Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Save on Silversea

That's it for this year folks. Have a happy and safe Christmas. We will be back in mid January.

SILVERSEA invites you to save up to 40% on more than 800 voyages with reduced deposits starting at 15%. As well, book your flights or land experiences with the line and enjoy additional savings of up to $1,000pp on select voyages. Remember to read the small print carefully.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - China Southern returns to Adelaide

Not much happening this week after the Black Friday deals - or were they?  According to the experts, the airline specials didn't  overwhelm due to limited availability.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Beware Black Friday

The Black Friday travel deals look great at first glance - but don't forget to read the small print.

 



MALAYSIA AIRLINES Black Friday deals include up to 20% off selected flights to destinations like Singapore, Krabi, and Tokyo, along with up to 25% off children's fares. Enrich members can get an extra 5% off, and there are also savings on Golden Lounge access and seat selection.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Mediterranean with Celestyal

CELESTYAL has unveiled a new snap sale offering savings of up to 70% on 113 sailings departing between December 2025 and October 2027. Sailings in Greece and the Mediterranean include 16 departures of the seven-night 'Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia cruise, sailing roundtrip from Athens. For more information visit celestyal.com or call 1800 648 737.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Black Friday

Cruise lines in particular love events like Black Friday to push their products - but don't be overwhelmed. They have more sales than a lottery winner has new friends.

Ian McIntosh's top 10 travel deals - Asian Tours savings

WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departures in 2025 and 2026, plus savings on Japan's cherry blossoms in 2027. Choose from tours to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and more.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Hong Kong Sevens

CATHAY PACIFIC advises The ultimate rugby weekend is back. Experience the thrill of the Hong Kong Sevens in 2026 with our online exclusive early-bird packages starting from $1,488. Book now with the discount code EARLYR7AU to lock in exclusive early-bird deals on Flight + Event Ticket packages.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Singapore Airlines

People often ask me - how do you know if an airline's Early Bird deal is value? Well I put in a set of dates - and check the price of all airlines - currently February 17 to London, return March 14 2026. I don't use Adelaide as the home port because the city of churches always gets ripped off. I am looking at business class. I would also advise don't always take the word of Webjet - carriers can have private deals for regular flyers. So - the best deals - Turkish $7021 (2 stops) Malaysia $7900, Qatar $9358, Singapore Airlines $9772, Emirates $10558. Remember you need to look carefully at what you are buying - do you really want to stopover for ???? hours? Best deal in my opinion - Malaysia Airlines. Looking forward to trying the new A330 Neo.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Malaysia Airlines

MALAYSIA AIRLINES says it is time for the flight of your dreams aboard the new A330 Neo. I don't know about other states but in Adelaide the aircraft takes off in March next year. Long overdue I might add - the current aircraft is very tired inside. We had duct tape on the arm of one of the seats I was told the other day. I have checked the business class deals - they certainly are good value.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - around the world with Finnair

FINNAIR's round world business class, priced from $8853, features Asian gateways plus a raft of European destinations. FINNAIR is a popular choice for the value-conscious Qantas frequent flyer with only basic stopover needs in North America.

WENDY WU TOURS invites you take advantage of three exclusive offers - fly free on a selected departure, 50% off airfares across a wide range of tours - or upgrade to premium economy. More than 100 tours are on sale.

TRIPADEAL is promoting a 16 day Highlight of Greece and Turkiye tour priced from $5799pp twin share. Included is return flights and a seven night cruise aboard Costa Fortuna. Dates are May 2 - August 22 2026.

QATAR AIRWAYS has announced all-inclusive travel packages for the FIFA World Cup. There's a variety for you to choose from, each including match tickets, accommodation, flights and transfers.

EMIRATES seems to be finally offering better value business class seats - current offers include London from $10779 and Paris $10309. Book by October 16.

FAR EAST INSIDERS has a range of accommodation on sale - but the deals (up to 48% off) end on October 10. Recommended hotels in Singapore are the Orchard Rendezvous and the The Clan. More in Japan.

CATHAY PACIFIC wonders if you are planning a trip to Taiwan, China? Experience the best of both cabins in one journey with the Premium Economy Plus offer priced from from $2199. Begin your journey in Premium between Australia and Hong Kong then continue onwards from Hong Kong to Taipei or Kaohsiung in Business class.

HELLOWORLD is featuring Globus Cosmos tours deals in Europe - a 14 day Italy's Best itinerary costs from $4099 or how about 24 day Britain and Ireland from $10,729 - a save of $500pp.

From last week:

AVALON WATERWAYS invites you to book now to save up to $9,600 per couple. River cruise itineraries include eight days Amsterdam to Basil from $5624pp. Not interested in Europe - how about Vietnam and Cambodia cruising the mighty Mekong?

