Merry Christmas from the top holiday deals team

A merry and safe Christmas to you all from the top holiday deals team.

FINNAIR invites you to visit the old boy in person. Santa Claus lives deep within the Finnish Lapland, near the Arctic Circle at the mystical Korvatunturi Fell. Flights from Sydney to Rovaniemi are priced from $1834 return.

WORLD EXPEDITIONS has announced  a Boxing Day sale - For 48 hours, starting December 26, more than 140 of the company's most popular adventure travel trips will be reduced.

CATHAY PACIFIC has come up with a novel idea if you travel in that direction regularly. Book two return flights from Sydney to Hong Kong in one booking and pay from $888 per return. Flights must be between 19 January - 21 November 2025.

 
CUNARD'S brand new Queen Anne will head off on her maiden South America Discovery voyages in 2027 and early save fares have been released. The 82 night Southampton round trip costs from $30,499 - or you can also choose from 17 and 20 night itineraries.

NT NOW deals (plenty of them) include a 4 night crocs and chill Darwin Getaway from $649pp twin share. Enjoy everything from crocodile encounters along the Adelaide River to exploring the best Darwin has to offer. Travel until March 31 2025. Flights not included. 

THE QATAR AIRWAYS/VIRGIN AUSTRALIA alliance takes off in June and the competition should help to reduce air fares to Europe. You will earn 20,000 bonus Avios in Business or First and 10,000 in Economy by booking a return trip by 20 January 2025, and complete your journey by 30 September 2025. Avios is the reward currency now used by a number of airlines. Pity Adelaide is not included - would have been a great idea to replace the fake Qatar service via Melbourne. 

FAR EAST INSIDERS is offering up to 43% savings when you book 2025 accommodation at least 14 days in advance (minimum 2 nights). Hotels include the Oasia Hotel Novena, Singapore.

SEABOURN has unveiled its annual "Sail of the Year" event which features saving of up to 15%  on select ocean and expedition voyages, reduced deposits and up to $US1000 in onboard credit.

ANANTARA  HOTELS AND RESORTS is offering increased advance purchase savings and benefits plus exceptional rates on longer stays in the Maldives.

PONANT has launched its  2026 Kimberley season -  16 departures from May to September offer a 30% PONANT Bonus in savings.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  Super deals on Crystal, Silversea: Iceland includes airfare, Regent: Iceland includes airfare. More details, Interline Travel.

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.

This week's top travel deals

#traveldeals

NT NOW deals (plenty of them) include a 4 night crocs and chill Darwin Getaway from $649pp twin share. Enjoy everything from crocodile encounters along the Adelaide River to exploring the best Darwin has to offer. Travel until March 31 2025. Flights not included.

THE QATAR AIRWAYS/VIRGIN AUSTRALIA alliance takes off in June and the competition should help to reduce air fares to Europe. You will earn 20,000 bonus Avios in Business or First and 10,000 in Economy by booking a return trip by 20 January 2025, and complete your journey by 30 September 2025. Avios is the reward currency now used by a number of airlines. Pity Adelaide is not included - would have been a great idea to replace the fake Qatar service via Melbourne.

VIRGIN VELOCITY is advertising up to 40% off when you buy velocity points by December 19 - but beware - you need to buy 250,000 points to achieve the max discount - and that is expensive.

FAR EAST INSIDERS is offering up to 43% savings when you book 2025 accommodation at least 14 days in advance (minimum 2 nights). Hotels include the Oasia Hotel Novena, Singapore.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES has released specials to more than 50 destinations worldwide priced from $659 return. Book by 21 Dec 2024 - travel from 03 Feb until 30 Nov 2025.

SEABOURN has unveiled its annual "Sail of the Year" event which features saving of up to 15% on select ocean and expedition voyages, reduced deposits and up to $US1000 in onboard credit.

ANANTARA HOTELS AND RESORTS is offering increased advance purchase savings and benefits plus exceptional rates on longer stays in the Maldives.

