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.

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/tour/golden-eagle-festival/?utm_source=Crooked+Compass&utm_campaign=cf38ece4a2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_04_07_11_43_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e1851042f4-484032870

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS invites you to extend your stay in Asia see the countryside in style at a slower pace. Depart in September or November and receive a complimentary night at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore - before or after your rail sojourn. Contact the reservations team and quote 'EOEMORIENTALS1NT' to book. 
Solo travellers -  from July to December there is no single supplement fee on select departures. Join a six night journey aboard the Express and aid the campaign to save wild tigers. Details here: https://www.belmond.com/trains/asia/eastern-and-oriental-express/offers?utm_campaign=C-Pro-2026-June-EOE&utm_source=SFMC_C-Pro-2026-June-EOE&utm_medium=email&cid=100000028063026&Campaign.id=45748&Date=2026-06-01&Launch=1622308

THE RETREAT KOH CHANG has launched its new "Island Getaway – Stay Longer For More" summer offer for stays of three or more nights,  available until 15 October 2026 with rates starting from THB 5,760 (approx AUD250) per night ++ per room, per night for two guests.  This is one of Thailand's most beautiful and unspoiled island destinations.

MY CRUISES is promoting a fly/cruise holiday to China in 2027  priced from $3999pp. The itinerary includes a Yangtze Cruise, bullet train experience and the Great Wall at night. 

EXPLORA JOURNEYS invites you to reserve a journey by 23 June 2026 to enjoy up to 25% savings, plus, earn up to $4,600 AUD Explora Credit to enhance your experience, either pre-Journey or while onboard. Itineraries include Lisbon to Copenhagen aboard Explora III departing August 10 2026. 

BPA launches new bespoke South-West Morocco itinerary for deeper, off-the-beaten-track travel. A standout feature of the itinerary is 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

HELLOWORLD is featuring a 4 day Fleurieu Explorer package in South Australia in association with Viva Holidays and Virgin. three nights cost from $1035pp. This region is celebrated for its world-class McLaren Vale wineries, dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine beaches.

IEXPEDITION has a Twin Deluxe Cabin available on a  nearly sold-out 23-day polar expedition departing on February 13 next year.  The itinerary combines the king penguin megacolonies of South Georgia, Shackleton's legendary route through Elephant Island the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula.  WEBJET is promoting one way fares to London from $699 - premium from $2549. Check the details carefully. 

50 DEGREES NORTH the Nordic specialist, is offering 10% off all 2027 summer departures booked by 30 June 2026, across eight small group itineraries through Norway and the Scandinavian capitals. No discount code needed; the saving is applied automatically at booking. Tours include Beautiful Norway – Oslo to Bergen - 8 days, May–September 2027, semi-independent format; no tour leader (6–12 guests) from AUD 4,371 (save AUD 485pp).

HX EXPEDITIONS says it's time to tick Antarctica off your bucket list. Specials include: Highlights of Antarctica (12 days) – prices from AUD $14,599, Antarctica & Falkland Expedition (16 days) – prices from AUD $16,941 and In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (23 days) – prices from AUD $29,424

CATHAY PACIFIC thinks it's time for you to revisit Hong Kong.  From now until 30 June 2026, enjoy a special offer on your next flight to Hong Kong with $80* off, exclusive to Cathay members when you use the code HOMEKONGAU. Booking period: Now until 30 June 2026  Travel period: 1 July until 31 August 2026 

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TRADE ONLY: 

Interline Travel says Crystal has opened up departures that depart from Liverpool (UK), the elegant New York, and a range of new routing combinations we have not seen at Interline rates before. Some of these are still being loaded to the site after arriving overnight - we are working through them now so keep refreshing the listings or drop us a line if something specific interests you. Stephen also advises that this week he saw a great number of Regent fares, from now to September 1, removed from sale. It is unknown why, but it reinforces my message: If you see a deal that seems fair, book.