VIKING is celebrating Spring with free flight deals. Book a river voyage and fly free or an ocean or expedition voyage and your companion flies free. Offers end‌ 1‍ December‍ 2025‍.

TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club invites you to experience Coral Expeditions, proudly Australian-owned and known for intimate, purpose-built expedition cruises for a max of 120 passengers. Journeys include the North Borneo Explorer and Through the Heart of Japan: Tokyo to Fukuoka & return.

Breakaway Travel Club has some great rates on Silversea. Deals include Tokyo to Seward departing April 30 2026 for 15 Nights aboard Silver Moon.

The Interline Travel Team is featuring rates on Crystal Cruises everything from Auckland to Australia in February 2026 to 18 nights from LA to Papeete departing January 11 2026.

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. Got a travel problem? Send us details to ianmac@travelagentupdate.com Ian McIntosh is Australia's senior traveller.

This week's top travel deals - Walking Europe

UTRACKS  Early Bird Sale means hundreds of dollars in savings and the chance for you to lock in a 2026 European active holiday. Book between now and October 9 2025 to enjoy value across almost 500 walking, cycling and bike and boat tours. Example: Camino Guided Walk Sarria to Santiago.

This week's top travel deals - Holland America Line

IMAGINE CRUISING has a deal in conjunction with Holland America offering 36 nights exploring Australia and New Guinea from $7499. Departing Sydney on November 14 aboard Noordam. The price includes flights and a cabin upgrade. Details here https://www.imaginecruising.com.au/holidays/immersive-holland-america-line-australia-circumnaviation-and-papua-new-guinea/

FAR EAST HOSPITALITY invites you to explore Japan with Village Hotels. Discover the vibrant streets of Tokyo, the charm of Yokohama's waterfront, and the lively energy of Osaka and save up to 38%. The promotion ends 30 Sep 2025.

This week's top travel deals- Singapore Airlines

There are a few airline deals around at the moment - particularly it seems for flights between January and march 2026. Prices for business to Europe remain high however - headlined by Emirates and Qantas. Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines are usually good value alternatives. 

This week's top travel deals- Viking free flights offer

VIKING is celebrating Spring with free flight deals. Book a river voyage and fly free or an ocean or expedition voyage and your companion flies free. Offers end‌ 1‍ December‍ 2025‍. There is lot's like about Viking - Smart ships, no kids, no casinos, a free excursion in each port , free wifi and beverages with meals. The world voyages brochure has also been released.

This week's top travel deals. Like the idea of a party cruise?

IFLY GO wonders if you are ready to swap your couch for cocktails on the deck? Save 20% when you choose one of three of the world's top party cruises in Greece, Croatia or Halong Bay. Sounds like fun.

CATHAY PACIFIC's Early Bird sale has taken off - with savings to the UK, Europe, Japan, South Korea, North America, India and more. London is priced from From $1770 Economy return, Paris: From $1880, Tokyo from $989 and New York from $2822. The offer ends on September 15.

HOLIDAY MAX is featuring a value six day all inclusive touring package to Cairns priced from $1899. Included is touring Cape Tribulation, the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Kuranda by train and skyrail plus a special dinner cruise.

From last week:

TRAIN LOVERS call it a dream come true. The 13 day Sir Edmund Hillary Explore Tour begins in Christchurch traversing the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass, to the west coast, down to Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, across to Dunedin, heading back up to Aoraki Mt Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough and ending in the harbour city of Wellington.

NORWEGIAN AIRLINES is a popular carrier in Europe - if you are heading that way and are planning a hotel stay during the carrier's Autumn Sale - get double CashPoints as well as discounts of at least 30% on select hotels. Book by 7 September 2025 for stays until 31 March 2026. You have to be a Reward member.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS has released early bird savings for travellers keen to explore the spectacular Kimberley region in WA in style. The package includes a 10-night luxury expedition, return economy flights, one-night accommodation and transfers. Book by September 30.

ACCOR has Singapore on sale - enjoy up to 25% off two-night stays at participating hotels, along with exclusive member benefits across the diverse range of hotels. Book by 26 Sept 2025 for stays between 21 Aug and 28 Sept 2025. Save more when you book as a member of ALL – it's free to join.

TURKISH AIRLINES invites you to fly from Sydney and Melbourne with up to 20% off using the promo code AUSPECIAL. You have until September 15 to book for travel between October 1 and November 30.

TRADE ONLY: Interline Travel is currently featuring Heritage Expeditions - Kimberley,Asia, Japan and New Zealand plus AMA Waterways, Quark expedition cruising and family cruising with RCL and Celebrity.


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. Got a travel problem? Send us details.

This week's top travel deals - Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour

TRAIN LOVERS call it a dream come true. The 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour begins in Christchurch, traversing the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass, to the west coast, down to Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, across to Dunedin, heading back up to Aoraki Mt Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough and ending in the harbour city of Wellington.

