Ian McIntosh's top travel deals

Wandering about  Bergen today  - but have to be back onboard 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 terrains, 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.

EMIRATES New Airbus A350s will feature the world’s first electrically-powered premium economy seat. Included will be full-height privacy screens, wireless charging and leather footrests.

FINNAIR has Bangkok on sale from $739 - flights from Melbourne in all travel classes are on sale until 23 September. 

RYANAIR is a monster low cost carrier in Europe. Summer is all but over however the carrier is still coming up with Autumn deals from just €24.99.

IEXPEDITION advises that for a limited time, you can save up to 30% plus enjoy an air credit of up to $5,000pp on select Arctic expeditions.

SPECIAL EVENTS: 

Touring with Crooked Compass founder Lisa Pagotto is a very special event. Two years of research, conversations and local relationships eventually unlocked the latest journey Lisa had been waiting to create: 18 days connecting the former forbidden kingdom of Mustang with the rarely explored reaches of eastern Tibet. Two ancient Himalayan worlds. More details https://us.list-manage.com/DXoOPqTz8iI e=c4bb94f7cf&c2id=8d16d03709eecc9f9f23598a75bba49c&m=roq9Pc66Ua-kC2OKTbQHyJ7Zq2R4cyIB3weg9Jsup8fKq6ml2rAZmej6N65s5

Australian Geographic Travel has a small group tour for bird lovers travelling from outback Queensland to Adelaide. You can book 2027 departures for the eight day tour now. 

SO HOW GOOD WAS THE TRIP?

Terry and Margaret young have been cruising aboard Seabourn from Copenhagen, up the coast of Norway, ending at Dover. Margaret reports: "We are about 300kms above the arctic circle. Cold but  perfect sunny weather. It was a bonus  too, very exciting to see the northern lights last night as it was very unexpected for this time of the year. Funny sight too seeing us all up on the open deck in our dressing gowns at 1am having been called by the captain to come up and see them. This has been the most spectacular scenic cruise up the coast of Norway. I knew it was a beautiful country having travelled it overland previously but it would be hard to beat the coastal and fjord scenery.

TRAVEL BOOKS:

Purchase any Lonely Planet Travel Guide until 30 September and you'll be automatically entered into the draw to win a $2500 Travel Voucher according to Booktopia.

TOURING: 

AFRICAN SUNRISE SAFARI says experience two of Zimbabwe's most celebrated safari destinations on a journey that combines exceptional wildlife viewing with authentic wilderness. Details here: https://africansunrisesafari.com/safari-tours/8-days-wild-zimbabwe-mana-pools/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing

UTRACKS has a great idea for you bike fans - cycle from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea on a self-guided journey through Austria, Slovenia and Italy. 

RAIL:

THE BLUE TRAIN -  South Africa’s legendary journey is not up to its reputation these days I am told by a good friend who has just finished the journey. Avoid it like the plague was his final comment.

Trip Advisor says there are seven rail trips in Asia you can’t afford to miss. Have a look here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-lqgkpak2NiHQ-Train_trips_in_asia.html Included is the Vietage Vietnam, Six hours from Da Nang to Quy Nh.

THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN presents a collection of Highland journeys, each with a distinct route and pace. From whisky-led itineraries and classic Highland routes to the Grand Tour of Scotland, each journey combines off-board excursions with exquisite dining and convivial evenings on board. 

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia and see the countryside in style at a slower pace. Depart in November and receive a complimentary night at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Contact the reservations team and quote 'EOEMORIENTALS1NT' to book. 

BRITANNIC EXPLORER's three routes from London 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 - Itineraries include The Golden Age of Travel by steam. Or, how about the great British Sunday lunch as the world rumbles by?

CRUISE:

ROYAL CARIBBEAN’s Voyager of the Seas’ all-new Asia holidays are officially on sale as of today. Opening the Aussie season with brand-new getaways out of Brisbane and Sydney, Voyager will then head to Asia, connecting Australian holidaymakers to adventures out of vibrant hubs across Singapore and Hong Kong.

COASTAL CRUISES has released a Northern Lights Cruise Sale.  Book now for selected departures between October 2026 - March 2027. More details here: https://www.norwegiancoastalcruises.com/special-offers.htm?utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=name-fix-hurtigruten-northern-lights-sale#Sale

HX EXPEDITIONS is featuring Greenland.  Discovering Greenland – From Reykjavík to Nuuk (14 days) – prices from $13,122, Grand Greenland – The Icy Giants of Disko Bay (13 days)  $15,194. More info - go to travelhx.com

VIKING still has vacancies on river cruises that explore Europe's Christmas markets.  For instance, Budapest to Passau or v.v. eight days. Selected sailings in Nov‌ &‌ Dec‍ 2026 are priced from $3,395pp. Viking has also released details of a 15 day Japan Discovery cruise. 

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. 

SOLO TRAVELLERS: 

JUST YOU, the solo travel operator, is offering savings of $200 on its 11-day Discover Vietnam tour departing November 14, 2026. Or, $400 on a 13-day Spirit of India at Christmas tour, departing December 18, 2026.

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.

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.  

AIRLINES

Malaysia Airlines will be taking off to Busan starting 2 Dec 2026, with 4x weekly flights via Kuala Lumpur

CATHAY PACIFIC is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a month long sale offering savings on flights to more than 70 destinations across its global network. Book by 30 September 2026 for travel from 16 October 2026 through to 17 June 2027.

FINNAIR invites you to experience winter in Finnish Lapland. The glow of the Northern Lights overhead. Snow-covered forests stretching into the distance. Book flights to Ivalo, Kittilä, Kuusamo or Rovaniemi and experience it for yourself.

FLATBEDS advises Adelaide passengers to skip the East Coast transit and fly direct to the US in comfort with United Airlines. Enjoy direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco during its seasonal service from 19 December 2026 - 10 February 2027.

LAMTAM is offering up to 20% off flights to South America from Sydney and Melbourne. 

QATAR is offering daily direct flights to Auckland departing Adelaide until December 8, 2026, Melbourne between December 9 and June 27, 2027 and from Brisbane between June 26 and September 25 2027.

AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius. The new service supports improved onward connections via Mauritius to destinations across Africa and Europe.

ACCOMMODATION

CATHAY PACIFIC’s members choice awards have been released for hotels. Winners are the Rosewood Hong Kong, Mandarin Pudong Shanghai, Raffles Singapore and Park Hyatt Tokyo.

ELEMENTS OF BYRON, Byron Bay’s only luxury beachfront resort, goes out of its way to cater for couples offering everything from sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean to horseback rides along Belongil Beach, 

SOFITEL ADELAIDE invites you to experience the magic of Illuminate Adelaide. Book the Winter Staycation Package and enjoy a luxurious overnight escape in the heart of the city and dinner.

SLOJOURN STUDIO resorts approach family holidays differently, offering children more than traditional kids’ club activities and bringing families together through nature, culture, adventure, and hands-on discovery.  

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.  

TRADE ONLY:

Interline Travel round-up - some great Oceania deals for the Christmas period. Also check out Windstar Cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages and Heritage Expeditions.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will give travel industry leaders a firsthand view of the forces shaping airfares, airline choice and competition at the Beyond Borders Travel Summit. The event will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 9 October. Secure your spot here: https://atia.eventsair.com/atia-premier-events/ 

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/