PONANT invites you to one of its Discovery Sessions this June and July in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.  "Hear from our destination experts and unlock exclusive event-only offers, including the chance to win a Mystery Cruise* and a AU$1,000 voucher.” Reserve a seat here: https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/d8c1f019-4452-4c88-ad19-045c8a63026a/register?RefId=EDM-B2C

The Travel Industry Club says a number of cruise lines are extending their Mediterranean itineraries throughout the year, giving members the opportunity to experience this spectacular region while avoiding the peak-season heat and crowds. Even better, Mediterranean pricing this year is exceptional.

AAT Kings has completed a five-day national trade road trip with Helloworld Travel, engaging consumers and more than 50 travel advisors across Queensland and New South Wales

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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/

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. 

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.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Five Nations

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

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Europe Deals and Tips

While the Aussie dollar is a little stronger against most overseas currencies - you will be slugged with a new departure tax soon. 

IFLY has some value fares to Europe including Rome from $1557 and London from $1580. Check the conditions though - particularly transit times.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - Travelodge deals

It seems the expected last minute rush to book flights from Australia to Europe later in the year has not happened - and most of the traffic to Europe is now going via Asia. That means the big Middle East operators like Emirates will have some good fares on the market soon - particularly if the war finally ends.

TRAVELODGE eclub members planning a city getaway this winter take note.  Enjoy a two-night stay from just $269, with bonus inclusions at each location for added comfort. Book before 18 May 2026 to secure your getaway that includes Travelodge Melbourne Docklands from $340 for two nights. 

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Mongolia’s The Naadam Festival

Ready to be amazed? How about experiencing Mongolia’s The Naadam Festival offering everything from archery and wrestling to the thunder of horses. Departure is July 4 with prices from $7,456. 

CROOKED COMPASS invites you to witness a ceremony of identity that has endured through empires, revolutions, and the march of the modern world. Mongolia’s The Naadam Festival is listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It is a nation's memory made physical through nomadic sports of archery, wrestling, and the thunder of horses celebrated across the country. Departure is July 4 with prices from $7456. Tours have a max of 12 people. 

Nesuto Hotels and Apartments is offering travellers 25 per cent off winter stays across its Australian and New Zealand portfolio, including Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne, Nesuto Parramatta in Sydney, and Nesuto St Martins in Auckland. Discounted rates start from $185 at Nesuto Docklands (normally $240 per room per night). More details,  www.nesuto.com/winterstays

HELLOWORLD is promoting an APT Travel deal - 13-day Vietnam and Cambodia highlights, including a seven-night Mekong River cruise priced from $4995pp twin share - a claimed saving of $4200pp. Departure is July 25, 2026.

WEBJET has Asia and Pacific Island holiday packages on sale. Have a look at the Go Somewhere specials and select the deal from your capital city. Check conditions carefully.

NT EVENT packages are on sale for the BASSINTHEGRASS music festival, the betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars, Test Cricket and MXGP. The cost of from $919 includes event tickets. Here is the events guide: https://a.storyblok.com/f/286255898790625/x/c1d793ec19/tntcs-001458-festivals-_-events-2026-v10-april.pdf

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. 

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.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has released special fares to top Asian destinations including Kuala Lumpur from $888 and Bangkok from $876. The sale ends May 20 for travel until November 18. 

137 PILLARS HOTELS & RESORTS invite you to experience this luxury boutique hotel brand through exclusive Thai Resident Rates across Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Step into timeless elegance at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, where a beautifully restored 130-year-old teak homestead anchors an intimate 30-key sanctuary surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

PELAGO has one day tickets for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix from October 9-11. Use code RACE1000 and get a bonus 1000 KrisFlyer miles.

HERTZ suggests you book your next car rental via Virgin Australia for a chance to win 1 million Velocity Points. Book your Hertz car by 29 May 2026 for travel on or before 31 August 2026 to enter for a chance to win.

PONANT has released its 2028 Kimberley program with a special incentive. Explore one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers and enjoy 30% bonus savings.

WENDY WU TOURS  has launched a global sale across its entire touring portfolio offering savings of up to $2,000 pp across 2026/27 tours.