VIKING invites you to book your next river voyage before December 18 2024 to enjoy savings of $1,600 per couple plus a complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package on all European, Mississippi and Mekong river voyages. Past Viking guests save an extra $400 per couple.

PONANT has launched its 2026 Kimberley season - 16 departures from May to September offer a 30% PONANT Bonus in savings.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY: VIRGIN VOYAGES industry first annual pass will allow travellers to embark on any ship, any time, and from anywhere in the world for an entire year – and agents earn commissions of up to $15,000.

From Sue Francis at the Travel Industry Club: The long list of specials this week include Regent Seven Seas – London/Edinburgh (including Greenland & Iceland) 29 July, 20 nights. See the web site for more details.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN has been named best cruise line by Cruise Critic. Icon of the Seas is also the recipient of the year's Best New Ship. The run of awards doesn't end there for Royal: the cruise line also scooped up Best Entertainment, Best Nightlife, Best Suites and Best App.

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.

This week's top travel deals

#traveldeals

With Black Friday dead and buried, the advertising whiz kids have now rolled out Year End deals.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES was first cab off the rank with specials to more than 50 destinations worldwide priced from $659 return. Book by 21 Dec 2024 - travel from 03 Feb until 30 Nov 2025.
 

QANTAS calls it The sale before Christmas -  more than 60 destinations are on sale until 11.59pm (AEDT) 12 December 2024.

HELLOWORLD has released a 19 night fly, rail cruise and tour package to Greece and Italy aboard Majestic Princess priced from $9079 for a balcony cabin. Start date is March 31, 2025.

SEABOURN, a leader in ultra-luxury cruising, has unveiled its annual "Sail of the Year" event which features savings and benefits on select 2025 and 2026 worldwide ocean and expedition voyages.

FAR EAST INSIDERS invites you to plan your 2025 escape and enjoy up to 43% savings when you book accommodation at least 14 days in advance (minimum 2 nights). Hotels include the Oasia Hotel Novena, Singapore.

VIETNAM AIRLINES has a special for Perth travellers heading to Vietnam. Premium economy fares starting from $1,464, or upgrade to Business class from $3,198.

VIKING has deals going if you prefer to cruise Europe during the the "Quiet Season" – spanning autumn to spring from‌ November‌ to‍ March‌. Not a bad idea given the overcrowding going on right now. A couple could save save up to $2000.

MSC CRUISES is offering $1000 in onboard credit and kids free on selected cruises in 2025.

KRISFLYER CRUISE  is a brand-new way to earn miles on your adventures out at sea. As a Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer member, you can now earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every USD 1 spent on cruise fares booked through KrisFlyerCruise.com. 

PONANT has launched its  2026 Kimberley season -  16 departures from May to September offer a 30% PONANT Bonus in savings.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  From Sue Francis at the Travel Industry Club: "Rather than choose one cruise line this week we have selected 20 excellent itineraries from across our range of operators. Discounts offered to TIC members are very significant, she adds. 

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. 

This week's top travel deals

The Black Friday deals roll on - particularly from cruise companies. As you read, the minutes are ticking away before Royal Caribbean specials end. They range from up to $1000 off sailings to feeding and entertaining your kids from just $29 a day.

No one in the industry takes cruise deals all that seriously by the way - they have more sales than dogs sniff. Watch out for lines like "on selected cruises" and onboard credit "from." Far too often you check a deal only to discover the category is sold out

This week's top travel deals from Australia's senior traveller, Ian McIntosh

The Black Friday deals roll on - particularly from cruise companies. No one in the industry takes cruise deals all that seriously by the way  - they have more sales than dogs sniff. Watch out for lines like "on selected cruises" and onboard credit "from."

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has also thrown its hat into the ring - "lighten up your Black Friday with special fares to your favourite holiday destinations such as Phuket, Seoul, Delhi and more." Deals end on December 6.

