Ian McIntosh unearths a treasure trove of sensational travel bargains each week, and this edition is no exception. Whether it’s dancing under the stars on a party cruise in Greece, scoring Cathay Pacific’s early bird fares to the world’s great cities, or exploring the natural wonders of Cairns in an all-inclusive package, there’s something here to tempt every traveller. With airline sales, luxury expeditions, hotel discounts, and more, this week’s roundup proves that the best adventures don’t always come with a sky-high price tag.
IFLY GO wonders if you are ready to swap your couch for cocktails on the deck? Save 20% when you choose one of three of the world’s top party cruises in Greece, Croatia or Halong Bay. Sounds like fun.
CATHAY PACIFIC’s Early Bird sale has taken off, with savings in the UK, Europe, Japan, South Korea, North America, India, and more. London is priced from $1770 Economy return, Paris: from $1880, Tokyo: from $989, and New York: from $2822. The offer ends on September 15.
HOLIDAY MAX is featuring a value six-day all-inclusive touring package to Cairns priced from $1899. The package includes touring Cape Tribulation, the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, and Kuranda by train and skyrail, plus a special dinner cruise.
From last week:
TRAIN LOVERS call it a dream come true. The 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explore Tour begins in Christchurch, traversing the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass to the west coast, down to Franz Josef, Queenstown, and Milford Sound, across to Dunedin, heading back up to Aoraki Mt Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, and Marlborough, and ending in the harbour city of Wellington.
NORWEGIAN AIRLINES is a popular carrier in Europe. If you are heading that way and are planning a hotel stay during the carrier’s Autumn Sale, you can get double CashPoints as well as discounts of at least 30% on select hotels. Book by 7 September 2025 for stays until 31 March 2026. You have to be a Reward member.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS has released early bird savings for travellers keen to explore the spectacular Kimberley region in WA in style. The package includes a 10-night luxury expedition, return economy flights, one-night accommodation and transfers—book by September 30.
ACCOR has Singapore on sale – enjoy up to 25% off two-night stays at participating hotels and exclusive member benefits across the diverse range of hotels. Book by 26 Sept 2025 for stays between 21 Aug and 28 Sept 2025. Save more when you book as a member of ALL – it’s free to join.
TURKISH AIRLINES invites you to fly from Sydney and Melbourne with up to 20% off using the promo code AUSPECIAL. You have until September 15 to book for travel between October 1 and November 30.
TRADE ONLY: Interline Travel currently features Heritage Expeditions – Kimberley, Asia, Japan and New Zealand, AMA Waterways, Quark expedition cruising and family cruising with RCL and Celebrity.
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.