FROM LAST WEEK:

UTRACKS advises travellers planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2027 to lock in current pricing which has been held at 2026 levels across more than 40 itineraries in Spain and Portugal. More details, https://www.utracks.com/themes/camino/camino-price-lock

PONANT EXPLORATIONS free Solo Supplement is now available on more than 240 voyages worldwide. Discover extraordinary destinations ranging from Antarctica to The Kimberley.

JUST YOU - the specialist solo tour operator - has introduced a range of new tours for 2027 including a southern Spanish sojourn, a Sicilian immersion, a seven-day visit to Scandinavia, and a coastal Canadian adventure.

NRMA PARKS is on sale until May 11 for stays until August 31, 2026. There are savings available on powered and unpowered sites as well as cabins and villas across a network of around 50 holiday destinations.

FINNAIR will operate out of Melbourne from October. The carrier invites you to experience the thrill of skiing in Kittilä or Kuusamo, admire the Northern Lights inside a glass igloo at Ivalo or enjoy the all-year Christmas spirit in Rovaniemi.

AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. The new service supports improved onward connections via Mauritius to destinations across Africa and Europe.

VIKING’s 2028‑2029 expedition voyages are now open for booking. Enjoy select savings when you book by 30‍ June‍ 2026 and if you book this month your past guest discount is automatically doubled.

VIKING cruises has the answer to long, tiring and increasingly expensive overseas flights. Adult only cruises from Sydney circumnavigate Australia, New Zealand or Japan and journey through Southeast Asia. Book now and for a limited time, save up to 35% across selected ocean voyages.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES has a great deal if you are going to stopover in KL. Double your adventure and enjoy a flight to one of eight local destinations at no extra fare – just pay the taxes.

CHINA EASTERN heads back to Adelaide from June 21 2026. Enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi and non-stop services to Shanghai and beyond, including great connections to Beijing from $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: 

Breakaway Travel Club has released AMA Waterways 2026 interline rates. Availability is limited and sales are available until further notice.

The Travel Industry Club is featuring updated industry rates from Azamara. With four intimate, luxurious ships hosting around 700 guests each, Azamara offers a more personal and immersive journey.

Interline Travel:  Kimberley - last call for 2026 on Seabourn and Silversea, more rates from Windstar (Tahiti, Alaska and the Med) and Uniworld updates 5 star river cruise rates.

AmaWaterways has unveiled a new Cruise & Fly offering for guests in Australia and New Zealand making it easier than ever to book a complete river cruise journey in one place. For the first time, guests and travel advisors can now book international flights directly through AmaWaterways’ Sydney-based reservations team, alongside their river cruise, benefiting from competitive airfares, expert support and a fully integrated booking experience. For advisors, it’s about saving time, adding value for clients, and having confidence that everything is taken care of in one booking.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA), with a line-up that includes both familiar and refreshed categories. In 2026, 36 categories will recognise excellence across the industry, as ATIA continues to adapt the awards to reflect the evolving travel industry.  The awards will be presented at the NTIA Gala Dinner on October 10 in Melbourne, following the Beyond Borders Summit and Finalist Celebration on October 9.

Roam by Tauck has opened bookings for its 2027 portfolio of journeys, expanding the brand to a total of 12 itineraries worldwide. The expanded collection across land, river and small ship cruising introduces seven new itineraries in Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Mozambique, Switzerland, Italy, Sicily, and California. According to Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh: "We're seeing strong early interest in 2027 departures from our travel advisors”. 

Specialist solo tour operator Just You has launched a ‘Holiday Assurance Guarantee’, allowing travellers to amend their booking as many times as required up to 75 days prior to departure without any amendment fees. The guarantee is valid on new bookings made until May 31 and for tours departing in 2026. Conditions apply.

Tickets are now available for ATIA’s  Beyond Borders on the Road Brisbane on May 20. For a limited time, members can secure their spot for just $55. Brisbane is the second stop in a national series building towards ATIA’s flagship Beyond Borders summit later in the year.

ELEMENTS OF BYRON has confirmed that there is a clear shift in Australia this year toward destinations that deliver that “island holiday” feeling… without long-haul flights. The beachfront resort offers cocktails by the pool, spa time, surf, great food and nature - all within easy reach.

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.