This week's top travel deals

The Black Friday deals roll on - particularly from cruise companies. No one the industry takes cruise deals all that seriously by the way  - they have more sales than dogs sniff. As soon as one ends another starts - and it is not that unusual to find the "new" special is more expensive than the last. Just be aware. 

This week's top travel deals

IFLY HOLIDAYS Black Friday deals offer discounts and bonus credits across destinations worldwide the organisation says. 

This week's top travel deals

SNOW SKIING IN JAPAN is now one of the big travel growth areas out of Australia - the best time to visit is typically from late December to early March with January and February the peak months says expert Helen Wong from Helen Wong Tours. One of Japan's most famous winter destinations, Nagano, recently  appointed  Helen as its first-ever Australian representative. Check her program for value packages.

This week's top travel deals

27 October 2024

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL has America on sale until November 30. Flights to say Seattle from Sydney start at $1533 - and specials include an eight day Nevada self-drive priced from $937pp.

This week's top travel deals

AVALON WATERWAYS recommends Budapest as an ideal starting point for a river cruise and as an added incentive - book a 2025 Danube cruise and save up to $8,000 a couple. 

This week's Top Travel deals

The top travel deals this week are:

MALAYSIA AIRLINES has London and Paris on sale until October 22. Fly to Paris from $1,699 return, with up to 7x weekly flights starting 22 Mar 2025.

Top Travel Deals this week

The top travel deals this week are:

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals of the week

EARLY BIRDS: Most of them end on September 30 - so you need to hurry and book.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals of the week

VIETNAM AIRLINES invites you to Explore the wonders of Indochina from the ancient temples of Angkor Wat to the vibrant cities of Phnom Penh and Vientiane. Fares start from AUD 600 and round-trip fares from AUD 904. Book before October 12, 2024, for travel until March 31, 2025.

Ian McIntosh's Best Travel Deals of The Week

THE GHAN is marking 95 years of outback crossings. Book before sept 21 to enjoy special deals including free hotel nights in Adelaide or Darwin. The six day discover Darwin package costs from $3390 - train journey included.

Ian McIntosh's Best Travel Deals of The Week

HURTIGRUTEN: Keen to see the Northern Lights? Hurtigruten has a 25% discount on selected Coastal Express sailings (Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen, Bergen-Kirkenes, Kirkenes-Bergen), 'Coastal Express - Northern Lights' & Astronomy Voyage departing between 15th September, 2024 and 30th April, 2025.

JETSTAR: These deals end on September 2 - but if you hurry Jetstar is offering a Life’s a Beach sale with one way fares from $29. Or, there are three night package deals to the Gold Coast from $321pp twin share. Check the website carefully to see the price from your city. Qantas has a Red Tail sale to domestic destinations going as well - but it ends on September 1.

HELLOWORLD: is offering flights operated by Fiji Airways to Dallas economy return from Sydney from $1774. The sale ends on September 6. Also check out the series of fly/drive holidays in the Northern Territory- particularly the value four day Darwin city getaway from $399 staying at the Adina Apartment Hotel.

IFLY: is advertising a Qantas London and Paris sale from $1719 return - business from $9,419. The sale ends on September 2.

EMIRATES: has also released special fares to Europe - but some of them also expire on September 2. They include London from $1779 and Paris $1889. Business from Adelaide to London is from $9149 until September 2.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: continues to promote strongly - the latest: Experience Hanoi’s romantic autumn, soak up the sun in Da Nang, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Hoi An's Mid-Autumn Festival, or explore the underwater wonders of Nha Trang. Fares from $718. Book your tickets before October 31, 2024, for travel until March 20, 2025.

THE ROYAL GARDEN: is one of London’s most popular hotels - brilliantly located opposite the great parks and Kensington Palace. You will enjoy 20% off your stay when you book directly by September 18 for stays until October 31. Use the code BIRTHDAY20.

