Strap in, bargain hunters—it’s that time of the week again! Travel industry veteran Ian McIntosh returns with another rollicking round-up of red-hot fares, cruise specials, and travel gems that’ll have your passport twitching. Whether you’re dreaming of a Hellenic escape, craving sushi in Shibuya, or fancying your cabin on the high seas, Ian’s got the scoop—along with a few friendly reminders (like checking the small print and calling your travel agent). Read on, book fast, and pack smart—these deals wait for no one!
IFLY invites you to fly to Greece with Lufthansa from $1789 return. Things to do include a 5-day Aegean cruise priced from $708pp. There are plenty of other holiday ideas.
WEBJET has a couple of specials: US with Qantas from $1149 return (New York from $1445), Melbourne to Japan from $795 return with Japan Airlines, and the Philippines from $240 one-way with Cebu Pacific. You need to be quick, though—these deals end quickly. Japan pricing, for instance, ends on July 13.
TURKISH AIRLINES is on sale until July 17, including Sydney and Melbourne to Istanbul from $1298, Sydney and Melbourne to Paris $1404 and Sydney to Amsterdam from $1368. There are plenty more specials – but read the conditions carefully.
CRUISE SPECIALISTS is a US-based operator popular with solo cruise fans. If you like the idea of having a cabin to yourself, have a look here. Remember, you are looking at US dollars. https://www.cruisespecialists.com.
ETIHAD is valuable at the moment if you have plenty of FF points. In the economy, you can head to Madrid, for instance, for 90,000 miles. Mykonos is 75,000 miles.
TAUCK will launch four new European land journeys in 2026, expanding into less-visited regions of Greece, Scotland’s picturesque Highlands, and quaint yet cosmopolitan Scandinavian capitals. The itineraries are designed for families and adult travellers.
APT has extended its Discover the World Sale, giving guests bonus time to save thousands across every continent on trips of eight days or more departing in 2026. Itineraries include 15-day Magnificent Europe – flights included – save up to $2,000 per couple. You have to be quick, though – deals end on July 9.
From last week:
VIETNAM AIRLINES has a new offer: Sydney/Melbourne/Perth to Europe, Japan, or South Korea from AUD 775/round trip. The purchase period is from now until 30 July 2025. Until July 15, 2025, Lotusmiles members can win 2,500 bonus miles when downloading and logging into the new app for the first time.
TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club recommends Coral Expeditions – Australia’s pioneering small-ship cruise line. Diverse itineraries include everything from 10 nights Kimberley/Broome/Darwin to 14 nights Through the Heart of Japan. More details, Sue Francis.
Interline Travel points out that many US passengers have changed their plans due to world events, and tour groups are increasingly releasing space, making more deals available. Have a look at the cruise deals on Azamara, for instance.
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? Please send us details.
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.
