When Ian McIntosh speaks, seasoned travellers—and a fair few travel agents—sit up and take notes. This week’s round-up of travel deals might be lighter than usual thanks to the end-of-financial-year lull, but don’t let that fool you—there are still bargains worth bagging if you know where to look (and Ian always does). From Malaysia Airlines’ warm-weather escapes and Vietnam Airlines’ sharp airfares to Japan and Europe, to Best Western’s timely school holiday savings, it’s all about booking smart and fast. Add some exclusive Silversea and AmaWaterways cruise specials for the industry crowd, and you’ve got Ian’s trusted recipe for travel treasure.
Vietnam Airlines invites you to take off from Australia with an exclusive offer: Sydney/Melbourne/Perth
BEST WESTERN points out that school holidays are around the corner. If you are a rewards member, book a minimum two-night stay before July 16, 2025, and save 15% or 20% at participating hotels throughout Australia and New Zealand.
From last week:
HELLOWORLD is promoting a 33-night Victoria Falls discovery, safari adventure, and luxury Cunard voyage aboard Queen Anne priced from $11,999pp—a claimed saving of $3,000 per couple. All flights, taxes, and transfers are included. Departure is January 20, 2026. The operator is Imagine Cruising.
IEXPEDITION is offering a 40% savings on its Sea Spirit—South Georgia & Falklands itinerary, described as the wildlife expedition of a lifetime. Departure is October 23. The cost is from A$18,777pp twin, A$13,197pp triple.
TRAVEL TRADE ONLY: Travel Industry Club offers AmaWaterways extended dates and industry-exclusive offers. Sail into the heart of Europe or Asia. More details, Sue Francis.
Interline Travel is promoting Silversea in every region at 20% off the current Interline rates. There are also super deals on expedition cruises, including the “ultimate voyage to the ultimate destination—Antarctica from New Zealand or South America w/aft and hotels.”
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. Got a travel problem? Send us details. Ianmac@
By Ian McIntosh
BIO:
Veteran journalist and publisher Ian McIntosh has spent a lifetime exploring the world and sharing its wonders. As the founder of Travelnews Australia, his nationally distributed, full-colour travel trade publication earned the esteemed Telstra Business Award. Though now retired, Ian remains a passionate globetrotter with a soft spot for small ship cruising and discovering good value hotels across Europe. His most recent adventure involved a rather enthusiastic Thai elephant named Bo, who promptly deposited him into a pond. A true storyteller at heart, Ian continues to travel with humour, curiosity, and an unwavering love for the road less travelled.