Ian McIntosh's Top 10 Travel deals - Camino de Santiago

UTRACKS advises travellers planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2027 to lock in current pricing which has been held at 2026 levels across more than 40 itineraries in Spain and Portugal. More details, https://www.utracks.com/themes/camino/camino-price-lock

Ian McIntosh's Top 10 Travel deals - PONANT free solo supplement

Air fares continue to go up with the price of jet fuel. Now is the time to book a trip to Europe next year….or perhaps you should be thinking about a holiday closer to home.

PONANT EXPLORATIONS free Solo Supplement is available on more than 240 voyages worldwide. Discover extraordinary destinations ranging from Antarctica to The Kimberley.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Discover India

Not much happening this week - just remember it is going to take more time to clear European Airports. Australians travelling to Europe now have their faces and fingerprints scanned at borders across 29 countries.

HELLOWORLD and Intrepid have a 14-day Discover India in depth tour priced from $5066pp twin share. Included is a Ranthambhore tiger safari. 

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Ponant Explorations

PONANT EXPLORATIONS has released special fares on 2028 Polynesian voyages aboard Le Paul Gauguin. Book your dream voyage and enjoy a bonus of up to 30% off all sailings - seven to 14-night itineraries between atolls and lagoons.

Ian McIntosh's top 10 travel deals - Northern Territory

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.

Ian McIntosh's top 10 travel deals - Viking India

While some agents are suggesting things are about as tough as covid times as cancellations and changes roll in - carriers flying to Europe via Asia, Qantas included, keep jacking up fares. Petrol stations are currently under the ripoff microscope - but airlines can do what they like it seems.

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. 

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Ponant Charcot

We live in interesting times. Travel insurance companies are saying sorry but can't help if you are stuck somewhere or can't make a cruise because a war is involved. Meanwhile, airlines flying to Europe via Asia are rubbing their hands with glee as they jack up prices daily.

PONANT advises Le Commandant Charcot, the world's only luxury icebreaker, is heading back to the Far North from November this year. Discover the magical landscapes and towns of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia in winter. The deal includes a complimentary Helsinki Winter one-night stay (pre or post) valued at up to $2,120pp plus your flight Kemi/Paris or Paris/Kemi and transfer.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Gather Round Footy Festival

Not a lot is happening again, thanks to the red nut's war - but Emirates seems to be slowly climbing back to some sort of normal scheduling. Qatar, who knows? Probably best to go to the footy for a while.

ALL ACCOR is giving you the chance to win a 2026 AFL Gather Round weekend for two. Simply advise your team for a chance to win return domestic flights to Adelaide with Virgin Australia, 10th-12 April plus two nights in your AFL Gather Round Superfan Suite at Peppers Waymouth Adelaide, including breakfast. Deal ends March 16. 

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Hong Kong Sevens

Not a lot happening this week - particularly after the cancellation of flights to Europe via the Middle East. Who knows when schedules will get back to normal? 

CATHAY PACIFIC had a great deal for rugby fans. Catch the Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium from 17 - 19 April 2026, with Flight + Event packages from $1,610 using the code 26R7AU. 

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Hong Kong Sevens

Plenty of deals as always - how about a bargain small ship cruise around the Greek Islands?  Rugby fans, don't miss the Hong Kong Sevens special.

TFE HOTELS eClub  members can explore handpicked destinations with indulgent accommodation packages. From vibrant city stays to relaxing coastal retreats, each experience is designed for the ultimate getaway. Two-night stay plus bonus inclusions, starting from  $269.
The deals end March 9 2026.

IEXPEDITION and QUARK have a deal if you dream of seeing the famous penguins of the Antarctic. Or walking near one of the world's largest ice sheets in the Arctic. With up to $3100 AUD + 25% off, you can go wherever your polar dreams take you. The sale ends 28 February 2026.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES invites you to enjoy 30% off your miles redemption when you book a flight online on singaporeair.com or the SingaporeAir mobile app from now till 28 February 2026, for travel between 1 and 31 March 2026, both dates inclusive. Conditions, as always, apply.

