Travellers are increasingly choosing itineraries that prioritise independence over rigid structure. Active travel specialist UTracks is seeing this play out across its European program, with increased demand for self-guided trips that combine pre-arranged logistics with day-to-day flexibility.
QANTAS summer sale ends on July 24 - so hurry. Save on flights across Australia for a range of travel dates between December 2026 and February 2027. Fares start from $99 one-way in Economy, or $279 one-way in Business.
AVALON WATERWAYS has good news if a European river cruise is on your 2027 wish list - for a limited time, you can fly free on two popular Europe cruises including Magnificent Rivers of Europe, 15 days, five countries from Budapest to Amsterdam. Your travel agent will have details.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES invites KrisFlyer members to win return flights from Australia to Singapore and 3-day Stamford Grandstand tickets at this year’s Grand Prix. You will also enjoy a 4-night stay at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa with daily breakfast. The competition ends on July 31. More details here: https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/plan-travel/local-promotions/australia/f1-singapore-grand-prix-competition-2026/?utm_source=op4265_dm944312_kf&utm_content=cta1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=swp_sqau_jul26_f1/
VISIT BRITAIN points out that while the World Cup might be over - your enthusiasm for the great game can be further stoked at a number of venues in the UK. Manchester, for instance, often called English football’s capital, is home to Manchester United, Manchester City and the National Football Museum, where visitors can explore the world’s largest football memorabilia collection. Wembley Stadium, London is a powerhouse for fans of England, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Fulham. More details here: https://www.mancity.com/store/products/tours
FROM LAST WEEK:
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.
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
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.
VIKING has released two river itineraries for 2030 that offer the rare opportunity to experience the Oberammergau Passion Play—a cherished tradition that has been performed once a decade for nearly 400 years. Plus, double your Past Guest Discount if you book before 4 August 2026.
ACCOR has good news for AFL lovers. "As we are the AFL’s official accommodation partner, earn reward points on every stay and use your points to access AFL match tickets including the Grand Final”. You might even see your favourite player.
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
ARANUI CRUISES is a Tahitian cargo cruise line that encourages guests to go beyond Tahiti and see more of French Polynesia. As part of the Escape Beyond Tahiti sale, cruises are discounted by up to $2000 per couple and onboard credit of A$700 per room is on offer when select cruises are booked by July 31, 2026.
ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE in the Lower Zambezi and Lion Camp in the South Luangwa, ZAMBIA, have extended its value-for-money 8 night package into 2027. Details here: https://mcusercontent.com/70afcba1cac3a0107299ff970/files/140e49e3-15b2-9fd0-0469-daa1431afd52/Royal_Zambezi_Lodge_Lion_Camp_8_night_Zambia_2027_package.pdf
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.
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.
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:
CELEBRITY CRUISES 2028 Japan sailings are now open for booking. Stay overnight in Kyoto, Aomori, and Kobe to explore the country’s incredible flavours and festivals.
ATIA is partnering with Fukushima Prefecture for two famils in October, available exclusively to ATIA-accredited agents.
VISIT BRITAIN points out that while the World Cup might be over - your enthusiasm for the great game can be further stoked at a number of venues in the UK. Manchester, for instance, often called English football’s capital, is home to Manchester United, Manchester City and the National Football Museum, where visitors can explore the world’s largest football memorabilia collection. Wembley Stadium, London is a powerhouse for fans of England, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Fulham. More details here: https://www.mancity.com/store/products/tours
HELLOWORLD is offering a 13 day tour of Japan from $9393pp twin share in association with Trafalgar. This represents a saving of $1657pp.
QANTAS Travel Insider has rounded up the European destinations that prove a side trip can be the unexpected highlight of your holiday. From storybook towns to Mediterranean island escapes, these hidden gems are only a short hop from the continent’s capitals. Have a look here: https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/explore/europe/best-european-daytrip-ideas-excursions-from-capital-cities.html?alt_cam=au:qd:in:edm:travelinsider:ti-europe-daytrips:17Jul26:int:CONTENT:fd:introduction-cta-initial-0-default:ht&cid=DM500662&bid=976550346&ffid=046159240077109204098114239060233138214139090169
QANTAS Travel Insider has rounded up the European destinations that prove a side trip can be the unexpected highlight of your holiday. From storybook towns to Mediterranean island escapes, these hidden gems are only a short hop from the continent’s capitals. Have a look here: https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/explore/europe/best-european-daytrip-ideas-excursions-from-capital-cities.html?alt_cam=au:qd:in:edm:travelinsider:ti-europe-daytrips:17Jul26:int:CONTENT:fd:introduction-cta-initial-0-default:ht&cid=DM500662&bid=976550346&ffid=046159240077109204098114239060233138214139090169
SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND, Cambodia’s most awarded resort and newly opened METT Singapore have partnered to launch a new two-country itinerary. The six-night package includes two nights at METT Singapore and four nights at Song Saa Private Island, with return airport transfers, inter-country transfers, and scheduled boat connections included. METT Singapore is a luxurious 5-star lifestyle hotel located inside Fort Canning Park at 11 Canning Walk.
PULLMAN QUAY Grand Sydney Harbour has a family holiday deal. Book a deluxe one bedroom (Garden or Harbour View) room and get breakfast, parking and a Busy Nippers Kids Activity Pack.
BECKONS, a curated portfolio of luxury lodges in the world's most remote and remarkable places, has announced a new limited-time offer for Tierra Patagonia, inviting travellers to design their own ideal adventure in one of South America’s most extraordinary wilderness regions. Guests booking the new ‘A Wild Reward’ package on stays of three nights or more receive a US$1,000 experience credit per suite, redeemable across a selection of private adventures, wellness experiences and lodge extras. The offer is valid for travel from September 15 to October 20, 2026. More details: https://beckons.com
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES is offering up to 40% off on selected itineraries including Miami to Lisbon April 14 2027, New York to Southampton on June 1 and Southampton to Montreal, August 27.
