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