Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Europe Holidays

Very small update this week as I head home tomorrow from Barcelona after a 15 day cruise aboard Viking Neptune. And no, I did not ride a bike around Amsterdam!

EUROPE HOLIDAYS is celebrating the launch of  new europeholidays.com.au by  opening 2027 Earlybird offers — with value holidays right across Europe. Book seven or more nights in Europe and get $500 per couple to use toward airfare.

PONANT wants to take you on a culinary journey of indulgent gala dinners and curated wine pairings. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and engaging conversations with chefs as you embark on a journey of discovery. Examples include (in alliance with The Club des Chefs des Chefs) The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic  15/01/27 - 23/01/27.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES says save up to 10% on selected flights to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, the Maldives, Da Nang, Fukuoka and more. Deal ends on October 2.

KRISFLYER members - October is a special birthday month for you. Enjoy boosted miles, weekly giveaways and upsized rewards. For instance earn an 10 miles per $1 spent at all Kris+ partners across Sydney and Melbourne.

LUXURY LODGES OF AUSTRALIA is celebrating the recognition of 11 of its member lodges in the 2026 MICHELIN Key Hotels selection with Saffire on Tasmania's Freycinet Peninsula and Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island both elevated to the highest distinction of Three MICHELIN Keys.

SOLO TRAVEL: 
Looking for a trip that’s first-timer-friendly? Tripadvisor asked seasoned pros where they’d send someone looking to take the solo-travel plunge. See what made the cut, from Paris to Puerto Rico. Have a look here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-lEhUy42WjDvQ-Where_to_go_on_your_very_first_solo_trip.html

TRADE ONLY:

Interline Travel deals include Windstar - Tahiti and Beyond, Regent - new rates, new voyages, Oceania - Christmas escape 12 nights sydney return and live Explora Journey rates in $A.

Travel Industry Club says Asia, the Pacific & Europe are featuring strongly, with fantastic opportunities across a wide range of cruise lines. With great rates across selected 2026 & 2027 sailings, there are some exceptional opportunities to explore.
AmaWaterways – Taste of Christmas Dec 26 - Basel → Amsterdam (or reverse) | 7 nights. Check out the deal.

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/

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Club Med

We are on our way to Portugal aboard Viking Neptune after a bit of rocking and rolling last night. Beautiful sunny day at sea today. Perfect really when you add the amazing level of service Viking offers. We are relaxing on lounges on deck 7 overlooking the sea - you can always find comfy corners on these ships that are never crowded.

CLUB MED is a blast from the past  - right now during the Early Bird Sale save 20% on all inclusive holiday packages at the new Borneo resort - or how about Bali?

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals

Wandering about Bergen today - but have to be back on board Viking Neptune by 5pm. Our first port will be Amsterdam. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Bergen is the perfect starting point for day trips to the fjords. Activities include everything from tours to mountain and glacier hiking, skiing in some of Norway’s best terrain, biking , or white-water rafting.

            

EES DELAYS. The new EES immigration system in Europe is still causing extensive delays - so leave plenty of time for your transfers. Note also that US entry requirements are strict. Authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements very carefully.

Ian McIntosh's Top Travel Deals - QANTAS USA and Canada

Very limited specials until the end of the month while I am in Europe and cruising on Viking.

QANTAS says now is your chance to fly to the US and Canada for less.  Save on flights to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth, Honolulu and Vancouver. Hurry, sale ends 11.59pm (AEST) Monday 14 September 2026.