QATAR AIRWAYS privilege club members or being offered fares to Europe starting from $1,739 return. As well, earn up to 24,000 bonus Avios on flights from Australia to Doha. Book by 29 July 2026.
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. Explore this autumn's departures, with exclusive offers available on October journeys.
PONANT’S new European Summer 2028 itineraries are now open for booking, spanning Atlantic Islands including Cape Verde, the Mediterranean & Northern Europe.
PULLMAN QUAY Grand Sydney Harbour has a family holiday deal. Book a deluxe one bedroom (Garden or Harbour View) room and get breakfast, parking and a Busy Nippers Kids Activity Pack.
BECKONS, a curated portfolio of luxury lodges in the world's most remote and remarkable places, has announced a new limited-time offer for Tierra Patagonia, inviting travellers to design their own ideal adventure in one of South America’s most extraordinary wilderness regions. Guests booking the new ‘A Wild Reward’ package on stays of three nights or more receive a US$1,000 experience credit per suite, redeemable across a selection of private adventures, wellness experiences and lodge extras. The offer is valid for travel from September 15 to October 20, 2026. More details: https://beckons.com
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES is offering up to 40% off on selected itineraries including Miami to Lisbon April 14 2027, New York to Southampton on June 1 and Southampton to Montreal, August 27.
QATAR AIRWAYS privilege club members or being offered fares to Europe starting from $1,739 return. As well, earn up to 24,000 bonus Avios on flights from Australia to Doha. Book by 29 July 2026.
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. Explore this autumn's departures, with exclusive offers available on October journeys.
PONANT’S new European Summer 2028 itineraries are now open for booking, spanning Atlantic Islands including Cape Verde, the Mediterranean & Northern Europe.
FROM LAST WEEK:
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.
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
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.
VIKING has released two river itineraries for 2030 that offer the rare opportunity to experience the Oberammergau Passion Play—a cherished tradition that has been performed once a decade for nearly 400 years. Plus, double your Past Guest Discount if you book before 4 August 2026.
ACCOR has good news for AFL lovers. "As we are the AFL’s official accommodation partner, earn reward points on every stay and use your points to access AFL match tickets including the Grand Final”. You might even see your favourite player.
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
ARANUI CRUISES is a Tahitian cargo cruise line that encourages guests to go beyond Tahiti and see more of French Polynesia. As part of the Escape Beyond Tahiti sale, cruises are discounted by up to $2000 per couple and onboard credit of A$700 per room is on offer when select cruises are booked by July 31, 2026.
ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE in the Lower Zambezi and Lion Camp in the South Luangwa, ZAMBIA, have extended its value-for-money 8 night package into 2027. Details here: https://mcusercontent.com/70afcba1cac3a0107299ff970/files/140e49e3-15b2-9fd0-0469-daa1431afd52/Royal_Zambezi_Lodge_Lion_Camp_8_night_Zambia_2027_package.pdf
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.
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.
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:
CELEBRITY CRUISES 2028 Japan sailings are now open for booking. Stay overnight in Kyoto, Aomori, and Kobe to explore the country’s incredible flavours and festivals.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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.)
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:
AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodges, Vietnam's newest regenerative luxury wellness retreat, has been designed for travellers seeking meaningful adventure, restorative wellness and a genuine connection with nature. Book through the Auko website and receive an exclusive 20% saving together with additional value-added benefits. More details here: https://aukoways.com
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.
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:
ATIA advises ticket sales have officially opened for the definitive wrap-up celebration of the year: the 2026 CATO Travel Industry Christmas Lunch on December 3. The 2026 NTIA Finalist Celebration on October 9 will give finalists the opportunity to come together, connect with their peers and recognise what it means to be named among the best in Australia’s travel industry. Viking returns as major sponsor for the fourth consecutive year,
Interline Travel has an amazing deal from HX Expeditions - a 14 night circumnavigation of Iceland and more.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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.)
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:
AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodges, Vietnam's newest regenerative luxury wellness retreat, has been designed for travellers seeking meaningful adventure, restorative wellness and a genuine connection with nature. Book through the Auko website and receive an exclusive 20% saving together with additional value-added benefits. More details here: https://aukoways.com
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.
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:
ATIA advises ticket sales have officially opened for the definitive wrap-up celebration of the year: the 2026 CATO Travel Industry Christmas Lunch on December 3. The 2026 NTIA Finalist Celebration on October 9 will give finalists the opportunity to come together, connect with their peers and recognise what it means to be named among the best in Australia’s travel industry. Viking returns as major sponsor for the fourth consecutive year,
Interline Travel has an amazing deal from HX Expeditions - a 14 night circumnavigation of Iceland and more.
The Travel Industry club advises Celebrity Edge® returns to Australian waters from October through April, bringing her revolutionary design and modern luxury experience closer to home. She'll be joined by Celebrity Solstice® for a limited season from September to October, before Solstice continues to Asia alongside Celebrity Millennium®.
With exceptional value and fantastic itineraries departing close to home, there's never been a better time to experience Celebrity Cruises.
The famils will run from October 21-25 and October 24-29, offering first-hand experiences that are ideal for selling to clients who want to explore Japan in a deeper and more meaningful way.Visit Maldives Australia Roadshow 2026 ends in Sydney on July 23. Join leading Maldives tourism partners for an evening of networking and destination updates. https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/aviareps-au/visit-maldives-week-sydney
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/
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/
