Strap in for another whirlwind roundup from the one and only Ian McIntosh, who’s once again dug deep into the airline seat pockets and cruise manifests to uncover a glittering trove of travel bargains. From the sultry banks of the Mekong to the glittering lights of Paris and the spicy streets of Hyderabad, this week’s curation of cruise and airfare specials proves there’s still life (and luxury) in travel deals — if you know where to look. Whether it’s Emirates elegance, Aldi holidays (yes, Aldi!), or Michelin meals in Phuket, Ian’s travel bag of goodies is bursting with high-flying savings and river-gilded gems.
MEKONG RIVER CRUISES, in conjunction with the 4-star Anik Palace Hotel in Phnom Penh, is offering an appealing Cambodian getaway at exceptional prices. The 20% off promotion brings together the beauty and mystery of cruising the Mekong – Phnom Penh to Saigon or Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and vice versa, with a luxurious hotel stay in Phnom Penh. The New Discovery Tour reveals hidden treasures of the Mekong River and includes traditional village visits. Prices start at AUD$2,817 in a shared cabin for the August and September 2025 departures. The deal is that you get a discount if you book the hotel or the boat—more details: [email protected].
CATHAY PACIFIC’s Fly Away Sale includes savings to Northeast Asia, the Chinese Mainland, India, the subcontinent and North America. New Cathay destinations, by the way, include Dallas, Urumqi and Hyderabad—book by June 23. Also, enjoy 10% bonus miles when you transfer your ANZ Reward Points to Asia Miles. Deal ends July 31.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES is celebrating 60 years in the air with deals available until 25 June 2025—flights to London, for instance, cost from $1718 in economy, business $8806.
EMIRATES has released business class fares, including London from $10,279 and Paris from $ 9,229. You have until June 26 to book. These fares are from Adelaide – check other cities.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES is also doing deals – the Getaway to Malaysia campaign, advertised by Helloworld Travel, includes flights to Kuala Lumpur from $805 in economy. London in business is priced from $7501. The sale ends on June 20. These prices are ex-Sydney. Deals like London don’t usually show up in big red letters on the site, by the way – sometimes you need Sherlock Holmes on the job. It’s best to have your agent take a look.
ALDI HOLIDAYS (yes, the supermarket people) has fired up some hot ideas now winter is around the corner. For example: Bali – 7 nights at Mercure Bali Legian from $ 999 per person – valued at ALDI, up to $1700. Other specials: Fiji 8 nights $1999pp, Phuket 8 nights $1599 and the Maldives $3799 (value up to $5500pp). These tours have several inclusions, by the way. Well worth exploring by the looks of it.
THE SLATE PHUKET, nestled on the shores of Nai Yang beach, invites you to spoil yourself and your friends. The Indigo Lotus Package, inspired by the hit HBO series, includes 4 nights in a private pool villa, signature treatment at Coqoon Spa, dinner at Black Ginger, daily breakfast and more. Get set for a very special holiday. The Michelin-recommended Black Ginger restaurant, for instance, floats atop its lake.
BEST WESTERN REWARDS. If you are a member, book a minimum two-night stay before 16th July 2025 and save 15% or 20% at participating hotels in locations throughout Australia & New Zealand.
AIR NEW ZEALAND will increase its Adelaide-Auckland service to six flights per week starting in November. An introductory sale fare of $345 one-way has been announced, with tickets now available for purchase.
VIETNAM AIRLINES has introduced a “Book Early, Save More” service, offering a 10% discount on your tickets.
From last week:
VIKING is highlighting the magical city of Paris – you can now enjoy the city of love on eight of the company’s river journeys. Book before 30 June 2025 to save up to $4,800 per couple. There are plenty of other deals – the 8-day Danube Waltz journey from Budapest to Passau or vice versa is priced from $3,095 pp in a Veranda Stateroom, with savings of up to $5,400 per couple on select October to November 2025 sailings. Remember, no kids-no casinos-no inside cabins. Viking (ocean) is one of our recommended products.
ACCOR has released several member-only deals – Save up to 25% on your next adventure of two nights or more across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa—book by 31 July, for stays until 30 September 2025. Three-night stays in Europe also attract a similar discount, and there are Fairmont Hotels & Resorts specials as well.
TRAVEL TRADE ONLY: This week, the Travel Industry Club is showcasing end-of-financial-year deals on cruises from most of our featured lines. Right now, there are over 1,260 sailings with exclusive member offers. More details, Sue Francis.
Breakaway Travel Industry Club is offering a special discount on nib travel insurance. Ocean cruising is included as standard, with no additional premium, on international plans. The deal ends on December 31.
AVIAREPS has appointed Nadia Giusti to its Australian sales team. She will represent Air Mauritius, Airlink, Bangkok Airways, and a range of Tourism Boards focusing on the VIC, TAS, and SA markets.
Please note that 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. Got a travel problem? Please send us details to [email protected]m.
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By Ian McIntosh
