Croatia is proving a big drawcard these days. Small-ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has concluded its 2026 season with its fleet operating at 99.09% capacity. All itineraries include luxury airport transfers, daily breakfast, three-course lunches and select dinners, as well as guided tours. Guests also enjoy daily swim stops and complimentary use of onboard water sports equipment.
LEISURE TIME TRAVEL has a great holiday idea for train lovers - a 9 day rail and coach tour of New Zealand’s southern island. The tour includes rides on the Coastal Pacific from Blenheim to Christchurch and the world-renowned TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps to Greymouth - plus other smaller private and heritage railways such as the Blenheim Riverside Railway. Book and pay in full by November 13 2026 to save $500pp. Details here: https://www.leisuretimetours.co.nz/tour-with-us/southern-rail-and-scenic-wonders-2027.html
QANTAS has released its Australia Red Tail sale - deals end on November 4 so hurry. The Big Red has also released a list of day tours from Tokyo usually reserved for locals. They include spectacular mountains, laid-back seaside resorts, old merchant towns and natural hot springs. Have a look here: https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/explore/asia/japan/tokyo/best-day-trips-from-tokyo?
HELLOWORLD invites you to explore the nightly Mekong with a fly/cruise/stay deal sailing with AmaWaterways. The 11 night holiday starts from $8089pp twin share. Valid for travel from September 2027.
TAUCK is introducing wellness-focused themes on two special departures of its Rendezvous on the Seine river cruise in 2027, adding a selection of optional fitness, nutrition and mindfulness experiences to the company's existing 10-day itinerary through Paris and Normandy. Both departures will be hosted by fitness entrepreneur and wellness coach Nikki Polos. Hopefully the river levels will be back to normal.
PRINCESS CRUISES new program has berthed - you could save up to $1,000 per stateroom - plus enjoy up to $150 onboard spending money per stateroom with Princess Standard. Choose Princess Plus or Premier and the bonus will double it up to $300 per stateroom. Offers ends 4 November 2026.
LUXURY ESCAPES is advertising some value deals to the Maldives using a direct flight from Melbourne. The cost of Villa Nautica for instance including flights is from $5950 for five nights - a claimed saving of $75%. Up to two children stay and eat free. https://luxuryescapes.com/au/campaign/maldives-direct
EXPLORA JOURNEYS limited-time savings of up to 40% applies almost every journey and suite category. Choose between the full payment fare and the flexible fare to best suit your booking needs. Reserve by 1 December 2026.
FROM LAST WEEK:
Finnair’s daily A350 service between Helsinki and Melbourne has taken off. The 22-hour journey operates via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport where each flight makes a technical stopover of just under two hours. Look forward to reviews.
UTracks General Manager Kate Baker says travellers should increasingly compare holidays on their total cost rather than the advertised price alone. “Is the accommodation included? Are your bags being transferred each day? Are breakfasts or other meals covered? Is your route information included? Are there local transfers or other costs you will need to add later? “Once you start adding those things together, two holidays that initially look similarly priced can be very different.”
CRUISEABOUT has new Europe sailings with Ponant. This company pioneered small-ship expedition cruising from the Kimberley to Antarctica, and now brings that same approach to Europe. Sailings are from $7,579 with savings up to 30% for early bookers. Free or reduced solo supplements also available.
CATHAY PACIFIC is offering savings of up to $180 off flights to more than 70 destinations worldwide. Check the site for details. Planning a trip to the Chinese Mainland or Taiwan, China? Experience the comfort of Cathay’s Premium Economy and the luxury of Business class in one trip with Premium Economy Plus.
COASTAL CRUISES says HX currently has extra savings on every Antarctica voyage - and there are departures with no solo supplement. Hurtigruten's 2027 sale has at least 15% off every flight inclusive voyage next year, with the 12 day Coastal Express Round Voyage from £2,497pp. Book by 9 November 2026.
VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT-EXPRESS invites you to step aboard on December 17 for a festive escape from Paris to Vienna. Arrive to discover Vienna’s imperial grandeur and twinkling Christmas markets.
CORAL EXPEDITIONS has expanded its solo traveller program, making expedition cruising more accessible. Have a look here https://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo
TOURING:
The New York Times has published a list of five of the most popular bike rides in America. Have a look here https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/14/travel/bike-rides-trails.html?unlocked_article_code=1.JlE.TsRQ.DSVMupq6hIxm&smid=url-share
PANORAMA TRAVEL invites you to embark on an extraordinary 15-day 4WD journey across Oman. Next departure is January 7-21 2027. More details https://panorama.travel/trips/grand-tour-of-oman/
SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP?
Marion McGuinness is visiting Birubi Beach Port Stephens. “These are the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere stretching for 32kms to Stockton. The pyramid-shaped blocks that were used to stop Japanese amphibious tank beach invasions in WWII, now used as dune barriers - it's also the starting point for popular sand boarding. Nearby is Boat Harbour with its volcanic outcrops where roughly 340 million years ago, ash, gas and molten rock cooled and compressed into russet-coloured ignimbrite or welded tuff. A fascinating place to climb around for a rock hound.
TRADE ONLY:
Viking's biggest travel advisor incentive is back...one advisor will win a voyage for two valued at up to AU$60,000. Plus, there are 26 runner-up prizes of AU$1,000 each.
Unforgettable Croatia’s Co-founder Graham Carter has thanked the trade "for all their support in helping us achieve fantastic results”.
Breakaway Travel Club has released new Tomato Travel rates offering a 25% discount. Tours include an 18-day cultural journey through South Korea and Japan, thoughtfully designed for comfort, discovery and a relaxed pace. Or, discover the heart of South Korea over eight days.
Interline Travel’s weekly round up brings you an exceptional collection of luxury voyages, remarkable destinations and exclusive fares. From sun-soaked coastlines to unforgettable cultural discoveries, explore the world’s most prestigious cruise lines, with many new departures now featuring significant Big Price Drops. Discover extraordinary journeys and exceptional value, all in one place.
The new international airport in Ilulissat has opened marking a new chapter for travel to Greenland. With a new 2,200-metre runway and a terminal building of approximately 5,000 square metres, Ilulissat will be able to welcome larger aircraft and direct international flights from Copenhagen.
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is back in Sydney and this summer will sail 21 holidays ranging from 3-night weekend getaways to 9-night escapes across the South Pacific and extended 12-night adventures to New Zealand.
The Travel Industry Club invites you to celebrate Christmas beneath a different sky. Discover Australia and New Zealand by sea, or welcome 2027 with a Pacific island adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the intimate expedition experience of Coral Adventurer, the relaxed sophistication of Azamara, the contemporary style of Celebrity Cruises or the luxury of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea, there’s a sailing to suit your style. Last-minute cruise options are sailing away soon however.
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/
