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

ACCOR invites you to stay longer and earn more reward points. For instance, earn 3x ALL Accor Rewards points on 3+ night stays. Book from now to 3 May 2026 and stay by 31 August 2026.

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. https://www.justyou.com/au/

ATURA HOTELS says if you book by May 3 you could enjoy up to 25% off rates and a $25 food and drink credit for stays up to October 18.

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.

HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES is bringing back its Classical Music meets Meditation program in response to positive feedback. The Swiss CHAARTS ensemble is once again on board – joined by the internationally acclaimed soprano Marlis Petersen. The 12-day journey from Santa Cruz to Cape Town departs on Nov 6 2027.

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.

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.

TRADE ONLY:

Interline travel advises significant rise in retail prices for 2027 cruise prices - the price of food, fuel and commodities affects this industry greatly. "If you can commit to locking in your next one or two cruises, now is the most beneficial time to do this - bookings for Europe 2026 are moving to later options in October,
whilst there is great availability for Christmas on the Rivers in Europe. Azamara has 27 departures, where the total stateroom cost is below $5000.

Celestyal has confirmed the successful and safe transit of both its vessels, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey, through the Strait of Hormuz.

Travel Massive invites you to attend Stripe Travel Week next month in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Connect with enterprise leaders, operators, startups, media, and innovators from across the travel, tourism, and hospitality ecosystem in Australia at these industry events (MEL May 4, ADL 5, SYD 7.)

Priority registration is now open for Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2028-9 grand voyages of 60 nights and more across the globe.

Air New Zealand has launched a refreshed loyalty program called Koru, marking a significant shift in how the airline recognises its customers and the role travel plays in their lives. More details:  www.airnewzealand.co.nz/koru

Sky Airline advises that the airline is now officially activated in BSP Australia and New Zealand. This enables IATA-accredited travel agents to issue Sky Airline tickets directly via their GDS under BSP.

BestPrice Travel has been recognised as a Top 10 Inbound Travel Company for the US & Australia markets at the Vietnam International Travel Mart — one of the largest and most significant annual tourism events in Vietnam.

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 - 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.