The annoying days when you had to scrounge around for a pen and your passport to fill in a green arrivals card will soon end it seems. The Government is finally going digital.
SOFITEL Auckland Viaduct Harbour and Sofitel Wellington are inviting guests to elevate winter stays with new ‘Stay & Club Access Privileges’ packages, offering complimentary access to each hotel's exclusive Club lounge. Book through all.accor.com
AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodges, Vietnam's newest regenerative luxury wellness retreat, will officially open for bookings from 20 July 2026. The all-inclusive retreat has been designed for travellers seeking meaningful adventure, restorative wellness and a genuine connection with nature. Guests who book directly through the Auko website from 20 July will receive an exclusive 20% saving together with additional value-added benefits. More details here: https://aukoways.com
JUST YOU, the specialist solo tour operator is offering savings on European tours departing in September, including a Sardinian sojourn (save $300) and a Camino de Santiago walking tour ($250.)
SOFITEL Auckland Viaduct Harbour and Sofitel Wellington are inviting guests to elevate winter stays with new ‘Stay & Club Access Privileges’ packages, offering complimentary access to each hotel's exclusive Club lounge. Book through all.accor.com
HELLOWORLD has a seven night special for you snow ski fans - seven nights at Niseko Nikko plus breakfast daily and five day lift pass from $2,900pp twin share. Japan’s Niseko Village boasts some of the best and longest skiing and snowboarding trails. Also on sale - a 10 night family Whistler Escape from $4899.
QANTAS has proudly announced its non-stop flight from Sydney to London from October next year. You will touch down in the British capital in just 22 hours. Not for me though. True, I travel in business class these days - but I enjoy a stopover stroll before a glass of champagne, a decent meal and a shower in the lounges of major airlines like Emirates.
iEXPEDITION invites you to book the South Atlantic cruise from South Africa to Antarctica; 20 Nights Cape Town to Ushuaia departing 23 October 2026 - and save over 50%.
UTRACKS has a great new idea for you bike fans - cycle from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea on a self-guided journey through Austria, Slovenia and Italy.
EXPLORA has a Sky & Sea program to take care of your every detail - from take-off to return. International flights, an overnight hotel stay and private transfers are all arranged. Reserve by 28 July 2026 and enjoy 25% savings on this supplement on selected Extended Journeys.
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
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.
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.
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:
VIKING says there are only nine sailings available for its 23-day European Sojourn voyage between Amsterdam and Bucharest, traversing eight countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube. Sail through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, from the Netherlands to Romania or vice versa.
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.
HX EXPEDITIONS says tick Antarctica off your bucket list. Specials include: Highlights of Antarctica (12 days) – prices from $14,599, Antarctica & Falkland Expedition (16 days) from $16,941 and In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (23 days) from $29,424.
AIR TAHITI NUI advises that from 15 December you can fly direct from Sydney to Tahiti. Explore limited time offers and lock in a Sydney to Tahiti escape from $1,023 return. Children aged 2-11 years travel at 50% off adult fares. Sale ends 31 July 2026.
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 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.
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.
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.
The Travel Industry Club has new and updated Silversea rates and invites you to Enjoy the Mediterranean without the summer crowds. Choose from 21 sailings between September and the end of November.
Nilers Tours is a one stop provider for all your travel needs and requirements in Egypt. "We label ourselves as leading, innovative, and highly efficient". Sightseeing guided tours are available in a choice of 10 languages.
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/
MURRAY RIVER PADDLESTEAMERS is offering a double bonus for single travellers – Savings and no solo supplements on three-night cruises. Travel before August 31, 2026. The company is based in the Victorian river port of Echuca Victoria.
HX EXPEDITIONS is featuring Greenland. Discovering Greenland – From Reykjavík to Nuuk (14 days) – prices from AUD $13,122, Grand Greenland – The Icy Giants of Disko Bay (13 days) – prices from AUD $15,194. More info - go to travelhx.com
QATAR AIRWAYS will launch its third daily service from Sydney to Doha, starting 8 December 2026 with partner Virgin Australia. Just be sure to check your onward connection out of Doha - you might end up on British Airways.
