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. 

FAR EAST INSIDERS offers a range of value family orientated hotels in super expensive Singapore. If you are thinking of taking the kids over there, right now enjoy up to 37% off thanks to the Global Hotel Sale. Properties include the Oasia Hotel Downtown - Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice  – Best of the Best 2025.

CATHAY PACIFIC has a deal for you if you want to stopover in Hong Kong. Enjoy up to $200 off flights on your next trip to the UK, Europe, the US and Canada when you add Hong Kong. Use the code HKSTOP100 for $100* off Economy, or HKSTOP200 for $200* off Premium Economy and Business class flights. Book now for travel from 28 April until 15 December 2026. 

ACCOR always has new hotel openings - and you can earn 4X Reward points at new hotels. Book by 12 April, for stays until 9 August 2026. Properties include the Mercure Melbourne La Trobe Street from $171. Have a look also at the deals if you are keen to explore Australia's Holiday Highway. The iconic Pacific Coast Way stretches from the Gold Coast through the Sunshine Coast and all the way to Cairns. Or, elevate your next escape to Port Douglas with the exclusive '20 Years of Pullman Port Douglas' Package.

COASTAL CRUISES, agents for Hurtigruten,  recommend you save up to £1,200 per cabin and experience the Northern Lights. The Coastal Express, the company's  classic 12-day roundtrip voyage. calls at 34 ports between Bergen and Kirkenes. Valid until 30 April 2026.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES is giving you more ways to be rewarded on the ground. From now until 30 April 2026, explore the KrisFlyer partner network and earn double KrisFlyer miles on your first eligible transaction when you shop, switch, or book with the carrier's six participating partners. 

FROM LAST WEEK:

AIR TAHITI NUI has released lots of  value holiday packages to the islands of Tahiti in association with Tahiti Travel. From $3099pp twin share for instance you can spend two nights at Tahiti then five at the Niu Beach Hotel Moorea. Flights and bonus offers are included.  Deals end April 10. Have a look here https://au.airtahitinui.com/packages-island

TRAVELOKA has launched its annual SE Asia Easter sale: up to 70% off hotels and 17% off flights.  If you are heading to Southeast Asia, the deals are available until 10 April 2026. Examples include 50% off Sai Daeng Resort, Thailand from $318/ night and 55% off Rajavilla Lombok Resort  $63/ night. There are plenty more. Enjoy also up to 12% off flights on Garuda Indonesia. More details, www.traveloka.com/en-au/promotion/easter-sale

JUST YOU,  the solo travel expert,  has released a deal to the US - Save $300 on the America's Historic Trail tour departing May 1, 2026. Now priced from $7899, the tour includes seven nights' accommodation with breakfast plus some other meals, a Just You Holiday Director, a local guide, transport throughout, and a guaranteed room for each traveller with no single supplement. Details www.justyou.com/au/

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS: Sure it is expensive - but what a wonderful experience. Fiona and I walked the red carpet and boarded in Venice on our way to Paris and the George V years ago.  There are deals for groups of four and even solo travellers - enjoy select departures throughout 2026 - with no single supplement fee.
Call the reservations team and quote 'VSTWSOLE' to book.

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. How good is the service? I will find out in June.

TRADE ONLY: 

The Travel Industry Club is featuring Heritage Expeditions, a company that has championed the belief that responsible travel and conservation go hand in hand. By bringing travellers into some of the planet's most remote and fragile environments, they help create passionate ambassadors who return home inspired to protect them. Check out the long list of deals.

INTERLINE TRAVEL is as active as ever - choose from HX - 2026 THE YEAR OF EXPEDITION, UNWORLD. - MORE RIVER CRUISES, REGENT SEVEN SEAS SUITE DEALS, SILVERSEA - SELECTED DEPARTURES,VIKING OCEAN CRUISES - INCREDIBLE GLOBAL VALUE.

LATTE LUXURY NEWS advises that for a limited time, your clients can enjoy up to $6000 off their cruise fare plus up to USD $1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom when they book an Azamara voyage.

ATIA is kicking off its 2026 Beyond Borders On The Road (BBOTR) series in Sydney on 13 April and, for a limited time, members can secure their spot for just $55 and non-members just $110. BBOTR takes ATIA's signature insights, advocacy updates, and industry connections directly to travel professionals around the country. Sydney is the first stop in a national series (Brisbane – 20 May, Adelaide – 20 July, Perth – 22 July) that builds toward the flagship Beyond Borders Travel Summit later in the year.