This week's top travel deals: Turkish Airlines

TURKISH AIRLINES invites you to plan your flights from Sydney and Melbourne with up to 20% off using the promo code AUSPECIAL. You have until September 15 to book for travel between October 1 and November 30.

This week's top travel deals - Africa

REGENT Seven Seas Cruises has released a couple of specials - Barcelona to Cape Town - 25 nights departing December 19 2025 and Doha to Cape Town - 20 nights departing May 2026. This is a premium product - but you could get up to 40% off.

This week's top travel deals - Chimu Adventures

CHIMU ADVENTURES is featuring an all inclusive Antarctica cruise departing Buenos Aires in March 2026. Priced from $14,789 the expedition includes international flights from Australia plus transfers. Looks like a great deal.

This week's top travel deals - OMAN Air

OMAN AIR, a fairly new name for Australian travellers, is offering some excellent business class deals out of Australia. Choose from more than 40 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East via Muscat. Sydney to London for instance, $6941 return or Melbourne Amsterdam $6481. Looks like the off line carrier uses Malaysia Airlines to KL for the connection. Hopefully you have an Australian office in case of problems.

This week's top travel deals - solo Antarctica

SOLO TRAVELLERS take note: iExpedition has released what is says is the best value solo Antarctic trip in 2025. Antarctic Peninsula in Depth is a 14 day expedition sailing on December 4. Oceanview cabins are available from $14,888pp single - save $21,310. The deal includes some flights.

This week's top travel deals: Avalon Waterways

AVALON WATERWAYS is uncorking France - from Paris to Provence and Bordeaux to Burgundy. Book your 2026 France river cruise today and save up to $6,400 per couple. This deal is based on a cruise departing March 31, 2026.

This week's top travel deals - Airline specials

IFLY invites you to fly to Greece with Lufthansa from $1789 return. Things to do include a 5 day Aegean cruise priced from $708pp.  There are plenty of other holiday ideas.

This week's top travel deals - Malaysia

MALAYSIA AIRLINES asks if you are looking to escape the cold? From romantic Paris to vibrant Trivandrum, the tropical Maldives, Chiang Mai, and buzzing Tokyo, plan your next getaway this July and enjoy up to 15% off on selected flights, plus exclusive perks when you book online. Book by July 2.

This week's top travel deals - Europe

QATAR AIRWAYS has released special fares to the UK & Europe starting from $1,839 return to celebrate the launch of Virgin Australia's flights to Doha. Plus, fast-track or retain your Privilege Club tier with  50% bonus Qpoints. Book by June 30. The carrier  has been named World's Best Airline for the 9th time at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025. 

This week's top travel deals - The Northern territory

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY's end of financial year sale means that for a limited time you can save big on accommodation, tours, car hire and more. The five night Darwin, Litchfield and Kakadu Escape for instance is priced from $1189pp twin share. Or how about five nights Alice, Uluru and Kings Canyon from $4653pp? There are plenty of other holiday ideas.

This week's top travel deals - CFMekong River Cruises

CFMEKONG RIVER CRUISES, in conjunction with the 4-star Anik Palace Hotel in Phnom Penh, is offering an appealing Cambodian getaway at special prices. The 20% off promotion combines the beauty and mystery of cruising the Mekong, from Phnom Penh to Saigon or Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, and vice versa, with a luxurious hotel stay in Phnom Penh. The New Discovery Tour unveils the hidden treasures of the Mekong River and includes visits to traditional villages. Prices start at AUD$2,817 in a shared cabin for the August and September 2025 departures. The deal is you get a discount if you book the hotel - or the boat. More details: office@cfmekong.com  

This week's top travel deals: Viking Paris

VIKING is highlighting the magical city of Paris - you can now enjoy the city of love on eight of the company's river journeys. Book before‌ 30‍ June‍ 2025‌ to save up to $4,800 per couple. There are plenty of other deals - the 8-day Danube Waltz journey from Budapest to Passau or vice versa is priced from $3,095 pp in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $5,400 per couple on select October to November 2025 sailings. Remember no kids - no casinos - no inside cabins.

This week's top 10 travel deals - Cathay Pacific

CATHAY PACIFIC is coming back to Adelaide which is great news - even if it is just three services a week from November to March. Premium economy passengers - this means you can fly all the way to Europe separated from cattle class. The Singapore Airlines A350-900 from Adelaide sadly does not offer premium configuration. Special Cathay launch fares to multiple destinations around the world include Tokyo - economy class, return from $88; London - premium economy return from $4009 and Paris - business class return from $6709. The latter is real value.

This week's top travel deals - Cunard, Tahiti

Here is a great deal for a couple with plenty of time on their hands - a 49 night voyage aboard Cunard's new Queen Anne from Sydney to London. 

