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Saturday, 10 October 2026

Ian McIntosh's top travel deals - Europe flight deals




EarlyBird flight Deals to Europe for 2027 are taking off already - Singapore Airlines was first cab off the rank closely followed by Virgin Australia/Qatar. 

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The Virgin sale ends on October 30. Remember to check the validity dates for travel. Singapore Airlines was recently named World's Best Airline by Skytrax for the sixth time. SQ deals are available until 29 October 2026. Fares to London for instance are priced from $1824 ex Adelaide. 

EUROPE HOLIDAYS has also released 2027 Earlybird offers to celebrate the launch of its new europeholidays.com.au website.  Check now for early-booking value on holidays right across Europe. Book seven or more nights in Europe and get $500 per couple to use toward your airfare.

QANTAS has announced that non-stop Australia to NYC flights are set to launch. The history-making direct route from Sydney will transform travel to the Big Apple — cutting flight times and introducing a dedicated Wellbeing Zone onboard. Expected to commence in mid-2028,  the flights are currently scheduled to go on sale in August next year.

EUROCAR says get your car sorted early and save up to 20%  on rentals right through to March 31. Book by October 16,  2026.

SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP? 
Our flight to Adelaide from Singapore was suddenly not available in business class - we had hours to wait in terminal 3. So, I booked the Ambassador Transit Lounge for a stay plus shower. Singapore's Changi is the best airport in the world for a number of reasons - a main one is that passengers in transit have huge areas where they can relax in real comfort away from crowds using free internet and if necessary charge up phones or whatever. Food halls are always nearby. As for the transit lounge - it is an insult to everything Changi stands for - it is too small, grubby, overcrowded and poorly air conditioned. We took one look and decided to find a comfy spot outside - which is my advice to anyone thinking about paying for this facility. 

FROM LAST WEEK:
Royal Caribbean’s VOYAGER OF THE SEAS new season brings together three distinct ways to explore Japan and beyond. A 10-night open-jaw holiday from Hong Kong to Tokyo and three round-trip holidays from Tokyo – ranging from 11- to 12-nights, offer different ways to explore Japan and South Korea. Select holidays also include calls in South Korea. Finally a  16-night Pacific crossing from Tokyo to Seattle heads north to Sapporo. The holidays are part of Voyager’s broader 2027- 2028 Asia Pacific season, which features 2- to 16-night holidays from Brisbane and Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong.

JUST YOU, The solo tour operator, has added four new escorted tours to its 2027 and 2028 collection: The 14-day India in Colour, eight-day Imperial Bohemia Saxony and Berlin starting in Prague, seven-day Canadian Rockies Winter Adventure starting in Calgary and the Eight-day Discover Venice & The Veneto.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS  has expanded its solo traveller program, making expedition cruising more accessible, flexible. The move responds to growing demand from Australians choosing to travel independently in search of tailored, meaningful experiences that align with personal interests. Have a look herehttps://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo

PANORAMA TRAVEL invites you to embark on an extraordinary 15-day 4WD journey across Oman, travelling through rugged mountain ranges, vast golden deserts, pristine coastlines and ancient frankincense trails. Discover dramatic landscapes, timeless heritage and remote places as you experience the Sultanate’s remarkable diversity, from spectacular natural wonders to authentic cultural treasures. Next departure is January 7-21 2027. More details here https://panorama.travel/trips/grand-tour-of-oman/

TRAINLINE, the popular UK based booking site, advises Christmas train tickets for France are now on sale – book TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS journeys within France for travel from December 13 to January 6, plus select cross-border journeys into Europe.

TRADE ONLY:
Unforgettable Travel Company has launched Unforgettable Asia (unforgettableasia.com), a new luxury Asia specialist designed to make complex travel across the region easier to sell for agents. Launching with 11 destinations and 50 itineraries, Unforgettable Asia initially covers Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia, with further destinations to be added in late 2026 and 2027.
 
The Travel Industry Club has released new Crystal Cruises rates, plus two incredible privately chartered Captain’s Choice voyages. "Whether you’re looking for refined luxury at sea or an intimate expedition into some of the world’s most remote destinations, these are experiences you won’t want to miss.”

Interline Travel’s Stephen West says if luxury and expedition are on your list, this week, check out our great selection. Have a look at  https://interlinetravel.com.au/newsletters

 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/