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 - 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.

AIR TAHITI NUI has released lots of  value holiday packages to the islands of Tahiti in association with Tahiti Travel. From $3099pp twin share for instance you can spend two nights at Tahiti then five at the Niu Beach Hotel Moorea. Flights and bonus offers are included.  Deals end April 10. Have a look here https://au.airtahitinui.com/packages-island

TRAVELOKA has launched its annual SE Asia Easter sale: up to 70% off hotels and 17% off flights.  If you are heading to Southeast Asia, the deals are available until 10 April 2026. Examples include 50% off Sai Daeng Resort, Thailand from $318/ night and 55% off Rajavilla Lombok Resort  $63/ night. There are plenty more. Enjoy also up to 12% off flights on Garuda Indonesia. More details, www.traveloka.com/en-au/promotion/easter-sale

JUST YOU,  the solo travel expert,  has released a deal to the US - Save $300 on the America's Historic Trail tour departing May 1, 2026. Now priced from $7899, the tour includes seven nights' accommodation with breakfast plus some other meals, a Just You Holiday Director, a local guide, transport throughout, and a guaranteed room for each traveller with no single supplement. Details www.justyou.com/au/

HELLOWORLD has a deal in conjunction with Viva Holidays if you are interested in exploring Malaysia. The seven night holiday to KL and Penang costs from $949pp twin share and includes stays at the Shangri-la KL and the Golden Sands Resort Penang. 

WEBJET has a list of specials but you never quite know if they are still valid. Bali seems to be at the top of the current crop - the claim is fares have been slashed and to sweeten the deal, you can get $100 off select stays too using code 100BALI (min spend of $500 applies). Check the site for more details. 

VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS: Sure it is expensive - but what a wonderful experience. Fiona and I walked the red carpet and boarded in Venice on our way to Paris and the George V years ago.  There are deals for groups of four and even solo travellers - enjoy select departures throughout 2026 - with no single supplement fee.

Call the reservations team and quote 'VSTWSOLE' to book.

ACCOMMODATION

The Sofitel Adelaide has just the package if you need to get away from the jungle and enjoy life in the luxury lane….even if it is just for one night.  A suite escape includes overnight accommodation for two, valet parking, late 12pm checkout and Club Millesime access. Cost? Not mentioned - but I imagine around $800.

FROM LAST WEEK:

VIKING invites you to  set sail on a Danube River voyage from $5,695pp plus your preferred choice offer valued up to $5,000 per couple: Free economy flights (use code FFE25), upgrade to business class with an airfare credit (use code FFB25) or receive a discount off your cruise fare* (use code CRU25).

NESUTO HOTELS is sweetening up Easter with up to 25% off at its properties across Australia and NZ. The sale runs until Thursday 30 April 2025. Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne is priced from $185 per night and Nesuto Parramatta from $180. Kids stay and enjoy free breakfast. To book, visit nesuto.com/easter

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. How good is the service? I will find out in June.

TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club invites you to see the Kimberley in luxury. According to Sue Francis: The season runs from March to August, and TIC members have access to special industry rates for 2026 — and even into 2027. "Our partner cruise lines offer exceptional comfort, with beverages, Wi‑Fi, and excursions included as part of the expedition experience."

Interline Travel's newsletter is packed full of goodies - Atlas Ocean Voyages not only has Polar Voyages, but also has Epicurean Voyages in Europe, focusing on the local foods and wines in 5-star luxury. Porto to Lisbon, 11 nights - see the deal. Solo rates also available. "This week, you will see 5-star Alaska at very special rates; high-season Europe across many lines with dates opened, and prices dropped. Rates round up Twins specials - Oceania/Regent/Seabourn/Azamara/Explora/Silversea."

ATIA Accredited members will benefit from broader recognition of industry qualifications and more proportionate insurance requirements following reforms under the 2025 ATAS Charter Review. Now in effect, the changes reduce unnecessary cost and compliance friction, expand workforce pathways and better align accreditation settings with modern travel business models while maintaining the rigour and consumer protections that underpin the scheme.

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 - 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.