PULLMAN HOTELS: across the Pacific have a range of offerings this spring from Father's Day dining in Sydney to advance savings in Auckland and a gastronomic stay in Rotorua, New Zealand.

VELOCITY FREQUENT FLYER: Book a stay at Crown Towers in Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, or Crown Metropol in Melbourne or Perth before 6 September 2024 for travel on or before 28 February 2025 and you will receive six Velocity Points per $1 spent on eligible bookings, 15% discount off best rate available on eligible bookings plus a bottle of sparkling wine.

VIKING CRUISES: is offering free return economy class flights on all river journeys, and free airfares for companions on all ocean and expedition voyages. The offers are valid on new bookings for 2025, 2026 and 2027 river, ocean and expedition voyages

from now until 15 November 2024. Solo travellers can also save 25% on single supplements across a selection of sailings.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES: Discover Asia sale highlights prices from $619 return. Visit Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City, Penang, and beyond. Book by 05 Sep 2024 and travel now until 30 Jun 2025.

EMIRATES: Flights start again from Adelaide on October 28. Buy Emirates miles and get a 25% bonus.

QANTAS: has been flying between Australia and Hong Kong for 75 years and to celebrate you save $75 off the base fare on return flightswhen you use the code TAKEOFF75. Offer ends 30 September 2024, unless sold out prior. Travel must be between now and 9 August 2025.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential.

What's new in Western Australia - August 2024

LATEST NEWS

Ian McIntosh's best travel deals this week

The best travel deals this week are:

VIKING CRUISES is offering free return economy class flights on all river journeys, and free airfares for companions on all ocean and expedition voyages. The offers are valid on new bookings for 2025, 2026 and 2027 river, ocean and expedition voyages from now until 15 November 2024. Solo travellers can also save 25% on single supplements across a selection of sailings. For additional information, contact Viking on 138 747 (AU) / 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

Ian McIntosh's best travel deals this week

PONANT has released a special for a cruise exploring Vietnam departing on November 29. On offer is a 30% PONANT bonus, $2,000 flight credit pp, and free solo supplement.

What's New in the NT

NEWS AND NEW PRODUCT FROM THE NT





Experience the Northern Territory at its balmy autumn best. As the southern states bundle up for winter, the Territory brims with temperate weather, azure skies, postcard-worthy sunsets, Aboriginal cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and eclectic festivals, events and markets.

From the tropical Top End to the iconic Red Centre, the Territory beckons travellers seeking an epic holiday that is different in every sense.

What's New from Western Australia - June 2024

The latest exciting new product updates from across WA.

Highlights include the launch of tiny cabin luxury accommodation in Perth’s Kings Park; new direct flights to Perth from Melbourne and Adelaide with Rex Airlines, and the recommencement of a direct flight from China; Melbourne street artist RONE is bringing his exhibition to Perth; plus exciting new restaurant openings in Perth’s CBD, new tours, discovery centres and Aboriginal cultural experiences

What's New in Western Australia - April 2024

Welcome to the April edition of This is WA, bringing you the latest travel and lifestyle news from across Western Australia.

The season of Djeran is now upon us – bringing with it cool nights and refreshing dewy mornings laced with the scent of emerging boronia blooms. The Yawuru season of Marrul in the Kimberley town of Broome (Rubibi) has been revealed by nature. Gadgur (bloodwood) trees are flowering and Kimberley tides are high, signalling the seasonal change.

What's New from Western Australia - Jan/Feb 2024

Hello from Western Australia,

Highlights for this month include several new openings in the Margaret River Region. There's a revived retro motel in Busselton, The Timothee; de'sendent fine dining in Margaret River; plus a game-changing pub and dining destination, Busselton Pavilion. There's also exciting new adventure tours including jet boat tours in the Dampier Archipelago, an aerial ropes course in Pemberton, and scenic helicopter flights in Albany. So much happening in #WAtheDreamState!