This week's top travel deals - Business class relief

Prices for business class to Europe seem to be slowly reducing. Check the Emirates deals.


VIKING river voyages are a good deal right now - for a limited time, you can enjoy savings of up to $9,600 per couple on a range of 2025 itineraries. For instance, Basel to Amsterdam or v.v. 8 DAYS | 6 TOURS | 4 COUNTRIES from $3,095pp.

This week's top travel deals - Private Island Luxury

BAWAH  RESERVE is a luxury private island eco-resort in Indonesia's Anambas archipelago. from May to July, guests booking a two-bedroom pool villa for four nights will enjoy a complimentary fifth night. Ideal for families or groups, the multi-room villas offer generous space, privacy and seamless access to Bawah's white sand beaches, calm lagoons and jungle adventures. 

This week's top travel deals: Early Bird offers

On 17 April 1935, Qantas launched its first international passenger flight from Brisbane to Singapore. The journey took three and a half days, included 16 stops, and carried just two passengers.
Fast forward to today, and that same route takes eight hours on an Airbus A330 — a powerful reminder of how far aviation has come in 90 years.

This week's top travel deals - Silversea - Cruising

Australians are doing it tough - but no one has told the travel industry it seems. Business class airfares to Europe, for instance, now top $14,000 during peak season. 

This week's top travel deals - Malaysia, Croatia

Quieter week - most early-season travel deals end on March 31.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE's current offer is 50% off all cruises plus an airfare credit. Be wary though - premium cabins are rarely involved in these specials.

This week's top travel deals - USA

Fly from SYD/MEL to LA return from $1189.
IFLY in conjunction with Qantas has released deals on flights across North & South America from Australia's major cities. They include Sydney/Honolulu from $999 return and Syd-Mel/LA from $1189 return.

This week's top travel deals - Tahiti

$1500 flight credit per person on luxury French Polynesia and South Pacific cruises….

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES says now is the perfect time to experience the small-ship difference as you island hop through the breathtaking beauty of French Polynesia and the South Pacific.  For a limited time, enjoy a $1,500 flight credit pp on 17 select 2025 and 2026 departures.

This week's top travel deals - Japan Uncovered

Spend 18 days exploring Japan, including flights,  from $13,080

 HELLOWORLD has released an 18-day Japan Uncovered tour, including all meals, transport, sightseeing with expert guides, and flights, starting at $13,080. There is also a 14-night Mediterranean cruise, starting at $5719pp twin share for a balcony cabin. This itinerary starts on October 12.

This week's top travel deals: Japan - Greece

#traveldeals

Seven nights at Japan's famed Hakuba ski region including hotel and lift pass priced from $3445pp.

This week's top travel deals: Air Tahiti Nui

Want to explore the Arctic? Enjoy up to 20% off cabins, $2,350 flight credit, one night pre-cruise accommodation and return charter flights Helsinki/Longyearbyen.

This week's top travel deals: Antarctica

Antarctica's Ross Sea Cruise costs from $35,160pp - after discounts

IFLY HOLIDAYS has a VIRGIN/QATAR AIRWAYS Valentine's Day deal offering companion fares to destinations like Athens, Rome, Malta, and Zurich starting from $1,779pp return. You need to hurry, though—book by February 17.

This week's top travel deals. Always wanted to explore Antarctica?

PONANT's luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot will once again set sail for the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia, and St. Lawrence during the Winter 2026-2027 season. Book one of the 15 new departures aboard this one-of-a-kind ship and save up to 30%.

This week's top travel deals. Australia special rates

Want to explore more of Australia at special rates?

HELLOWORLD has Australia on sale with a large  array of exclusive deals across the country - from city stays to island escapes, beach breaks and self-drive discoveries. 

This week's top travel deals: Northern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia

Looking for a cheap package holiday to Phuket?



CATHAY PACIFIC invites you to check out its Fly Away sale offers to must-visit cities in Asia and Europe. The deals end on February 10.

This week's top travel deals: Phuket

Looking for a cheap package holiday to Phuket?

CATHAY PACIFIC invites you to check out its Fly Away sale offers to must-visit cities in Asia and Europe. The deals end on February 10.

This week's top travel deals - Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines deals are certainly great value - but agents are not happy with the number of flight cancellations - and the lack of customer care - particularly if you are stranded somewhere.
 
Also - some good news for solo travellers.  

This week's top travel deals - Amex Air Monitor report

According to the latest Amex Air Monitor report, airfares within and from Australia are set to soar in 2025 - domestic for instance up by 13.7% over last year. The collapsing Aussie dollar does not help. So folks, the faster you book, the better the price.

This week's top travel deals - Sky Sofa package

Not much to report this week as everyone heads off for a break.