QANTAS has proudly announced its non-stop flight from Sydney to London from October next year. You will touch down in the British capital in just 22 hours. Not for me though. True, I travel in business class these days - but I enjoy a stopover stroll before a glass of champagne, a decent meal and a shower in the lounges of major airlines like Emirates.
iEXPEDITION invites you to book the South Atlantic cruise from South Africa to Antarctica; 20 Nights Cape Town to Ushuaia departing 23 October 2026 - and save over 50%.
UTRACKS has a great new idea for you bike fans - cycle from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea on a self-guided journey through Austria, Slovenia and Italy.
EXPLORA has a Sky & Sea program to take care of your every detail - from take-off to return. International flights, an overnight hotel stay and private transfers are all arranged. Reserve by 28 July 2026 and enjoy 25% savings on this supplement on selected Extended Journeys.
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
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.
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.
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:
VIKING says there are only nine sailings available for its 23-day European Sojourn voyage between Amsterdam and Bucharest, traversing eight countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube. Sail through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, from the Netherlands to Romania or vice versa.
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.
HX EXPEDITIONS says tick Antarctica off your bucket list. Specials include: Highlights of Antarctica (12 days) – prices from $14,599, Antarctica & Falkland Expedition (16 days) from $16,941 and In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (23 days) from $29,424.
AIR TAHITI NUI advises that from 15 December you can fly direct from Sydney to Tahiti. Explore limited time offers and lock in a Sydney to Tahiti escape from $1,023 return. Children aged 2-11 years travel at 50% off adult fares. Sale ends 31 July 2026.
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 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.
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.
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.
SOLO TRAVELLERS:
AVALON WATERWAYS is waiving the single supplement on select 2027 Europe and Mekong departures but don’t delay – there are only limited spots per departure.
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 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.
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia see the countryside in style at a slower pace. 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.
AIRLINES:
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.
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.
ACCOMMODATION:
ZANNIER IIE DE BENDOR, a newly opened private island retreat off France’s Côte d’Azur has quickly become one of Europe’s hottest hotel openings. Interestingly it takes its blueprint from its spectacular sister property, Zannier Bãi San Hô in Vietnam spanning 98 hectares of coastline, rice fields and forested hills in Dak Lak province.
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.
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. Guests say it's just the place to beat burnout.
Our Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/top10traveloz/
TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel is featuring deals on Quark, Regent (solo and twin pricing) HX Expeditions and Princess plus the weekly roundup of twin price drops.
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 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.
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia see the countryside in style at a slower pace. 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.
AIRLINES:
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.
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.
ACCOMMODATION:
ZANNIER IIE DE BENDOR, a newly opened private island retreat off France’s Côte d’Azur has quickly become one of Europe’s hottest hotel openings. Interestingly it takes its blueprint from its spectacular sister property, Zannier Bãi San Hô in Vietnam spanning 98 hectares of coastline, rice fields and forested hills in Dak Lak province.
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.
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. Guests say it's just the place to beat burnout.
Our Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/top10traveloz/
TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel is featuring deals on Quark, Regent (solo and twin pricing) HX Expeditions and Princess plus the weekly roundup of twin price drops.
European Travel Specialist Aurore Bertomeu, who has been heading up the Australian office of Unforgettable Croatia since 2024, is lapping up the sights and tastes of Montenegro on a famil. Montenegro is a close neighbour of Croatia – Kotor is less than 100km from Dubrovnik – making it easy for Unforgettable Croatia guests to tick off both countries in one visit.
The Travel Industry Club has new and updated Silversea rates and invites you to Enjoy the Mediterranean without the summer crowds. Choose from 21 sailings between September and the end of November.
Nilers Tours is a one stop provider for all your travel needs and requirements in Egypt. "We label ourselves as leading, innovative, and highly efficient". Sightseeing guided tours are available in a choice of 10 languages.
ATIA advises the Beyond Borders on the Road (BBOTR) series has again struck a chord with massive member turnout resulting in sell-out events in Adelaide on 20 July and Perth on 22 July. Included is a session on the upcoming card surcharging changes from October 1.
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/
