Welcome back to Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals, where Australia’s most seasoned traveller casts his sharp eye and sharper wit across the globe’s best bargains. Whether it’s a freshly polished aircraft cabin, a cheeky cruise saving, or an early-bird airfare that lives up to its name, Ian has sifted through the fine print so you don’t have to. From Adelaide to Amsterdam and Riyadh to Rotorua, this week’s round-up promises the kind of travel temptation that might have you dust off the passport and call your travel agent before morning tea.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES says it is time for the flight of your dreams aboard the new A330 Neo. I don’t know about other states, but the aircraft takes off in Adelaide in March next year. It is long overdue, I might add. The current aircraft is very tired inside. I was told the other day that we had duct tape on the arm of one of the seats. I have checked the business class deals, which are certainly good value.
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA says that from today until October 31, 2025, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn up to 150% bonus Velocity Points on eligible Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways flights between Australia and Doha based on the fare type booked. I have to say I have looked at using Qatar from Adelaide, and business is still very expensive. Check the applicable dates of travel.
HELLOWORLD is promoting a Globus deal: a 17-day Spain, Portugal, and Morocco tour with 16 nights from $6,156, a saving of $500pp. Included is breakfast daily, two lunches, and eight dinners.
ACCOR wonders if you are heading to New Zealand. This summer, save 15% on stays of two nights or more, plus 5% extra for ALL members. From Pullman and Mövenpick to Novotel and Ibis, your escape awaits.
QATAR has announced early bird fares to Europe. In the good old days, these meant something – check to see if that is still true. Book by 31 October 2025, for travel from 19 January until 31 October 2026, examples: London Economy $1929 – Business $9409. Offer valid until 31 October 2025. Check the price from your home port. See also special fares to New York. Also, book exclusive flight + hotel packages in Phuket, Bangkok, Maldives and Doha by 31 October 2025 to collect 3x Avios with code SIGNATURE3X.
RIYADH AIR is a new name for Australian travellers. The Saudi start-up airline will launch its first route from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to London Heathrow on October 26.
ALDI HOLIDAYS – yes, the supermarket people – always have holiday deals – how about a 24-day best of Europe fly and tour holiday from London priced from $6999. They claim it is valued at 11000pp. Travel in April-December 2026.
CATHAY PACIFIC invites you to use the discount code SAVE250AU to unlock $250 off Business and Premium Economy class return flights to any of its destinations worldwide, for travel from now until 31 March 2026.
From last week:
ATURA HOTELS says now is the time to book and enjoy up to 20% off stays to 31 December 2025. EVT Stays members get even more with an extra 10% off and more perks.
AVALON WATERWAYS invites you to book now and save up to $9,600 per couple. River cruise itineraries, including eight days from Amsterdam to Basil, start at $5624pp.
VIKING is celebrating Spring with free flight deals. Book a river voyage and fly free, or an ocean or expedition voyage, and your companion flies free. Offers end 1 December 2025.
TRADE ONLY: Luxury small-ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has a refreshed brand identity and new-look website. According to co-founder Graham Carter: “The travel trade has been integral to our growth over the past 10 years, and we place immense value on the partnerships we’ve built with exceptional agents.
The Travel Industry Club has some great deals aboard Crystal. According to Sue Francis, the line is more than just luxury.
Expedition Cruise Network (ecn) is offering all-inclusive expedition cruising up to 25% off when you book by October 31. The ECN is a passionate community that brings together the world’s leading expedition cruise operators and travel professionals.
Interline Travel has some fantastic deals on Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The program runs right through to June 2026.
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 to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.
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.
