Tripadvisor members (all 900 million of them) know a thing or two about great hotels - and every year the best of the best are awarded. Hotels like The Emporium South Bank Brisbane and the Kapama Private Game Reserve South Africa. Is your favourite listed? Have a look here https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels
CATHAY PACIFIC’s Fly Away sale offers savings on flights to destinations across the Chinese Mainland, Asia, the UK, Europe, North America and more. Deals include Shanghai from $905 Economy return, Taipei from $1,121 and Delhi from $1,153. Hurry though - the sale ends on June 28.
QANTAS advises its annual EOFY Points Boost campaign has started. Shop fashion, tech, home essentials and more via Qantas Shopping and retail partners. Plus, use Qantas Points to shop and save on leading brands at Qantas Marketplace.
NIB TRAVEL is offering 15% off eligible travel insurance policies until 2 July. More details here: https://www.nib.com.au/travel-insurance/campaigns/eofy26
AFRICAN SUNRISE SAFARI invites you to embark on a journey through some of Southern Africa's most spectacular wilderness regions, combining the iconic beauty of Victoria Falls with the untamed waterways of Botswana's Chobe River and the pristine landscapes of the Okavango Delta. More details here: https://africansunrisesafari.com/luxury-african-safari-tours/kruger-national-park-victoria-falls-safari-packages/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
AFRICAN SUNRISE SAFARI invites you to embark on a journey through some of Southern Africa's most spectacular wilderness regions, combining the iconic beauty of Victoria Falls with the untamed waterways of Botswana's Chobe River and the pristine landscapes of the Okavango Delta. More details here: https://africansunrisesafari.com/luxury-african-safari-tours/kruger-national-park-victoria-falls-safari-packages/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing
BEST WESTERN has a tasty deal if you are heading to Tassie. Book two nights at the Hobart or Launceston properties between 22 June - 2 August 2026 and for $1 extra, enjoy a $100 Food and Beverage voucher to use during your visit.
CORAL EXPEDITIONS and Australian Geographic are extending their long-standing partnership with the launch of two new A Lens on Nature: The Kimberley departures for 2027. Operating aboard Coral Discoverer, the all-inclusive eight-night voyages will depart roundtrip from Broome. Dates are July 30 – August 6, 2027 and August 27 – September 3, 2027.
PULLMAN AUCKLAND AIRPORT has released a special deal for airline geeks. The Aviation Enthusiast Experience Package includes a runway-facing room with panoramic views of aircraft arrivals and departures, a full breakfast at Te Kaahu Restaurant (also boasting runway views), and a welcome amenity of aircraft-shaped chocolates.
HELLOWORLD invites you to embark on an all-inclusive journey through some of the most iconic rivers with Scenic Luxury Cruises. Book before 30 June and enjoy an exclusive saving of $300 per person. PLUS, indulge in onboard dining, premium beverages, butler service, complimentary Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and all tipping and gratuities.
FROM LAST WEEK:
TOURING:
ATIA The Australian Travel Industry Association is urging Australian travellers to check that your travel agent or tour operator holds current ATIA Accreditation, following issues with Melbourne-based tour operator AVG Travels.
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. 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.
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).
UTRACKS has expanded several of Europe’s classic long-distance walking trails in response to growing demand from travellers wanting to spend longer exploring a single route. In Spain for instance that means continuing west from Santiago along the Camino Finisterre to the Atlantic coast.
AATKINGS is backing the Go See Australia campaign by introducing an Early Bird 2027/28 season offer. Until July 31, 2026, you can secure up to 10% off selected 2027/28 tours (for selected departures between 1st April 2027 and 31st March 2028) with a deposit from $200.
RAIL:
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says 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.
BRITANNIC EXPLORER is the answer for you rail buffs who love to explore in style at a slower pace. Departing from London, the train’s three routes take you on three or six-night journeys through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.
BRITISH PULLMAN is another option - the company has just released details of Celia, a new private dining and events carriage imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. Itineraries include The Golden Age of Travel by steam. Or, how about the great British Sunday lunch as the world rumbles by?
SNCF CONNECT is making it easier to travel even further by train with Swiss and German regional services now available.
CRUISE:
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. 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.
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.
HX EXPEDITIONS says 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
BPA’s new South-West Morocco itinerary includes 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
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.
VIKING is offering savings of up to 35% on Iberian voyages. For instance Portugal’s Rivers of Gold Lisbon to Porto - 10 days from $5895pp. Or, Bergen to Barcelona 15 days from $6945. Enjoy modern ships and no kids. Also released - four World Cruises, including the 170-day 2028 Viking World Voyage III. New voyages include the the 15‑day Japan Discovery.
FROM LAST WEEK:
TOURING:
ATIA The Australian Travel Industry Association is urging Australian travellers to check that your travel agent or tour operator holds current ATIA Accreditation, following issues with Melbourne-based tour operator AVG Travels.
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. 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.
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).
UTRACKS has expanded several of Europe’s classic long-distance walking trails in response to growing demand from travellers wanting to spend longer exploring a single route. In Spain for instance that means continuing west from Santiago along the Camino Finisterre to the Atlantic coast.
AATKINGS is backing the Go See Australia campaign by introducing an Early Bird 2027/28 season offer. Until July 31, 2026, you can secure up to 10% off selected 2027/28 tours (for selected departures between 1st April 2027 and 31st March 2028) with a deposit from $200.
RAIL:
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says 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.
BRITANNIC EXPLORER is the answer for you rail buffs who love to explore in style at a slower pace. Departing from London, the train’s three routes take you on three or six-night journeys through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.
BRITISH PULLMAN is another option - the company has just released details of Celia, a new private dining and events carriage imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. Itineraries include The Golden Age of Travel by steam. Or, how about the great British Sunday lunch as the world rumbles by?