CATHAY PACIFIC had a deal for rugby fans. Catch the Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium from 17 - 19 April 2026, with Flight + Event packages from $1,610 using the code 26R7AU. Plus, as a special Lunar New Year offer, you can earn 5,000 bonus Asia Miles if you book before 28 February 2026. Conditions apply.

ANDRONIS operates multiple properties across Santorini and, more recently, Andronis Minois on Paros. Head to Greece in late summer (July/August) the company suggests - the weather is ideal, everything on the islands is still open and operating at full energy, and yet there's less urgency.

FAR EAST INSIDERS members are enjoying SPD100 off stays in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. Join up here. https://www.fareasthospitality.com/en/insiders-signup

CELESTYAL CRUISES has unveiled its  'Big Savings for a Big Summer' campaign, valid across 100 Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf sailings in 2026 and 2027. The promotion combines savings of up to 50% plus up to €200 CelestyalPay, which can be used onboard for specialty restaurant dining and bar beverages and cocktails. Third and fourth guests will also sail free when sharing a cabin with two full fare paying guests on select sailings.

 
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.

FROM LAST WEEK:

AAT KINGS and EVENTS NT have partnered to offer travellers a limited-time air credit delivering savings of up to $1,800 per couple on select Northern Territory Small Group tours. Available on new bookings made by 31 March 2026, for travel between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, the Air Credit is applied directly to the land tour cost. 

HELLOWORLD has plenty of ideas if you are planning on a tour in Europe, including a 14 day country road tour of Switzerland priced from $9535pp twin share - a saving of over $1000. There is also a 16 day Britain and Ireland panorama from $7474. 

PONANT invites you to steam south to Antarctica. Unlock your 2026 or 2027 polar expedition now and enjoy up to 30% off with an exclusive bonus.

FLIGHT CENTRE is promoting a six stop round the world fare with Singapore Airlines priced from $2899. You could visit Singapore, Tokyo, LA, NYC, Frankfurt and Barcelona. Check the available travel dates.

CATHAY PACIFIC's Fly Away sale is back - save on flights to destinations across the UK, Europe, the Chinese Mainland, Asia, North America and more. For instance, fly to Beijing from $941 Economy return. Conditions apply.  

VIKING is a great product we have enjoyed several times and right now - book your next voyage and enjoy your choice of exclusive offers valued up to $5,000 per couple. Have a look at the site for more details. You could for instance grab free economy flights or upgrade to business. We will be sailing from Stockholm in August aboard Viking Neptune and I will be sharing the experience.

HX EXPEDITIONS is the world's oldest and longest running expedition cruise company. As it sails into its 130th anniversary year, save up to $6,850pp off all-inclusive expeditions to Antarctica. 

ACCOMMODATION: Looking for luxury away from the crowds on your trip to Greece?  Nestled on a private cove on Crete's northeastern coast, Daios Cove, is a 5-star luxury resort renowned for its striking contemporary design, panoramic Aegean views, and immersive wellness and lifestyle experiences. They are early booking and kids free deals. Have a look at at daioscovecrete.com

TRADE ONLY: Vacations To Go is based in the US so there could be a currency hitch - but they sure have a long list of deals. Have a look here https://www.vacationstogo.com

Travel Industry Club advises that it now has industry rates with two of the world's leading 5‑star river cruise lines: AmaWaterways and Uniworld. These deals include: beverages, a selection of shore excursions,  Wi‑Fi and gratuities.

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.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals: Luxury Train in Malaysia

Interested in a luxury train ride around Malaysia, sampling premium local cuisine along the way?



AURORA EXPEDITIONS is celebrating 35 years in the business with up to 35% off selected expeditions. As always, check the small print.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Ponant Antarctica

HELLOWORLD has Australia on sale - from Virgin Australia airfares to dining under a canopy of stars in the heart of the outback, waking to panoramic ocean views from a luxury retreat, or savouring world-class wines in lush vineyards. Lots of holiday ideas. Have a look at the site for full details.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Valentine's Day

Lots of interesting off the beaten track tours released this week by UTracks and for you romantics, Valentine Day specials.

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Kids fly free with Jetstar

This week's top travel deals - Some great family holidays - along with details of a specialist operator for solo travellers.