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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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