SNCF CONNECT is making it easier to travel even further by train with Swiss and German regional services now available.
CRUISE:
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. 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.
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.
HX EXPEDITIONS says 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
BPA’s new South-West Morocco itinerary includes 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
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.
VIKING is offering savings of up to 35% on Iberian voyages. For instance Portugal’s Rivers of Gold Lisbon to Porto - 10 days from $5895pp. Or, Bergen to Barcelona 15 days from $6945. Enjoy modern ships and no kids. Also released - four World Cruises, including the 170-day 2028 Viking World Voyage III. New voyages include the the 15‑day Japan Discovery.
HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises is introducing a new world music festival concept aboard EUROPA. International artists will bring the musical traditions of the regions visited directly on board, creating an intimate festival atmosphere unlike traditional cruise entertainment. Would have to be an improvement on the high school level entertainment you get on major cruise lines.
IEXPEDITION invites you to join the 21 day Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Peninsula Cruise. There will be just 130 guests aboard Heritage Discoverer. Dates are 19 November - 9 December 2026 Ushuaia Return. Returning travellers save up to 40% and if it's your first time - you'll still save up to 30%.
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.
PONANT has released its 2028 Kimberley program - explore one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers and enjoy 30% bonus savings.
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.
SOLO TRAVELLERS:
VIKING is an excellent product I can recommend - and you can now enjoy a saving of up to 25% on select river journeys and expeditions and up to 50% on the single supplement on select ocean voyages. The single supplement offer applies to select staterooms and is only available until sold out.
JUST YOU - the specialist solo tour operator - has unveiled its first collection of festive escorted tours. Enjoy a Christmas abroad exploring the likes of Malta, Portugal, Spain, India or the UK.
AIRLINES:
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 the Pearl of the Orient with $80 off, exclusive to Cathay members when you use the code HOMEKONGAU. Travel period: 1 July until 31 August 2026
QATAR AIRWAYS is expanding its network with flights to Bogotá and Caracas, starting 22 July 2026.
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.
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. Book your flight as an Enrich member and enjoy an extra 5% off.
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.
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.
GULF AIR has some good news in these troubled times. If your plans change, you can adjust your travel dates later at no additional fees.
VIKING is an excellent product I can recommend - and you can now enjoy a saving of up to 25% on select river journeys and expeditions and up to 50% on the single supplement on select ocean voyages. The single supplement offer applies to select staterooms and is only available until sold out.
JUST YOU - the specialist solo tour operator - has unveiled its first collection of festive escorted tours. Enjoy a Christmas abroad exploring the likes of Malta, Portugal, Spain, India or the UK.
AIRLINES:
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 the Pearl of the Orient with $80 off, exclusive to Cathay members when you use the code HOMEKONGAU. Travel period: 1 July until 31 August 2026
QATAR AIRWAYS is expanding its network with flights to Bogotá and Caracas, starting 22 July 2026.
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.
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. Book your flight as an Enrich member and enjoy an extra 5% off.
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.
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.
GULF AIR has some good news in these troubled times. If your plans change, you can adjust your travel dates later at no additional fees.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES KrisFlyer members can enjoy exclusive privileges and countless opportunities to earn and redeem miles with airline partners as well as over 1,700 global non-airline brands - and counting.
ACCOMMODATION:
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
DAIOS COVE, set on the secluded coastline of eastern Crete, is the sprawling luxury resort home to KEPOS by Goco, a 2,500sqm wellbeing sanctuary designed for recovery, recalibration and long-term resilience. Its “let’s fix burnout” philosophy integrates diagnostics, regenerative therapies, movement and nutrition across every layer of the guest experience.
ACCOMMODATION:
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
DAIOS COVE, set on the secluded coastline of eastern Crete, is the sprawling luxury resort home to KEPOS by Goco, a 2,500sqm wellbeing sanctuary designed for recovery, recalibration and long-term resilience. Its “let’s fix burnout” philosophy integrates diagnostics, regenerative therapies, movement and nutrition across every layer of the guest experience.
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TRADE ONLY:
ATIA has announced the 2026 nominees for the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA). The event will be held on 10 October in Melbourne and is set to be the biggest year on record, with over 2,000 peer nominations received. Find the full list of nominees at https://atia.eventsair.com/ntia-2026-awards-program/nominees ATIA members recently joined CATO members in voting yes to unite Australia's travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and travel management companies under a single, stronger peak body.
Interline Travel reports: This week the focus is on smaller expedition ships. Also note: Regent Seven Seas - rates up to March 2027 but they won’t last long; Polar Latitudes- Greenland Included are air transfers to and from Copenhagen. Polar Latitudes- the Americas - Argentina - Chile - Peru - Panama three itineraries.
TRADE ONLY:
ATIA has announced the 2026 nominees for the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA). The event will be held on 10 October in Melbourne and is set to be the biggest year on record, with over 2,000 peer nominations received. Find the full list of nominees at https://atia.eventsair.com/ntia-2026-awards-program/nominees ATIA members recently joined CATO members in voting yes to unite Australia's travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and travel management companies under a single, stronger peak body.
Interline Travel reports: This week the focus is on smaller expedition ships. Also note: Regent Seven Seas - rates up to March 2027 but they won’t last long; Polar Latitudes- Greenland Included are air transfers to and from Copenhagen. Polar Latitudes- the Americas - Argentina - Chile - Peru - Panama three itineraries.
to choose from or blend.
Travel Industry Club this week announced new rates from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with an extraordinary last-minute opportunity to experience a privately chartered luxury Rovos Rail journey with Captain's Choice.
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.”
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/
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/
