visited in the 12 months to March this year. It is now our fourth-most visited country, overtaking Thailand, the UK and the US.


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CROOKED COMPASS has a few seats available in 2027 for Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival. Every September, the Kazakh eagle hunters of western Mongolia gather at the foot of the Altai Mountains.The relationship between hunter and eagle cannot be explained in words. You will stand in one of the most arid, but beautifully spectacular and remote landscapes on the planet and feel the profound weight of experiencing a culture that has survived everything the modern world has thrown at it. Details: https://www.crooked-compass.com/

Monday, 1 June 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - UK Rail Deals

Some interesting journeys for you rail buffs this week if you are heading to the UK. 

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PONANT’s Arctic 2028 season is now open. Book early and save up to 30% as you plan your journey to the Far North. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and French hospitality aboard the company’s intimate expedition ships.

Monday, 25 May 2026

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Five Nations


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CROOKED COMPASS invites you to fully explore the Silk Road crossing  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Together, they form what historians have called the engine room of human civilisation: the crossroads where East met West. The 27 day tours have a max of 12 travellers. https://mailchi.mp/crooked-compass/europe-empties-this-is-where-you-go-instead-7515301?e=c4bb94f7cf