Saturday, 2 November 2024

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.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Japan is hot right now - and so are these fares. Head to Japan/Korea from $794/round trip. Book before November 30, 2024, and travel until May 31, 2025. Check also Cathay Pacific prices. 

BLACK FRIDAY discount shopping is a way of life in the US - and increasingly here. Traditionally the last Friday in November, the event is sure to attract a wide range of specials. For instance, Hilton properties will offer 20% off for two night stays. 

HELLOWORLD invites you to discover Vietnam & Cambodia in 2025 with APT Luxury Travel. Bookings can attract savings of up to $4,200 per couple. Offer ends November 22 2024.

ACCOR club members - Get 20% off on stays of two nights and more at 1000+ hotels, resorts and apartments across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. Book now for stays until  27 April 2025.

VIBE eclub members - As well as free parking at Vibe Melbourne docklands, unlock two-for-one ice-skating at O'Brien Icehouse Docklands, plus bowling, dodgem cars and complimentary arcade games at Archie Brother's Docklands. 

THE LEGEND CHIANG RAI in Thailand has a soft opening special until November 11 - superior studio with breakfast for two from B1900 - that's around $A90.

VIKING will have two ships sailing the Mekong River in 2027. book by‌ 15‍ November 2024‌ to enjoy free return economy class international flights on selected‌ 2025‌, 2026‌ and 2027‌ departures.
 
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.

OCEANIA CRUISES has finally released its Europe & Alaska 2026 Collection of Voyages. Deals include 50% reduced deposits. Explore 140 new itineraries, 11 new ports and 35 Grand Voyages.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released explorer fares plus enjoy companion fares when you book for two or more to selected European cities. Sale ends November 7.

IHG ONE REWARDS - Stays at avid hotels, voco, EVEN Hotels, Atwell Suites and Garner Hotels, from 1 October – 31 December 2024, will earn you 3X bonus points every time.

PONANT invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey into the untouched wilderness of the Arctic from Baffin Sea to the fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen. Deals include free solo supplement and round trip flight Paris/Longyearbyen.

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. 

AZAMARA is adding Alaska to its itineraries - save 20% on new itineraries and enjoy $US300 credit, free wifi and a premium drinks package when you book a verandah stateroom and above.

MSC CRUISES is offering $1000 in onboard credit and kids free on selected cruises in 2025.
 
FINNAIR has Finland on sale - Helsinki ex Sydney is priced from $1786 round trip until further notice.

FIJI AIRLINES will expand its Adelaide to Nadi service from two to three flights a week from April 2025. This service also offers SA travellers connections to the United States via Nadi.

FAR EAST HOSPITALITY has opened a new service residence in Singapore. Stay for six nights and get two nights free. Choose from four apartment types. 

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.

GLOBUS/COSMOS: Book now and save up to $1,100 per couple on your next  European coach tour. 

CELEBRITY CRUISES has announced a spring sale. For a limited time, get up to 75% off the second guest plus up to USD $150 bonus onboard credit per room. Cruise companies have more sales than dogs bark - but you might get lucky.

PONANT has a deal for golf lovers -  set sail aboard Le Jacques-Cartier on January 16, 2025 to explore New Zealand's East coast and enjoy a premium golf package. Other goodies include a flight credit and free solo supplement.

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 now and 30th April, 2025.

VIETNAM AIRLINES: Enjoy 15% off all flights between Australia and Vietnam every Saturday and Sunday. Use the code GREATDEAL to claim your discount. Book your tickets and travel by June 30, 2025.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  Excellent deals on Celebrity Edge cruises from Sydney to Australian ports (incl wine cruises), NZ, Pacific Islands right through to Jan 2026. Updated rates are on our website and can be booked now - Sue Francis Travel Industry Club. 

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.